"Now, this pressure cooker is just one example."
Jin steered the conversation back to the central theme of the afternoon: mana stands.
"To promote the widespread adoption of magic tools that improve our daily lives, I believe these mana stands will be essential."
"Hmph. If I may?"
Raising his hand was Latant, the Chief of the First Ministry of Technology of the Celuroa Kingdom.
"I assume the primary purpose of a mana stand is the sale of mana. However, how do you intend to determine the price?"
He was questioning the technical feasibility: how exactly would one measure the specific amount of mana supplied to a customer?
The attendees with a background in magi-engineering nodded in agreement. However, Jin had already prepared for this.
"Well, for tools intended for the general public, I believe it would be best to utilize 'mana cells'."
"Mana cells?"
"Yes. Something like this."
Jin removed a mana cell integrated into the pressure cooker’s handle and held it up for the room to see. It was a small cylinder, roughly one centimeter in diameter and height.
"This is a mana cell. When it runs dry, you simply take it to a mana stand to have it refilled with mana."
"I see, I see. So if we standardize the size of the mana tanks in all future consumer magic tools, we can achieve universal compatibility."
Degauss, the Magic Technology Minister of the Shouro Empire, nodded with profound interest.
"Precisely. If a device requires a high volume of energy, you simply use multiple cells."
Jin was drawing inspiration from dry-cell batteries. Since many household electronics required one, two, or four batteries, he figured a similar approach would work here.
"As for larger applications that these cells can't support—such as golems—I believe we should establish a separate standard."
This was the heart of the afternoon's agenda.
"So, the pricing would be set as a flat rate for refilling a single cell, correct?"
Chancellor Adaluk of the Kingdom of Franz asked, seeking clarification.
"Yes. My initial proposal is that these mana stands be state-operated to ensure price stability."
He was thinking of something akin to a public utility corporation.
"Though, that is under the assumption that they will eventually be privatized."
The goal was eventual price competition through market liberalization.
"I see. That is a fascinating subject," Chancellor Adaluk remarked, nodding.
A mana stand powered by Jin’s developed—or rather, improved—mana server. Refilling a single mana cell would cost a fixed amount.
This would allow the general populace to use magic tools more freely than ever before. As magic tools became more common, demand would increase, leading to a general rise in the standard of living.
"If implemented successfully, it’s a very attractive policy," Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom said, sounding enthusiastic. "Starting with state management is a wise move, especially regarding safety."
Indeed, there was no telling if someone might try to abscond with a mana server to turn a quick profit. That said, the actual units intended for installation would be far too large for any human to move.
"And by recruiting personnel from the private sector to staff them, we create new employment opportunities," Prince Arthur added, his intuition as sharp as ever.
"Jin-dono, I suspect you have more than just pressure cookers in mind for these magic tools?"
This question came from Chancellor Boyd of the Kingdom of Egerea.
"Yes, of course. What I truly want to prioritize for widespread adoption are magic tools related to public hygiene."
"Public hygiene?"
"Yes. Initiatives to protect the health of the entire community, so to speak."
Jin was focusing on water supply and sewage management.
In the Ars world, with few exceptions, clean water came from wells, and waste was handled through underground seepage. Because the population density was relatively low, it hadn't caused major issues yet, but it was bound to fail eventually.
Jin had been particularly mindful of this after reading the records left by the Magus, Shuuki Tsetse, which mentioned a village being completely wiped out by an epidemic that sounded like dysentery.
If waste seeping into the ground exceeded nature's natural Cleanup capacity, it would eventually contaminate the groundwater. That would turn the water supply into a breeding ground for disease and a primary vector for epidemics.
"I believe everyone has had the chance to use the toilets here in the Jade Pavilion," Jin said.
"Oh! Those are magnificent!"
"I must have them for my country as well!"
Voices of praise broke out from across the room.
"Thank you. Those toilets utilize a combination of Craft Magic: Deodorant, Cleanup, Decomposition, and Sterilization. As for the mana source to power those spells..."
"I see! You use the mana cells!"
"Exactly. If the deodorizing effect fades, you simply replace the cell. It's very low maintenance."
By fine-tuning the settings, he could ensure that the Deodorant function would be the first to Stand Still as mana ran low, serving as a clear indicator for replacement.
"This is highly intriguing," Magic Technology Minister Degauss said, leaning forward.
"Then there is the water supply. My proposal is to have people draw water using tools that provide Cleanup and Sterilization effects."
"I see."
Jin had originally wanted a 'water purifier' style that attached directly to a faucet, but he started with a more adaptable concept.
"In the Jade Pavilion... is all the water treated this way?"
"Yes. Every outlet—what we call a 'faucet'—is enchanted with those effects."
"Hmm..."
The world leaders fell into deep thought. Chancellor Adaluk of the Kingdom of Franz broke the silence with another question.
"Hypothetically, if someone were to poison a well, could it be purified?"
"It can," Jin answered without a moment's hesitation. "Provided the magic tool is functional, of course. As long as you replace the mana cell before it runs out, the water will remain safe."
"That is only to be expected."
This confirmation sent the delegates back into their contemplations. Then, Marchioness Firenziano of the Elias Kingdom spoke up.
"The primary hurdle, I suspect, will be the cost of implementation. The benefits are clear, but we cannot distribute these for free. How do we manage the procurement costs?"
She pointed out that if the methods differed too much between nations, it could lead to international friction.
"Still, the benefits are undeniable," Chancellor Adaluk suggested. "Perhaps we should introduce it in stages: the palace first, then the nobility, the wealthy, and eventually the commoners?"
Jin offered his own perspective on the matter.
"That may be the most realistic path. However, this system exists to reduce disease, and illness does not distinguish between high-born and low-born."
The Shouro Empress reacted to that statement.
"Very true. I have heard accounts of diseases originating among the populace and spreading until the entire nation was plagued."
Jin hadn't been aware of those specific historical events, but he nodded in support.
"Exactly. So, even if we cannot achieve it all at once, I hope we can complete the rollout in the shortest timeframe possible."
"One option," Jin continued, "would be to temporarily increase taxes to fund the production and distribution of the magic tools, then return the taxes to their original level once the infrastructure is in place."
"That would be difficult for my country..."
"Ours as well."
"And mine."
The Kingdom of Egerea, the Klein Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Franz all voiced their concerns; despite their different circumstances, they each faced financial constraints.
"In that case, what if we tried this..."
Fresh opinions and counter-proposals began to fly across the table.
The scene before him was exactly the kind of international cooperation Jin had envisioned for this World Conference.