The following day, Jin headed to Beena’s house alone. Reiko was busy giving instructions on Hourai Island for the morning and was scheduled to join them in the afternoon.
First, the two of them produced fifty lighters. They spent the remaining time brainstorming a concept for a water heater.
“What if we filled a tub with water and made it so the water inside warmed up?”
Jin agreed with Beena’s suggestion. “Yeah, I think that would work.”
They immediately set out to build a prototype.
They fashioned a bucket-shaped container out of copper and assembled a magi-device at the bottom to serve as a heater. Once they fitted that into a wooden tub, it was more or less complete.
“It’s done!”
“Alright, let’s test it with some water.”
Beena’s house had a well for her magi craft work. They drew water and filled the container.
“Heat.”
As soon as the keyword was chanted, the magi-device activated. In about five minutes, roughly ten liters of water reached the temperature of a hot bath.
“We did it! It’s a success!”
“Yeah, it went perfectly. What happens if we leave it running?”
They let the device continue to operate, and after about ten minutes, the water began to boil.
“It can even boil water!” Beena said, delighted.
However, Jin looked thoughtful. “Hmm. Considering safety and magi-stone consumption, I think it might be better if it was designed to stop at bath temperature.”
“I see... I wonder. I suppose there are other ways to boil water if that’s what someone really needs.”
“If we could use magi-crystals it wouldn't be an issue, but a magi-stone will burn out in no time if you use it to boil water constantly, right?”
Beena contemplated this for a moment. “Okay, I’ve decided. We’ll call this a ‘water warmer’ and make it so it doesn't boil.”
“Shall we develop a proper ‘water heater’ as a separate project later, then?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
With that settled, the two of them grabbed the prototype water warmer and headed to the street stall. Reiko was already there waiting for them.
“Oh, Reiko, you’re early today.”
“Yes, Fa—Older Brother. I have finished purchasing most of the supplies.”
Just like the previous days, Beena handled the popcorn making while Jin tended the stall.
“I’ll take one of those lighters.”
“Thank you very much.”
Sales for the lighters remained strong. During a lull, Jin placed the prototype water warmer on the counter.
“Oh? What’s that?”
A customer waiting for popcorn was immediately drawn to the unfamiliar magic tool.
“This is called a water warmer. You put water inside, and when you activate it... Heat.”
He addressed the curious onlookers. “The water inside turns into hot water.”
When steam began to rise after about five minutes, the gathered crowd murmured in admiration.
“Hey, can this boil water?”
“It only goes up to a temperature where you can still put your hand in, for safety reasons.”
“Hmm. Still, that seems useful for doing dishes and things like that.”
“If you put the water warmed by this into a kettle before boiling it, you’ll save a lot on firewood,” Jin added.
“Oh, you’re right! I think I want one. Hey, how much is it?”
Jin hesitated. He hadn't discussed the price with Beena yet. He quickly performed a cost-benefit analysis in his head.
“Let’s see... it’s 200 Toll per unit.”
“I could probably afford that. But I don’t have that much on me today.”
“Ah, these are made to order. If you place an order today, we can have it ready for you tomorrow.”
“Is that so? Then I’ll order one.”
“Thank you very much.”
An order came in immediately. Then another. “Hey, I’ll order one too!”
“I want one as well!”
In total, they sold three. It was proving more popular than Jin had expected.
By the end of the day, the popcorn and lighters were sold out, and they had taken five orders for the water warmer.
“I’m so happy. This is all thanks to you, Jin. I can’t thank you enough,” Beena said, her face beaming with a bright smile.
“Haha, I’m just glad I could help. More importantly, if we keep this up, aren't we going to run out of copper? Not to mention the wood for the tubs.”
“Ah, you’re right... what should I do? There aren't any shops nearby that sell copper,” Beena said, her expression turning worried.
Jin reassured her. “It’s fine. I think we have enough left for tomorrow’s work.”
“R-really? Why do you know more about my own workshop than I do?”
“Inventory management is vital. Running out of materials in the middle of a job is the last thing a craftsman wants.”
“Y-yeah, I’ll try harder. But I’m really glad you’re here, Jin. I want to give my past self a pat on the back for deciding to ask you for help.”
Beena laughed. Reiko, however, remained silent. Just then, a figure appeared before the three of them.
“Excuse me. Are you the magi craftman, Beena-san?”
The man was dressed in high-quality, though not overly gaudy, clothing. He had short blond hair and looked to be around thirty-five years old.
“Y-yes. I’m Beena...”
The man gave a polite bow. “I am Claude, a steward serving Count Guarana.”
“Y-yes.”
The man named Claude was tall, slender, and quite handsome. Being addressed so formally by such a man left Beena a bit flustered.
“I have heard that a food called popcorn has become quite the trend in the town lately. A member of our household purchased some yesterday, and the young master, having tasted it, has insisted he must have more.”
“I see.”
“If it is agreeable to you, we would like you to teach us how to make it. Of course, we will provide ample compensation for your time.”
“...”
Beena looked toward Jin. Since Jin was the one who had taught her the recipe, she didn't want to make the decision alone. Noticing her gaze, Jin gave a small nod.
“E-err, yeah, that’s fine.”
Claude’s face lit up. “Truly? Thank you! In that case, please come to the manor at once...”
Beena interrupted him tentatively. “Um, uh... would it be alright if Jin came along as well?”
“My instructions were only to bring Beena-sama, I’m afraid...” Claude replied.
“I-I see. Well then, please wait a moment while I go drop off my things.”
Claude conceded. “Understood. Where is your home? If you like, I can provide transport by carriage.”
“N-no, it’s nearby! If you wait here, I’ll be right back!”
She started off at a light jog, with Jin and Reiko following close behind.
Once they were back at the house, Beena turned to Jin. “Jin, are you really okay with me giving away the recipe?”
“It’s fine, really. More importantly, they’re nobles, so make sure you get a proper reward.”
“Okay...”
Beena still looked uneasy. She confessed that she had never been to a noble’s manor before and was terrified of making a mistake.
“It’ll be fine. They’re the ones who asked for your help. Besides, it’s almost night; you can’t exactly leave your brother and sister alone, can you?”
Evening was approaching. Although they were on the mend, it wasn't right to leave her bedridden siblings unattended.
“I’ll stay here until you get back,” Jin offered.
“Really? Then... I guess I have no choice. I’ll go.”
Setting her fears aside, Beena decided to head to Count Guarana’s manor.
Now then, one wonders how this will turn out.