The conference resumed after a ninety-minute break for lunch.
"Now then, we shall conclude our discussion regarding the monorail for the morning and move on to the next agenda item," the moderator, Deus Ex Machina, declared. None of the attendees appeared to have any objections.
"I would now like to provide a detailed explanation of the topic I previously introduced as 'Magic Tools and New Systems for Improving Daily Life.'"
At Jin’s signal, Perido 1 arrived carrying a pressure cooker, Ruby 1 brought an improved magic stove, and Amez 1 carried a model of a mana stand.
"A 'system' refers to a mechanism where individual parts influence one another to function as a unified whole," Jin began by way of introduction. "Today, the centerpiece of our proposal is the mana stand."
Jin pointed to the model that Amez 1 had brought forward.
"This is a model, but while it is small, it operates exactly like the full-scale version."
"Hmm, a mana stand. So, it is a Magi Machine designed to supply mana," Degauss, the Shouro Empire's Magic Technology Minister, quickly deduced its nature.
"Essentially, yes. I have named the device itself the 'mana server.' A mana stand would be... something akin to a shop equipped with one."
In Jin’s mind, the image was very much like a gas station.
"Furthermore, this mana server is approximately four times more efficient than conventional mana supply devices."
"What!" Degauss exclaimed, blindsided by Jin’s claim.
"As for our goal, we are proposing a system where anyone can purchase mana as long as they pay a designated fee."
"What exactly do you mean by that?"
"Jin-dono, could you elaborate?"
It seemed his explanation thus far had been insufficient, as questions immediately flew his way. However, Jin had expected as much.
"First, the standardization of mana tanks. Second, the popularization of Magi Machines. And third, the creation of new employment opportunities."
"I see, I'm starting to catch on. Please continue, Jin-dono."
Once again, Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom was the first to show quick comprehension.
"Yes. To make the concept easier to grasp, I have prepared a specific magic tool. This is called a 'pressure cooker.' It is a pot—specifically, a cooking utensil."
Jin placed the pressure cooker that Perido 1 had been holding in front of him. Then, Ruby 1 placed the improved magic stove in front of Elsa.
"And this is a magic stove."
Since the items were a pot and a stove, their purpose was obvious at a glance.
"...What makes it different?" the Empress of the Shouro Empire asked. She was well aware that Jin occasionally produced unusual but delicious items.
"To put it simply, it allows you to boil food until it is soft in a very short amount of time," Jin explained.
Elsa added a supplement, feeling his explanation was perhaps a bit too brief.
"Many tough ingredients become tender when boiled at high temperatures for a long time. This pot is designed to achieve that result in a fraction of the time."
"Oh?"
Despite the explanation, many of the attendees still looked skeptical. Elsa continued.
"The meat of a Saber Boar is currently inside this pot....Lieutenant Colonel Fritz, what is your experience with the texture of Saber Boar meat?"
Fritz, who had been addressed directly, replied without hesitation.
"I’ve had to eat Saber Boars we hunted during marches more than a few times. It's not exactly inedible, but it's incredibly tough and tastes terrible."
"Does simmering it longer not help?"
"No. No matter how long you boil it, the meat never gets soft."
Next, Elsa turned the same question to Gloria, who was present as a guard for the Klein Kingdom’s leadership.
"It is just as Fritz-dono says. I had the chance to eat some recently in the Former Leonard Kingdom, but no matter how we tried to prepare it, it remained as tough as leather."
Gloria grimaced slightly, recalling a particularly unpleasant encounter with a monster mimicking a Saber Boar. Elsa thanked them both.
"Thank you, both of you....As you can see, I believe everyone understands that Saber Boar meat does not soften by ordinary means."
Elsa placed the pot on the magic stove and woke it up.
"I won't put the lid on yet. First, I need to perform a 'boil-off.'"
As greasy oil, clotted blood, and scum floated to the surface, she brought the water to a quick boil and then discarded it. To keep the audience engaged while they waited, Jin continued his lecture.
