Volume 4 Chapter 20 Relying on the Family, I've Made Up My Mind to Set Off
"So, Lene, can we make the <Magic Stone of Key> material now?"
I returned to the workshop and quickly opened the lid of the icebox to show Lene what was inside.
My wife was speechless and froze in place.
What was inside?
It was the material to create the Refined Magic Stone, the Magic Stone of Key.
I needed this special moss for alchemy, similar to Eurika... but not quite that.
"What happened, Lene? Did the cold from the <Magic Stone of Permafrost> freeze you?"
"No way!"
Oh, she's moving again.
It seems she was just taken aback.
"What is this? It's moss from frozen land, right?"
Lene stayed away from the box to avoid frostbite and curiously examined the moss.
Even though she knows a lot about plants and animals, this must be her first time seeing vegetation from the frozen earth.
"You know that a fleet returned from the western continent this morning, right? They managed to get to the northern part of the continent. Apparently, they found land with a climate similar to the Romanov Empire."
"Ugh..., so that's why, Ryuuji, you were so creepily confident about the materials for the <Magic Stone of Key>."
Lene is nodding with admiration while shading her eyes, probably checking the magic power from a distance.
She should just decide whether to be impressed or criticize.
My feelings are a bit all over the place now.
"I think I can make the material for the Refined Magic Stone with these ingredients. The materials are limited, so I will be careful while working. But, I think it will be fine."
"Yeah, please do."
Despite only knowing the theory and this being my first time making it, I feel so relaxed.
Genius is amazing.
Oh, that's right.
I still have to ask Lene for something.
I need to take care of this while I can.
"Lene, I have a request."
"Hmm?"
Lene is smiling, probably excited about making something new.
...but I sensed that her cute smile would break when I told her what I needed.
"I need you to act as Count Huntwerker's representative for a while."
"...Huh?"
Lene's eyes went wide, surprised by my unreasonable request.
* * *
After dinner, with Minori, Suzu, Ai, and Miloslav all present, I began to explain why I was asking Lene to take on this role.
I wasn't asking for a pointless representative.
There's a good reason I have to do this.
"The next ship to the western continent is coming, and both I and His Excellency Prime Minister think His Majesty will give his approval. If that happens──"
"...I see, so Big Bro Ryuuji is going to join the ship."
Sharp-minded Minori continued, sounding a bit exasperated by my explanation.
Lene, who was already annoyed from my earlier request, was still looking away.
She needs to listen.
"That's right. And Miloslav is going too."
"...By the way, do I have the right to refuse?"
"Of course not."
I sharply cut down Miloslaf's silly question.
The Black Knight sighed as if to say, "What a pain," but I had a reason for him to come along.
"You need to see the Abnella faith in the Quechua Empire."
"What's the point of that?"
"The way faith is practiced in the Quechua Empire is different from that of the Romanov Empire. I want you to judge that. Depending on how it goes, it could challenge the current international laws that see Abnella as an Evil God."
"...Are you serious?"
"Absolutely serious."
I answered seriously, noticing Miloslaf's doubtful attitude towards my words.
Honestly, if things went that way, it wouldn't be bad for him, who believes in Abnella.
I don't particularly worship Abnella, but making the differences clear is important for future dealings with the West.
And as the Beistein Kingdom, we must clearly state that our enemy is the Romanov Empire's evil cult, and that the faith we have is different.
"But Big Bro Ryuuji, compared to other countries, the Beistein Kingdom is weak. If we raise our voices, we'll just get crushed."
It was Suzu who gave this realistic opinion.
Well, she was right; the Beistein Kingdom is considered a small country compared to the eastern Deahr and northern Goldmont.
That's a fact.
"But in reality, it was our country that overwhelmed Goldmont with the Alchemist's Gun and started trading with the western continent using large ships. We're no longer a country that can be called small."
I turn back to Lene after saying that.
She still looks away, but I know she is listening carefully.
"Anyway, like I said, as soon as I get permission from His Majesty, I'm going to the Quechua Empire. It's going to be a long journey, so during that time, Lene, I want you to take over my duties as Count's representative. If we need any magic stones, I'm sure Belle will do her best to make them."
"B-but, I can't make things like my master!"
"It's just for the moment. But don't hold back!"
"Eek!"
Belle squeals as she glares at me.
She seems unsure, but I know she is my top student after years of training and can make decent quality items.
I need her to get fired up.
As for Lene's work, my current duties mostly involve assisting Lord Reichner with the construction of the outer walls.
That said, the main plan is already set, so I just need to deal with any unexpected situations, and that's where Alchemy will play a major role.
As I explain this calmly, Lene lets out a big sigh, as if she's accepted it.
Oh, has she finally given in?
"Fine... I get it. We're in this together. I have to support you, my dear husband, who is thinking about so many things."
"Thanks, that really helps."
No, it truly does.
This is something only Lene can do.
"...Also, I want to ask Minori, Suzu, and Ai to protect this house. There's a possibility that <Gualerto> might move."
"Okay! Papa, you can go without worry!"
Ai, looking a little tense because it's rare for me to ask for something, clenches her fist and nods.
She has grown into someone I can really rely on.
So, speaking of my little sisters ── there's Minori, who's smiling (ho ho ho) playfully, and Suzu, who's as expressionless as ever, but both are making circles with their fingers.
What's with that pose?
"Got it, just relax and come back. I'll take the request, though."
"Mhm. But I'll get paid, right?"
...They're both being so demanding.
Well, it can't be helped since an adventurer has to take a break sometimes.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)