The Crucial Matter

"Yuri-sama, you’re forgetting the most important thing."

"Important? Had I overlooked something?"

It was true that the King of Inraku was currently touring the nation. If any problem arose, it could escalate into an international conflict in an instant. If that happened, what awaited us was, inevitably, Ruin. I had to ensure I didn't overlook even the smallest detail.

"Of course it is! It’s incredibly important!!"

Fee leaned in toward me, her face full of conviction. She hadn't been this intense since the last time I’d overdone it with my magic.

...Come to think of it, things had been so hectic lately that I hadn't spent much time on Magic Tool Crafting.

Perhaps that was what Fee was referring to. Since I used to spend every spare moment tinkering, she likely saw my recent absence from the lab as a major cause for concern.

"I see. I get it. In that case, I’ll hole up in my room for a while."

"Fueh!? Fr-from this hour!?"

"Hmm? Does the time matter?"

"I-it’s true that it doesn't... Th-then, who are you going to call? Lady Elu? Lady Luna? Or maybe Lady Tia?"

Why was she bringing up their names?

No, knowing Fee, she was probably trying to assign me an Overseer. She trusted my general behavior, but she still had zero faith in me when it came to Magic Tool Crafting. She seemed to think I’d work myself into a grave, which was ridiculous. My Magic Power had increased significantly; I wouldn't collapse just from pulling a few all-nighters.

Still, it felt wrong to bother the others just so I could make a few tools. Fee was usually the one watching me anyway, and even if I called someone else, she would likely just hide and watch us from the shadows. It wouldn't make a difference.

Unless, perhaps, she had other business to attend to?

"Is Fee not good enough?"

"Fueh!? F-Fee!?!?"

Fee’s face turned bright red as she began to panic. After a moment, she lowered her head and gave a small nod.

"I-I understand. If Yuri-sama says so..."

"Is it really something to be so solemn about?"

"You don’t understand, Yuri-sama. This is a very big deal!"

I tilted my head, puzzled by her attitude.

"Well, shall we head to the room for now?"

"W-wait a moment. Um, let me wash my body first..."

"You’ll just get dirty anyway... No, today should be fine, but there’s always a chance things will get messy if we're unlucky. Wouldn't it be better to wait until after?"

Failures were an inherent part of experimentation. On rare occasions, a Magic Tool would explode, showering the room in raw materials. Even if she went to the trouble of getting cleaned up now, it would be pointless if an explosion happened later.

That said, the lab was a place for precision work. I could understand Fee’s desire for cleanliness.

"A-at least let me change my clothes..."

"Ah, good point."

When it came to the Experiment Room, there was only one choice of attire. I draped a spare set of clothes over Fee’s shoulders.

A White Robe...

Naturally, it was a substitute for a White Lab Coat.

"There, that’s better. Now, let’s go."

"Th-that’s not what I meant at all!!"

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