Book 4: Chapter 16-2: Blast Furnace

Book 4: Chapter 16-2: Blast Furnace

Are you inquiring whether I have any doubts about whether the contents of that envelope have genuinely circulated to foreign countries?

Yes.

I hold the belief that you wouldn't lie in this instance. You're not one to act so recklessly.

We have been gathering fragmentary information through spies who had infiltrated Bell Erucy. Although they didn't provide detailed information, we received hints suggesting that the Choline Kingdom would initiate diplomatic relations with Erucy.

Thank you. I'm glad you said that. Also, you can drop the formal language. I consider us equals. If you continue with that tone, I'll have to respond in kind.

My apologies. I'll speak in a more casual tone from now on.

It's more relaxing for me like that too.

Jii, bring the celebratory gift.

Understood, Ojou-sama.

Jii brought several wooden boxes from the carriage and opened one right there, to display its contents to me. Inside, I was greeted by brilliant and mesmerizing blue porcelain. Despite its striking appearance, there was also a certain calming quality to it. At first glance, it was evident that this was a masterpiece. A single piece of this porcelain could be worth an entire castle.

Though it may be a common gift, these are married couple teacups. I got four because you have two brides, and your sister needs one too.

Thank you. I'll cherish them.

Huh? Are you really going to use them? Shouldn't you keep them safe?

Jii, tools have meaning when they're used. Even works of art.

I agree with that sentiment. Tools shine when they're put to use.

We'll hold the wedding during lunchtime. Since we have some time before the ceremony, would you like to visit the experimental workshop I've set up? I assume you'd prefer to see the ironworking process firsthand, right?

I'll take you up on that offer By the way, did you really build a workshop just for the demonstration?

Normally, I use magic to create things, so I was uneasy about handing over plans without testing.

I wonder how much ingenuity has been put into this furnace to make it so easy.

You can understand that by reading the documents.

But we need coal for this. It's quite expensive. And this black smoke, Erin might get dirty because of the soot, and it seems poisonous. Can't we use something like wood charcoal?

It's possible, but it's more cost-effective to send someone to mine coal, and with wood, you would need too much, and the good mountains near Erin would quickly be deforested.

I see, not everything can go as planned. Is there any affordable fuel option that doesn't produce soot and keeps Erin clean?

Theres no way something like that exists. I recommend building the workshop on the outskirts of Erin.

This furnace was designed to minimize the emission of smoke and dust as much as possible.

However, there were limits. Achieving completely pollution-free ironworking without magic was impossible. You either burned coal and scattered black dust or cut down a large amount of wood.

Cyril-niisama, Kurao-sama is calling for you to get dressed.

Yukino the silver fox appeared. She was wearing the maid outfit I had designed as usual but had added a cute hair ornament. She was probably dressing up for my wedding.

Yukino, thanks for coming to get me. I'll be there in a little while.

Yeah, hurry up.

Yukino stood beside me and tugged at my sleeve. Almost unconsciously, I stroked her head, and she wagged her tail, narrowing her eyes.

Cyril-san, I know your cute little sister came to get you, but can you demonstrate one more time?

I don't mind, but unfortunately, we've run out of coal We'll have to use wood charcoal instead. It will take more time, though, is that okay?

Yes, that's fine.

In that case, I'll go get some wood charcoal. Please wait a moment.

I left the area for a moment.