CH 59

At the same time Kanata and others had an encounter with Mint, Cid was troubled with directions in the Principality.

The microphone’s completion requested by Kanata was progressing well and was already near completion.

“… This is it.”

In front of Cid was not a normal microphone but something that resembled a human head.

“Kanata requested a microphone for recording sound… but somehow, when hearing about ASMR, this three-dimensional shape seems to provide further depth.”

The microphone requested by Kanata to Cid did not have this shape in the first place, but it was an idea that Cid came up with, thinking that this shape might be good.

Coincidentally, Cid’s idea perfectly reproduced the dummy head binaural microphone from Kanata’s past life.

“But… the material…”

The shape was perfect, and by adjusting it, it would be possible to express even more sensual voices… but there was one last problem.

Perhaps because it had a different mechanism from before, it did not work well when used with magic.

Why was that? After thinking about it, he concluded he needed a special and expensive ore unavailable on the market.

“… I can’t buy mithril ore with my earnings, and even if I had the money, it’s not sold in the Principality.”

Mithril is a top-quality metal among metals.

Its quality and strength are unparalleled, and it is mostly used in equipment for the highest-ranking adventurers and national dignitaries. Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain and expensive.

Substitution with other metals is possible, but Cid did not want to compromise.

“I was asked to make the best microphone. Can I call myself a craftsman if I don’t make the best product?”

That was Cid’s way of craftsmanship.

Since Kanata told him to contact him if there was anything, he took the terminal and considered consulting him.

“Excuse me.”

It was Athena who entered with a bang.

Dressed in luxurious clothing unsuitable for Cid’s workshop, Athena exclaimed in surprise at the microphone that had taken shape. 

“Is this the one?”

“Yes. The form is just my idea, but I think it’s a sculpture that Kanata can put his emotions into.”

“… Hmm.”

Athena seemed intrigued by the microphone, which unexpectedly resembled a human head. From her reaction, it seemed like it would be well-received. Since Cid had become Kanata’s full-fledged collaborator, he had also become closer to Athena, and it was no longer unusual for her to visit his workshop.

“So, what’s the problem? It seemed like you had a dissatisfied or incomplete expression, even though you were able to make it?”

“Well…”

Cid explained the situation honestly. Although the microphone can perform its minimum role in its current state, for Cid’s vision and Kanata’s maximum performance, mithril was necessary.

“I see. Fufu, what were you worried about? You could have consulted me about that, no?”

“But, mithril is quite expensive…” 

“I’m a daughter of a duke, you know.”

“… Yeah.”

Being a Duke’s family meant they were wealthy. With funding taken care of and a lead on mithril, Cid breathed a sigh of relief.

“So, until when are you going to speak so formally?”

“But…”

“There’s no need for ‘buts.’ We used to play together, didn’t we?”

Although they were childhood friends who used to play together, their relationship had severed due to differences in status as commoners and aristocrats. It was a past they had both forgotten about until they reunited through their mutual acquaintance, Kanata.

“So, have any fools been causing trouble since then?”

“No, not really. They wouldn’t want to make enemies with the Duke’s family.”

Cid’s cooperation with Kanata meant Athena would provide him with full support. Therefore, bothering Cid is the same as making Athena an enemy.

Many people are unhappy with Cid’s rise, whom they previously looked down upon, but with Athena’s generous support, Cid’s life has completely changed.

“I’ll have the mithril delivered right away.”

“Isn’t that too fast?”

“Because we’re duchy.”

“…”

Cid realized the power of those in authority once again. Money and power are truly amazing.

****

It was that same night when Kanata and his group returned to the village with Mira.

Meza and Asta put a lot of effort into preparing the food.

The dish was prepared with seafood bought from a merchant who comes to the village three times a month and meat from animals Mira had hunted.

“This is delicious.”

“So, Kanata-kun, you grew up eating this.”

“It’s so good!”

There was no truth to the notion that food made by commoners didn’t suit the taste of nobles, and all three women were genuinely enjoying the food.

For Kanata, it had been a long time since he had tasted the flavours of his hometown, but he was satisfied with the deliciousness that was just as good as any meal he had tasted in the capital city.

(… Yummmm, this is what it tastes like… right?)

Although he wasn’t moved to tears, it was a nostalgic feeling that was somewhat emotional.

After dinner, it was time to take a bath. 

However, since it was a small, rural bath, only one person could bathe at a time.

“Well, even though it’s a countryside place, at least we have a bath, so don’t worry.”

“If it were a little bigger, I could have bathed with Kanata-sama.”

“Agreed, if it were possible.”

“It’s too bad!”

Kanata gave the three of them a stern look that said, “Don’t say things like that.”

As each of them had to take turns washing, they found themselves with some free time, except for Maria, who went first.

While killing time with small talk, Kanata suddenly muttered something like this, 

“But when I was little, it was terrible. There was even a worst-case scenario where small worms came out when we turned on the hot water.”

“That sounds terrible.” 

“Eww…”

It was a memory that had faded away unless intentionally remembered. The trauma of small worms coming out mixed in with the hot water the moment he opened the old, broken shower drain was still vivid. Even though it wouldn’t happen now, if the same thing happened to Maria, it would definitely cause a disturbing scream.

“That sounds like fun, though.”

“… Alphana, you’re not holding back against Maria, huh?”

“Yes, well, we’ve known each other for a long time. Among people of the same age, she’s my best female friend, you could say.”

“I see.”

“Oh, but for the opposite s*x, it’s Kanata-sama ♪.”

“Uh…”

Kanata’s heart was pierced by her sudden attack with a smile. 

As these kinds of exchanges increased, Mira, who was only infatuated with Kanata, tilted her head in confusion. It wasn’t love she had for him yet, but a woman’s intuition is still sensitive to such things.

“Kanata-sama! Me too! You’re the only guy that I am closest to!”

“… Ou.”

Kanata looked embarrassed, so Mira smiled broadly, knowing that her choice of words was not wrong.

As they stared at him, Kanata thought back to today, and he was certain it had been a fulfilling trip back home, despite the difficulties.

(… Damn, so many things really happened this year.)

Where did it all begin? It was as if the chain of events that brought them together started with Alphana.

It was definitely the girls who brought him the noisy but joyful days, despite all the hard work.

Just as Kanata was about to smile, Maria screamed.

“Kyaaaahhhh!”

Kanata rushed over to Maria, and a fairly large worm appeared from somewhere.

Maria was apparently washing her hair and let her guard down for a moment when she saw it, causing her to scream.

“Kanata-kun!”

Maria hugged Kanata, not angry at him but rather grateful that he came to help.

“Ma… Maria…”

“… Ah.”

Maria quickly let go of Kanata, but he had seen everything.

It was a lucky pervert situation that could result in a death sentence depending on the time and place, considering that Maria was of royal blood. Blushing deeply, she muttered, ‘Ecchi.’

“I’m sorry!”

Of course, Maria understood that Kanata was just worried about her and quickly forgave him with a smile. 

“He saw everything…”

Kanata was so tired that he felt like giving up on today’s stream.