"Regarding the power source, I'm considering this. I'm sure you're quite familiar with it, Jin-dono."
Jin nodded as he looked at the blueprint Christoph had spread out. He did indeed know it well.
"A Wind Thruster, then."
Unlike a Magi Jet Engine, this device utilized wind magic, which produced no recoil. By making the diameter of the discharge nozzle smaller than the intake, it increased the wind speed to generate propulsion.
"Correct. We intend to adapt the propulsion system originally used for hot air balloons for use on a ship."
Christoph explained that they had considered a version using water magic for underwater travel, but they feared the narrow discharge nozzle would easily clog with seaweed or debris. Thus, they had decided to stick with generating propulsion in the open air.
It seemed the idea of using a barrier to prevent solids from being sucked in—an obvious solution to Jin—had not occurred to them.
However, Jin felt this was a perfectly acceptable approach. Even on modern Earth, fan-boats were used to navigate areas thick with aquatic vegetation.
"We intend to install three or four of these Wind Thrusters."
"I see. That sounds like a solid plan."
Since Jin, the creator of the technology, had given his nod of approval, Christoph’s face lit up with a broad smile.
"Very well. With that settled, I’d like to proceed with the hull design under the assumption that we’ll be using these Wind Thrusters."
"In that case, the mounting position becomes the primary issue," Rodrigo interjected immediately. "What if we place them between the two hulls of the catamaran?"
"Hmm, not a bad idea."
"I think a higher position would be better," Kleia spoke up. "It would make maintenance easier, and I believe we could use the Wind Thrusters to steer the vessel if we make the orientation of the units adjustable."
"An interesting thought."
It was an idea that could compensate for a catamaran’s inherent lack of maneuverability.
"I disagree. If you do that, the intakes will be level with the deck. What happens if a crew member is accidentally sucked in?"
Another opinion was raised, this time highlighting the safety risks.
"Couldn't we simply install a mesh screen over the intake?"
"No, no—if you generate propulsion from too high a point, the ship’s center of gravity and handling could become unstable!"
And so, the discussion grew heated from the very start.
Jin, participating from half a step back, watched the proceedings with a relaxed attitude, thinking that this kind of lively atmosphere was actually quite pleasant.
However, the temperature of the room continued to rise.
"That's why I'm saying we just need to be clever with the design to ensure safety!"
"You're wrong! I'm telling you that that kind of thinking will only compromise the propulsion efficiency!"
"We just need to find a workaround!"
"Doing unnecessary work is what we call 'waste'! We should stick to the most efficient path!"
"What’s wasteful about it? An engineer’s job is to find those workarounds!"
The debate intensified—primarily between Kleia and Zeneros.
As Jin watched them bicker, he idly noted that Kleia, with her fiery red hair, had a temperament that somewhat reminded him of Beena.
"That’s enough for now. Let’s pause the discussion there."
Christoph stepped in with a firm hand to halt the exchange, which looked as though it might continue indefinitely.
"I believe it would be best to hear from the man who conceived the Wind Thruster in the first place. Jin-dono, your thoughts?"
At those words, every eye in the room turned toward Jin. He felt a moment of pressure, but technical matters were his home turf.
"From the standpoint of efficiency, the flow path—the passage for the wind—should be kept as straight as possible."
Hearing this, Zeneros took on a triumphant look, which clearly grated on Kleia’s nerves.
"Ugh..."
She clenched her small fists in frustration and glared back and forth between Jin and Zeneros, but she held her tongue and sat back down.
"However," Jin added, "I think the idea of branching the flow path specifically for steering is an excellent concept."
At this supplement, Kleia’s expression immediately brightened.
"If that’s the case, then perhaps these Wind Thrusters should be installed beneath the deck structure that connects the two hulls?" Rodrigo suggested.
A counter-argument followed. This time, it came from Kubalt, the shipwright from Shimos.
"No, if we go that route, a catamaran is truly not suited for our needs."
"And why is that?"
