Tomax Bartman, the Chief Administrator of Avalon, explained his plan to Jin.
After listening, Jin pondered it for a moment before offering his own interpretation.
“…So, in short, you want to make them realize that the Magic Federation’s ideology cannot save humanity? Is that it?”
“You could say that.” Tomax Bartman nodded. “…What was the term again? Ah, yes, ‘immediate benefits’?”
“Haha…” Jin gave a wry smile. The usage might have been slightly loose, but he understood the sentiment.
Accepting the Magic Federation’s dogmas would not improve anyone’s quality of life. In fact, by abandoning technology, the standard of living was bound to decline. For an ordinary person, unless there was some extreme reason or overarching goal, such a regression was usually unacceptable.
To use a mundane example, one might look at meals or sanitation. In either case, once a person had experienced delicious food or modern comfort, they could never truly forget it.
“It was likely because they had fanatical believers that they were able to endure a lower standard of living,” Jin remarked. He suspected that was the case; fanatics, for better or worse, were nothing if not single-minded.
“However, Markitus—their equivalent of a cult leader—is gone, and the organization has collapsed,” Tomax continued. “I believe now is the time to spread the fruits of civilization all at once.”
“I see. So that’s the plan.”
It seemed they intended to leverage the title of the Magi Craft Meister to popularize convenient magi-devices, effectively wiping out the lingering influence of the Magic Federation.
“What do you think? Would you be willing to cooperate?”
“Yes, of course,” Jin answered instantly.
Four hundred years ago, his predecessor had dedicated herself to spreading magi-devices for the benefit of the common people, only for her legacy to be uprooted and ruined. Jin felt a deep-seated indignation regarding that history.
“Since we’re doing this, why don’t we donate a wide variety of samples?” Jin suggested. He believed that if those at the top accepted them, it would be much easier to disseminate technology to the commoners below.
“Oh, that would be most appreciated.”
“Then please, tell me what kind of magi-devices you need and how many.”
“Understood.”
Jin listened as Tomax Bartman broke down the requirements for the gifts.
“Two general-purpose golems, ten short swords, ten long swords, and three Golem horses?”
“Yes. In addition to those, three magic stoves and three refrigerators.”
It was a solid list to start with. Jin then proposed gifting an additional magi-device, stating that he would prepare it himself.
“…However, our courtesy visit to the Kingdom of Elias on behalf of Avalon is scheduled for tomorrow evening. We cannot delay it.”
“That won’t be a problem. Just provide me with a workshop and the necessary materials.”
“That I can manage.…Then I shall leave it in your hands.”
And so, Jin set out to spend approximately one day in Avalon crafting magi-devices.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Hey, Jin! Long time no see!”
“Eira. It’s been a while.”
Jin was guided to the workshop used by Eira Shiata, Kachea, and their colleagues. Tomax Bartman had decided that Jin would be more comfortable working in a place where he already knew the staff.
“Jin-san, you look well. Reiko-chan and Hope-san seem unchanged as well.”
“You too, Kachea.”
With little time to spare, Jin briefly caught up with them before immediately moving into production. Eira quickly threw a question his way.
“Jin, I heard you’re making a coronation gift for the new king of the Kingdom of Elias?”
“Yeah, that’s right. So, for various reasons, we decided to gift them a magi-device.”
After hearing the explanation, the two women suddenly became highly motivated.
“So we’re going to show up those former Magic Federation types! Alright, I’m in. Right, Kachea?”
“Yes. Please, let us assist you.”
Both of them knew that a portion of their past hardships could be traced back to the Magic Federation, so they seemed determined to take this opportunity for some proactive payback.
“If that’s the case, then great.…First, what should we make…”
“Since it’s the Kingdom of Elias, wouldn't a boat be appropriate?” Eira suggested.
“Eira-san, I don’t think a king would have many opportunities to ride a boat,” Kachea countered.
If they were to build one now, it would have to be a small vessel. There would be few occasions where a king would ride such a small boat alone or with only a few servants.
“I guess you’re right… Then… if a king were to ride something, it would be a carriage, right?”
Jin thought about Kachea’s words for a moment. “I’ve got it! Let’s make an amphibious vehicle!”
“An amphibious vehicle…?”
“Right. Well, they’ll probably never actually use it on water, but as a concept, it’ll have a huge impact on the Kingdom of Elias.”
“That sounds interesting, Jin!” Eira seemed fully on board.
“B-But, is that even possible in the time we have…?” Kachea asked, looking worried.
Jin nodded firmly. “It’ll be fine. The main thing to worry about is making it airtight… or rather, watertight. Golem Engines are inherently resistant to getting wet anyway.”
“That wasn't really what I meant… Sigh, fine, whatever.”
Kachea had been worried that there wouldn't be enough time to build something so large, but as she looked at Jin’s confident expression, she remembered exactly who she was talking to.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Right, attach it there.”
“Got it!”
“Hope, hold this down for me.…Good, that’s it.”
“Father, the frame is complete.”
“Yeah.…Kachea, how are things on your end?”
Jin, Eira, and Reiko were constructing the chassis, while Jin had asked Kachea to handle the exterior design.
“Yes, I’ve finalized the drafts.”
“Alright. Let’s look them over.”
Jin, Reiko, Hope, and Eira had completed the basic frame of the vehicle in just two hours. Of course, the vast majority of the heavy lifting had been done by Jin and Reiko.
“Um, I’ve narrowed it down to three options. Which one do you think is best?”
Kachea spread several rough sketches of the royal amphibious vehicle across the drafting table.
“Oh, as expected of Kachea. I couldn’t pull this off,” Eira admitted.
The amphibious vehicle was based on a four-wheeled automobile. They had considered a six-wheeled configuration, but since it wouldn't be driving on particularly rough terrain, they decided on a shape similar to a traditional carriage.
The propulsion system for water travel would consist of Jet Thrusters. Since they only needed a reasonable amount of speed, they installed two small-class units. The primary material was 64 light silver, chosen because it was lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Accounting for the king and queen, the prince and princess, a lady's maid, a guard, and a driver, they had designed it as a ten-seater. Following these specifications, they would now attach the body Kachea had designed.
“My recommendation is this design based on a ceremonial carriage. There are two variations of it, but I’d like to suggest this one. The other is a more practical design, but although I drew it, I think it’s a bit too rugged for the occasion.”
“Hmm, hmm… You really have a knack for this, Kachea.”
“Yeah, seriously.”
Both Eira and Jin felt they lacked a sense for aesthetics, so they were grateful for someone with a designer's eye.
“Alright, then let’s go with Kachea’s recommendation.”
“No objections here!”
And so, the construction of the amphibious vehicle for the coronation gift moved forward.