On February 15, Jin, Elsa, and Reinhard gathered in the advanced-level workshop within the Shouro Empire Royal Palace.
They were there to report the completion of the smelting magi-device to the Empress. Their only attendants were Reiko, the squire, and Edgar. Reiko carried the prototype, while Edgar brought along the ore for the demonstration.
The advanced-level workshop was the most secure research facility in the palace. Usually kept under lock and key, it was reserved for significant occasions such as this.
"Jin-kun, Elsa, Reinhard, welcome."
"Jin-dono, I heard a few rumors, but is this truly the smelting magi-device?"
Present alongside the Empress were the Chancellor, Jung Fowles von Kebsler, and another high-ranking official.
"If this can be mass-produced, it will be a monumental achievement."
That was the Magic Technology Minister, Degauss Fruit von Manischras.
"This is just a small-scale prototype," Jin explained. "However, if we build larger units, the production volume will scale accordingly."
The prototype sat on a workbench, a cube measuring roughly sixty centimeters on each side. Most of the top surface was taken up by an inlet for the ore. On the lower front side was a spout for the refined metal, while an outlet for waste materials was located on the opposite face.
"Hmm. Would you be so kind as to show us a trial run?"
"Certainly. Edgar, if you please."
"Yes, Jin-sama."
Edgar produced the ore they had prepared.
"There's no need to crush it finely," Jin noted. "As long as the pieces fit into the inlet, it will work."
For this test, they used chunks of ore about the size of a fist.
"This ore contains 64 light silver. I’ll put it in now."
Jin dropped the ore into the inlet.
"One piece is a bit small for a demonstration, so..."
Jin added a total of ten pieces before announcing, "Waking it up."
He pressed a simple push-button. He had intentionally avoided using a keyword to ensure that even those who were not magi could operate the device.
The magi-device hummed to life. A minute later, a lump of refined 64 light silver roughly half the size of a fist emerged from the spout.
"Oh!"
From the opposite side, the waste material from the ten pieces of ore was discharged as simple gravel.
"The device performed an Extraction to pull the 64 light silver from the ore, followed by Smelting."
"Incredible!"
The ore used was remarkably similar to what was known as ilmenite on Earth. Composed primarily of FeTiO3—an oxide of iron and titanium—its 64 light silver content was roughly ten percent by weight. It was a common source of the metal in this world. While Earth’s ilmenite was usually found as sand, it appeared here as crumbly rock.
Degauss, the Magic Technology Minister, scrutinized the refined metal intently.
"The purity is magnificent," he whispered, letting out a small sigh of awe.
Once the initial excitement settled, the Empress turned to Jin.
"So, Jin-kun, what do you intend to do with this?"
"Well, based on Reinhard's advice, I realized that releasing this technology directly to the market would cause the price of materials to crash and destabilize the economy..."
"Hmm, that is a very astute observation," the Chancellor agreed with a nod.
"Therefore, we concluded it would be best to leave the management of the technology to the state."
"I see," the Empress said, nodding in approval. "And tell me, can this be adapted for other metals?"
"It can. I was planning to create versions specifically for mithril and adamantite next."
"Ah, magi-type materials. That would be excellent."
"In the beginning, a state monopoly would be the wisest course," the Chancellor suggested.
"Indeed. We can then lower the prices gradually over time."
"And we must prioritize providing affordable materials to public development sectors," Degauss added.
"I don't believe it will have much of an impact on the base cost of mining," another voice chimed in.
The dignitaries dove straight into deliberations. Then, as quickly as they had started, they cut the conversation short.
"Let us continue this in the conference room."
"Agreed."
"No objections."
They turned back toward Jin and his companions.
"Jin-dono, we thank you for this incredible invention."
"Please, leave the logistics and operation to us."
"Eventually, I hope to see every nation benefit from this," the Empress said.
Jin felt a wave of relief at her words. He hadn't wanted a single nation to hoard the technology forever.
"Then I shall leave it in your capable hands."
"Yes. We will notify you regarding your reward at a later date."
With a polite bow, Jin, Elsa, Reinhard, Reiko, and Edgar left the advanced-level workshop.
"Jin, I think that went well," Reinhard said as they flew back from the Royal Palace aboard Konron 3.
"Yeah. You were right, Reinhard. I'm glad I consulted the Empress."
"True... though I have to admit, I hadn't fully considered the impact on the miners. Her Majesty really is a step ahead!"
"She is."
The price of ore usually fluctuated based on rarity and the ease of mining, but little else. Gold and silver were expensive because they were rare; iron and copper were cheap because they were abundant.
Interestingly, the raw ore for 64 light silver—ilmenite—was actually cheaper than iron because it was brittle and easy to extract from the earth. The high cost of 64 light silver came entirely from the difficult smelting process.
"So, if the unit price of 64 light silver drops and demand goes up, the demand for the raw ore will increase too," Reinhard explained, looking pleased. "Ultimately, the mines and the miners will actually prosper."
"I see... Even a single move like lowering material costs has so many ripple effects on the world."
"That’s just how it works."
As they spoke, Konron 3 reached Reinhard’s territory, Kalts Village.
"Well then, Jin, Elsa—until next time."
"Yeah, see you later."
"Take care, Rai-nii."
Carrying Jin and the others, Konron 3 took to the skies once more.
"Now then, let's head back to Hourai Island for a bit. Laojun should be using the Trace System to monitor the investigation teams in the Former Leonard Kingdom."
"Mm. That sounds interesting."
With Elsa's agreement, Konron 3 put on a burst of speed and soared toward Hourai Island.