"Who is it, please?"
Reiko opened the door to find an elderly man in a butler’s uniform standing outside.
"Pardon the late intrusion. Is this the residence of the magi craftman, Beena?"
"Yes, it is."
The man gave a polite bow. "My name is Sebance. I serve the House of Count Kuzuma. My master wishes to speak with you regarding a magic tool created by Beena-sama."
"The master? Do you mean Count Kuzuma is here in person?"
"Indeed. He is waiting in the carriage."
"Please wait a moment."
Reiko stepped back inside to consult with Jin. Having heard the conversation himself, Jin spoke up.
"I'll handle this."
He took Reiko’s place at the door and addressed Sebance.
"Beena is currently away on business. If it pleases you, I am Jin, her assistant. I can speak on her behalf."
Sebance considered this for a brief moment. "Very well. Then I shall ask Jin-san to attend to us."
The butler turned toward the carriage behind him and spoke through the window. After a short exchange, he looked back at Jin. "Would it be acceptable for us to enter your home?"
Jin agreed immediately. He then gave a quick instruction to Reiko. "Reiko, please take some apulul out of the refrigerator and peel them."
Sebance followed his master, Count Kuzuma, as the nobleman stepped down from the carriage and entered the workshop.
"Welcome, Count Kuzuma. I am Jin, Beena’s assistant."
"Mm. Forgive the sudden visit, but circumstances on our end made it necessary."
Looking at the Count, Jin saw a man in his mid-twenties with brown hair and matching eyes. His features were unremarkable, but he carried an undeniable air of elegance.
"I apologize for the humble surroundings, but please, make yourself comfortable."
Having been a working adult in his previous life, Jin was well-versed in the etiquette required when dealing with social superiors.
"Quite."
Just then, Reiko returned with a plate of apulul.
"We have little to offer, but please help yourself."
As the fruit was presented, Sebance reached out for a piece first—performing a taste-test for poison, most likely.
"Pardon me."
As Sebance took a bite, a look of genuine surprise crossed his face.
"What...?"
The Count raised an eyebrow. "What is it? It’s rare to see you so startled."
"Ah, my apologies, My Lord. It is just that... this apulul is remarkably cold."
"What?"
Intrigued, Count Kuzuma took a slice for himself. "Oh! This is delicious. It’s exceptional when chilled like this."
"Does it suit your palate?" Jin asked.
"Indeed, I’m quite fond of it. But how are you chilling these? Surely you aren't wealthy enough to buy ice?"
Since the country was located in the south, ice never formed naturally, even in the depths of winter. Typically, one needed ice created through ice magic for refrigeration, but such things were an expensive luxury far beyond the reach of the common folk.
"We keep them in the 'refrigerator' we developed," Jin explained.
"A 'refrigerator'?"
"Yes. It is a magic tool powered by a magi-stone."
Count Kuzuma’s face broke into a smile. "Ah, so that’s it. I had heard rumors that you were developing unusual magic tools and selling them cheaply to the public."
"Yes, you must be referring to the lighters."
"Precisely. One of my servants bought one, as a matter of fact. When I saw it, I realized it was a remarkably practical magic tool. It made me curious about the creator."
"I am honored, My Lord."
"Furthermore, I heard whispers of something called a 'water warmer' as well?"
"Yes, we have those."
It seemed one of the orders they had taken today had come from a servant of the Count's household.
"Fascinating. Tell me, aren't magi craftmen usually concerned with creating precious, high-end artifacts?"
"No," Jin replied. "Beena’s—our—philosophy is to create items that are widely beneficial to everyday people."
The Count gazed at Jin with an amused expression before breaking into a laugh. "Ha! Hahahaha! How very unusual!"
He leaned back slightly. "I like it. To be honest, I came here tonight to ask if you would become the exclusive magi craftmen for my house, but I’ve changed my mind. I won't stifle you. Please, continue creating such wonderful things for everyone."
Jin was surprised. The Count standing before him clearly prioritized the public good over his own personal gain.
"If you ever find yourself in trouble, do not hesitate to seek me out. I will help if it is within my power."
"In that case, I shall take you up on your kindness," Jin said.
The Count leaned forward, alert. "Oh? Is something the matter? Are you in trouble now?"
"Yes. Actually, Beena went to Count Guarana’s estate this evening at his invitation, but she has yet to return. Her younger siblings are very worried."
Count Kuzuma nodded thoughtfully. "I see. So that was the business you mentioned. Earl Guarana, is it...?"
The Count crossed his arms, falling into silence for a moment. Eventually, he looked up. "Very well. I shall stop by Earl Guarana’s manor before I return home."
Jin felt a wave of relief. "Thank you very much. We truly appreciate it."
The Count started to stand up, then paused and sat back down. "Oh, before I forget—could you show me this 'refrigerator'?"
Jin complied, bringing out one of the three units they had completed. It weighed about twenty kilograms, which was light enough for even the physically unexceptional Jin to carry.
"Ho. So this is the device."
The Count examined the exterior with great interest, opening the door and peering inside.
"Once you insert a magi-stone and recite the keyword, it begins to operate," Jin explained.
"How simple. Is this for sale?"
"Yes. Though, as you might imagine, we couldn't exactly sell these at a market stall."
"I suppose not....Would ten gold coins be sufficient?"
"Huh?"
Jin was stunned. Ten gold coins amounted to 100,000 Toll—roughly equivalent to a million yen.
"Is it not enough?"
"N-no, that is more than enough," Jin managed to stammer.
"Excellent. Sebance, the gold. Then have this loaded onto the carriage."
"At once, My Lord."
A bag of gold coins was placed before Jin. In exchange, the refrigerator was carried out to the carriage. Once the transaction was complete, Count Kuzuma stood up.
"Well, this has been a most productive evening."
He offered a hand to Jin. As Jin shook it, the Count smiled. "Let us speak again."
With that, he stepped out into the night.