"Because such a design would require immense structural strength. That becomes a major disadvantage for one of our primary goals: transport. The added weight of the hull would lead directly to a decrease in cargo capacity."
"I see..."
Rodrigo proved to have the magnanimity to listen to others' opinions with an open mind.
After several more opinions were traded, a heavy silence fell as everyone lapsed into deep thought. It was then that Christoph spoke up.
"Well, many excellent opinions have been raised on this first day, which is most gratifying. The timing is perfect, so let us break for lunch."
Christoph clapped his hands once to signal the end of the session.
Lunch was delivered from a nearby hotel and served in a lounge prepared separately from the meeting room. Being a lakeside town, the meal was a set menu centered on river fish. It had been salt-grilled, so there was no need to worry about parasites.
Jin, Elsa, and Reinhard all found the meal quite delicious.
"Man, that was something. It was intense right from the get-go," Reinhard remarked as he sipped his post-meal tea. Jin nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. But it’s interesting. Being involved in development like this is educational in its own way."
"Do you really think so, Jin-nii?" Elsa asked, looking slightly puzzled.
"I do. People with different perspectives sometimes point out things you’d never expect. And those are often the very things you’ve overlooked yourself."
"So, Jin, what’s your actual take on the catamaran?"
Jin lowered his voice slightly.
"To be honest... in the world I came from, I remember there were very few large-scale catamarans. I suspect it’s because the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits at that size."
Hearing that, Reinhard shifted from the perspective of an engineer to that of a statesman.
"True. From the perspective of the one signing the checks, they generally want to avoid making everything a brand-new, unproven concept."
"Rai-nii, what do you mean?" Elsa asked.
"Well... look at it this way. It’s about a proven track record. It’s one thing if you’re building something as a private individual, but when you’re spending the people’s tax money, you can’t just go around building things that have never been tested before."
In the real world, a cautious approach was often preferred—taking a proven design and adding only a small "plus alpha" of innovation.
"I think I understand."
"Right? If you sink a fortune into a project and conduct exhaustive tests only to end up saying, 'It didn't really work out,' the public won't forgive you."
Elsa glanced at Jin.
"...In that sense, Jin-nii is a total rule-breaker."
"Haha, that’s a bit harsh. But you're right. Reinhard is a craft-nut like me, but unlike me, he has a solid grasp of political reality."
Elsa let out a small giggle.
"So, Jin-nii, Rai-nii... are you both against the catamaran?"
"I suppose so. It’s a shame, though," they replied in unison.
"Is that so? That is a pity."
Jin turned around at the voice behind him to find Rodrigo standing there with a teacup in hand.
"Oh, Rodrigo-san. It’s not that I’m dismissing the catamaran entirely. It’s just..."
Rodrigo cut him off with a wry, knowing smile.
"No, Jin-dono, I’m not offended. What you say is perfectly logical, and Reinhard-dono’s point is equally valid."
Rodrigo was clearly a seasoned professional, not a prideful amateur. His years of experience showed in his composure.
"Even I have never built a ship of this scale. It was only after you spoke up, Jin-dono, that I truly realized how much the stresses on the hull change depending on the waves. I take my hat off to you."
"Oh? This sounds like a conversation worth hearing."
Kubalt joined them as well.
"In that case, what would you say are the essential criteria for designing a large-scale vessel?"
After draining his tea, Kubalt looked at each of them in turn, posing the question as a challenge for thought.
"Stability, righting ability, structural strength, habitability, maneuverability, maintainability, fuel efficiency... the list goes on," Jin answered immediately.
Kubalt’s eyes widened in surprise.
"Hah...! As expected of a Magi Craft Meister. To have such a comprehensive answer ready in an instant. I’ve been mulling it over ever since I joined this project, and I find myself in total agreement. To be honest, I hadn't even considered maintainability until you mentioned it."
At that point, Christoph approached the group.
"It seems a fascinating discussion is in full bloom, but I would like to ask you to continue it inside the meeting room."
There were no objections. Jin and the others finished their tea and moved back to the conference room together.