"Now, on high mountains, the temperature at which water boils is lower. When the temperature is low, food doesn't cook through properly."
"Indeed, I’ve experienced that myself during mountain marches," Fritz and several other military officials nodded, confirming Jin’s words.
"Conversely, in low-lying areas, the boiling point of water increases."
"That is certainly a logical point," Prince Arthur agreed. His intellectual capacity was remarkably high.
"We are simply utilizing that principle."
By this time, Elsa had finished the initial preparation with assistance from Perido 1. She then took over the demonstration.
"Now that the preparation is finished, it is time for the pressure cooker to show its true worth."
Elsa added fresh water and a moderate amount of salt.
"This time, I will boil it using only salt, but by cooking it with various spices and aromatic vegetables, the flavor would be significantly enhanced."
She added that they could consult the culinary staff for further details, and then finally began the cooking process in earnest. She secured the lid and set it on the stove.
"Once the lid is closed, the magic tool built into this handle activates. As the water boils, the internal pressure increases, causing the temperature to rise far beyond a normal boil."
"I see, so that's the secret."
Jin realized that explaining the physics in detail would take until sunset, so he was content to let the delegates simply accept the result.
"The mechanism for increasing internal pressure is actually quite simple. I have applied a barrier that prevents steam—water vapor—from escaping easily."
Technically it was a matter of gas and liquid phases, but he didn't feel the need to be that pedantic. Before long, a sharp whistling hiss began to sound. It had reached a boil.
"If we let it boil in this state for about ten minutes, even the toughest meat will become tender."
"Hoh... Saber Boar meat usually requires at least thirty minutes of boiling just to be chewable. You're saying it will be finished in such a short time?"
Fritz sounded genuinely impressed as he listened.
"The trick is to use a sufficiently large pot to prevent boiling over, and to only fill it about one-third with water," Jin added.
While Jin and Elsa explained other applications and safety precautions, the ten minutes passed quickly.
"While the barrier blocks steam, it allows solids to pass through, so you can safely touch the lid," Jin demonstrated by grabbing the knob. Since it was made of thick insulating material, it wasn't hot. When he lifted the pressure-release valve, the barrier weakened and steam hissed out. Jin had designed the release to be gradual to prevent accidental burns.
"Usually, we would let it sit so the residual heat can deepen the flavor... but for today, this should be sufficient."
The crowd let out a low "ohh" of amazement as the steam billowed out.
"Now, please, have a taste."
The maid golems moved efficiently, portioning the meat onto small plates. Even from a distance, it was obvious the meat was tender. Since there were enough portions for the guards and attendants as well, each was served a single bite.
"Please, go ahead."
Even though it was after lunch, the delegates had been working for over an hour, and since it was only a small sample, no one hesitated. Jin and Elsa ate first to prove it was safe.
"Yes, it turned out well."
"Quite good."
Seeing them eat, the guards were the first to follow suit.
"Whoa, how is it this soft? This is incredible! I can't believe this is actually Saber Boar meat!" Fritz was the first to give his enthusiastic review.
"Yes, it is certainly tender and flavorful. If you used spices as well as salt, this would be a first-class dish," Gloria added.
One after another, the delegates offered their praise.
"Indeed, Jin-dono, this is quite remarkable!"
"Jin-kun, it's delicious!"
"It is a true delicacy."
"To think Saber Boar meat could be made this palatable!"
"I believe you now understand the utility of the pressure cooker," Jin said with a smile.
"Yes, magnificent!"
"I'm convinced!"
Once the small plates were collected, the room broke into a round of applause.
"Thank you. With this pressure cooker, even lower-quality ingredients can be enjoyed, and it will significantly expand your culinary options."
"For example, vegetables," Elsa added. "It can make them very soft and easy to digest."
"That would be perfect for children, the elderly, or those who are ill," Marchioness Firenziano noted, clearly seeing the social value.
"Devil's Potatoes also become tender in a very short time with this."
"Oh, is that so? That would be wonderful."
In this manner, the pressure cooker was enthusiastically accepted by the world's leaders.