The device Nebula had conceptualized and Canalis had adapted for this world was crafted using technology already present in Trinia. Nevertheless, it was so groundbreaking that it promised a total revolution for the magic tool industry.
"It was originally intended as an attachment for those specialized brushes," Tetra noted. "Since Kaito gave us the green light based on that premise, it’s only right that we start there. Furthermore, Kaito seems particularly concerned about the Sharon Count House, so I’m planning to allocate a budget for a joint development venture. What do you think?"
"I approve," Zex replied. "Beyond the consideration for Miyama-dono, I believe it aligns perfectly with Chrome-sama’s own goals. This technology is certainly revolutionary, and the applications you mentioned earlier, Tetra-dono, are entirely feasible. However, refining it for practical use will require a period of trial and error. This development phase will serve as an excellent opportunity to upgrade the skills of their magic tool engineers, and it will provide a healthy stimulus for the personnel we dispatch from our own Magic Tool Department."
"It’s fine to carry it out on a large scale," Tetra continued. "I’ll prepare an abundant budget. Even taking that into account, the projected profits are enormous. As for the explanation and negotiations with the Sharon Count House, Trois is scheduled to visit them soon, so I’ll leave the details to him."
"Indeed. We will need to hold a formal meeting with Chrome-sama before making a final decision, but that should suffice as the general policy for the trading company."
Regarding the innovative reform of magic tool technology, Tetra and Zex reached a consensus. They would pursue a joint development project, honoring the fact that the specialized brushes of the Victor Trading Company had been the catalyst and paying respect to the relationship between Kaito and his friend Cornelia.
Naturally, this was a project that would bring massive profits to the Sharon Trading Company as well. However, for Cornelia—who was about to be exposed to a monumental amount of stomach pain—it was difficult to say whether this was a blessing or a curse.
With their future policy settled to a certain extent, Tetra placed a hand to her chin, lost in thought.
"Hmm... however, the sheer scale of the expected profit is a problem. Kaito said he didn’t need the rights, but we can’t simply leave it at that. Even if we wanted to buy him out, the project is still in the conceptual stage, making it difficult to calculate a fair price. I’d like to set it up so he receives a portion of the patent fees, but... hmmm, that boy really doesn't care much for money, does he?"
"Miyama-dono is a formidable individual, but he is still just one person," Zex observed. "He does not manage a corporation, nor does he have hobbies that require large sums of capital. As it stands, he already seems to have more money on hand than he knows what to do with."
"Even if we pass the rights to the inventor or the developer, it’s the same as it was with the Partition Formula—it all eventually flows back to Kaito anyway. Perhaps the most realistic approach is to have Anima present when we speak with him. Kaito can hold the rights, but we can arrange for the generated funds to be transferred directly to Anima."
Anima had studied economics under Kuromueina for a time. During those lessons, Tetra—the woman hailed as the Conqueror of Gold Veins—had also assisted with her instruction, so the two were well-acquainted.
Tetra felt that if the money were placed in Anima's hands, even a massive fortune would be managed effectively. It seemed like the best path forward.
After a moment of silence as she gathered her thoughts, Tetra suddenly grabbed her head with both hands.
"Nghaaaaah!"
"W-What is the matter, Tetra-dono?"
"To think that I... me, the woman hailed as the Conqueror of Gold Veins... would be worrying not about how to make money, but how to give it away! Haahhh... geez, I really love that boy. I love him so much!"
She hadn't actually lost her mind. It was simply that as her plan came together, her affection for Kaito spiked, and she couldn't help but blurting out her feelings.
"The only regrettable thing is that he treats my advances as if they're a joke."
"Is that not because you always speak to him in such a teasing manner?"
"I’m aware that it’s a bad habit of mine. But whenever I’m with someone I’m especially fond of, I can't help but use these twisted, mean-spirited phrasings just to see how they'll react. I might exaggerate or be indirect, but I never actually lie. Oh well. I’m enjoying the way things are now. I think I’d be perfectly happy with a relationship like this for the next five hundred years or so. It really is troublesome."
Looking at Tetra as she spoke of Kaito with the playful air of a woman bragging about her lover, Zex let out a wholesome, bitter smile.
In a room within the grand estate of the Sharon Count House, located in the Arclesia Empire Capital, the eldest daughter Cornelia Sharon slowly opened her eyes.
"What was that? I feel as though I’ve seen a truly terrifying dream... And this chill rising from the depths of my soul... A cold? No, that’s impossible. I have received a Temporary Blessing; I shouldn't be able to fall ill. Is it just my imagination?"
She climbed out of bed, approached the window, and drew back the curtains. The dawn sky was perfectly clear without a single cloud, yet for some reason, to Cornelia’s eyes, it seemed darker and more oppressive than a gathering storm.
She would learn the true nature of that foreboding only after she finished preparing for the day—when her maid, Anne, entered the room with eyes full of pity, carrying a mountain of correspondence.
Stomach Pain Devil: "It begins. The carnival..."
Serious-senpai: "Is it time for the execution of her stomach?"