Jin and the others were discussing the layout of the circuit for the automobile races.
"Since their speeds are different, how about we make a double oval course? We could pave the outer track for automobile racing and leave the inner track as dirt for both off-road vehicles and horses," Jin proposed.
"Ah, that might be quite good. However, arranging the spectator seating might prove problematic."
"That is true."
The exchange of opinions continued in this manner.
"I would like to hear more, but paperwork awaits, so I shall take my leave here."
"As will I."
The Queen and the Chancellor had participated in the discussion for about an hour, but unable to let it interfere with their official duties, they returned to their respective work.
"...Well then, in that case, shall we construct the dirt course separately?"
"Indeed..."
Jin and the others concluded that it would not do to be overly greedy and try to include everything at once.
"If so, let us proceed solely with this paved course. We will make the oval section flat, and add some elevation changes to the section extending outward."
"Oh, then the topography might be just right for that. There is a very slight rise around here, you see..."
Jin and the others dedicated themselves to the meeting regarding the on-road course.
"So this is how the main grandstand will be. I see, tiered so that the course is visible from every seat... Hmm, yes."
"The upper seats will be somewhat farther away, but that will give them a better view across the distance."
"Precisely. And since so many people will be gathering, we will surely need food, drinks, restrooms, and souvenir shops."
Jin mentioned that everything except the restrooms could be expected to generate revenue.
While a fee could be charged for the restrooms, doing so might lead people to relieve themselves elsewhere, resulting in an unsanitary venue, he added.
"I see..."
"If possible, I would like to install a roof over the spectator seats to shield them from direct sunlight and sudden rain showers."
"You seem to have a very clear vision, Jin-dono."
"Yes, I came prepared with some thoughts."
"That is very reassuring."
The Minister of Magic seemed to enjoy this sort of deliberation, continuously offering opinions and questions:
"As a facility, a medical room will likely be necessary."
"Adjoining the rest area and the concession stands? I see, that should increase the number of patrons."
"You mentioned charging admission for events, but how will that be managed?"
This exchange of opinions proved extremely productive, even addressing points that Jin had overlooked.
Meanwhile, Elsa and Najas had returned from the medical room to the small conference room.
"Your treatment was appropriate, Najas-san. From here on, without overdoing it, start with walking, then work up to running and climbing stairs. However, you must never rush."
"Yes, Elsa-sama."
"For his hands, having him practice writing is a good idea. In any case, the most important thing is to restore his whole body, which has weakened from being bedridden."
"Yes, Elsa-sama."
"Mm, after that, it is just a matter of time. Given another half month, the Viscount's body will be back to normal. Still, make sure he does not push himself too hard immediately after returning to duty."
"Understood."
After providing that series of instructions, Elsa turned her attention toward the countermeasures for the mines.
"...How are things at the territory's mines?"
"Yes. Since late last year, support from Avalon has arrived, and treatment for pneumoconiosis has begun."
"Mm, that is good."
"Since it is not 'Vollgenesen', it seems full recovery will take between three months to half a year, but they are grateful to be able to treat many people at once... so they say."
"I see, that is fine then."
Elsa had known that magi-devices for treatment were being distributed to various countries through Avalon, but she had not known how they were being utilized on-site, so hearing this put her at ease.
"Ah, that's right. Do you know how the wearing of masks and helmets is being handled at the mines?"
"Yes, Elsa-sama. Just the other day, an official notice was issued, and it seems wearing helmets, dust masks, and protective goggles has been made mandatory."
Until then, many workers had reportedly entered the tunnels without wearing them simply because it was troublesome.
"It might be fine for a short period, but..."
At this point, the thought struck Elsa: what if they made magi-devices for ventilation or dust collection?
(I'll consult Jin-nii about it later.)
From their conversation, Elsa gathered that countermeasures were beginning to take effect.
(As long as Avalon is taking action, we can be at ease for now.)
Elsa felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
That night, Jin and Elsa stayed at the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Franz.
Their room was the same one they had stayed in previously.
After a bath and dinner, the two relaxed in the room while sharing the day's outcomes with one another.
"I see, so Viscount Kahn has recovered quite a bit."
"Mm. I examined him briefly, and thanks to 'Vollgenesen' and the Persica juice, all his other ailments are completely gone. If he practices moderation, I think he will be able to perform his duties on active service for over ten years."
"That's great news."
It meant the succession issue of the Kahn family could be temporarily put on hold.
Jin felt it would be best if the Viscount himself could find a resolution during that time.
"Regardless, it's good that we bought some time."
"Mm."
Next came Jin's report.
"As for the automobile racing course, the layout is decided, and we've moved on to coordinating the construction schedule."
"I see, that's good."
"And so, the topic of setting up a medical room at the race track came up. Since healers won't suddenly increase in number, I'm thinking of using the Quinta in the beginning."
"Mm, that might be unavoidable."
Elsa remarked that once the number of healers increased a bit more, they could probably hire them instead.
"Come to think of it, I had something I wanted to consult you about as well."
Here, Elsa brought up her idea to Jin about creating magi-devices for ventilation or dust collection for the mines.
"I feel like such magi-devices existed in the past."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"Yeah....Reiko, check with Laojun."
Jin decided to have Laojun search via Reiko.
A reply came in a single second.
"Father, according to Laojun, such magi-devices did indeed exist in the past."
"Yeah."
"However, there was an era when golems were used for mining, which led to those magi-devices falling out of use, and even after returning to manual labor by humans, they remained unused, it said."
"What a terrible waste."
Because the revelation was so shocking, Jin expressed it somewhat awkwardly.
"In that case, we'll just have to do it all over again....Should this also go through Avalon?"
If they wanted to avoid showing favoritism to any particular nation, that would be the best approach, Jin judged.