Only two days remained until the Treasure Tree Festival. Since the plan was to head to the location a day early, we would be departing for the Elf Forest tomorrow.
The forest was supposedly a place of lush, vibrant greenery. Since this would be my first time stepping outside the Royal Capital of Sinfonia, I was genuinely looking forward to it.
I had also managed to learn a new method of self-defense from Kuro. With this magic, I should finally be able to protect myself in a pinch... hopefully.
"There. I think it’s finally taking shape... but Kaito-kun, you really shouldn’t use this spell unless you have to. It puts a massive strain on your body. Well, I’m sure you can feel that right now."
"...My whole body is screaming."
"Here, just stay still while I cast a recovery spell on you."
After practicing the new magic, I had collapsed under a wave of pain that felt like the worst muscle aches imaginable. Kuro gave me a wry smile as she enveloped me in recovery magic.
A gentle, warm light washed over me, gradually numbing the stinging pain that radiated through my limbs.
The combat spell Kuro had taught me—which utilized my Sympathy Magic—came with a heavy recoil. Furthermore, since my mana capacity was so low, I couldn't maintain it for long. It was strictly an emergency measure.
Still, it checked all the boxes I’d asked for and had turned out to be quite an interesting technique... though it would be best if I never actually had to use it.
"By the way, Kuro, there was something I wanted to ask you."
"Hmm?"
"Does this world have any Magic Tools similar to a machine from my world called a 'calculator'?"
"A calculator? What kind of device is that?"
It seemed the concept of a calculator hadn't been introduced by any of the previous Hero-roles, so I proceeded to explain it to her.
I wondered for a moment why things like mayonnaise had made the jump while calculators hadn't. On second thought, the idea hadn't even crossed my mind until I saw Lilia-san struggling with her accounting work.
Because I’d had to surrender my electronics shortly after arriving in this world, I’d developed a subconscious bias that "machinery" was off-limits. I wouldn't have even considered replicating a device with a Magic Tool if I hadn't known that Magic Tools could be created by individuals.
The past Hero-roles likely shared that same prejudice. More importantly, I’d heard that unlike me, the people summoned to play the Hero-role were usually quite busy.
Since they spent a year traveling the world and giving speeches, they were naturally more likely to introduce familiar comforts like food, clothing, or books to pass the time during travel. It was unlikely they ever got involved in high-level accounting.
As I explained the concept to Kuro, I asked if anything similar existed or if it was possible to recreate it.
"...Did you come up with that yourself, Kaito-kun?"
"Eh? No, it was just a common everyday tool back home."
"..."
Kuro’s eyes widened in surprise as she listened. Eventually, she rested her chin in her hand and went silent, lost in thought.
"...It’s possible to recreate it. But I never would have thought of it. Certainly, if you record the formulas into a magic formula, you could perform calculations in an instant, but..."
"But?"
"The thought just never occurred to me. Magic and mathematics are treated as entirely separate fields here. The very idea of using magic to support calculation... it just didn't exist. Now that you've said it, I'm actually wondering why no one ever realized it before."
That made sense.
In my world, machines and science had been intrinsically linked to mathematics from their very inception.
However, magic in this world was distinct from science. The concept of merging it with math simply hadn't been explored.
In that sense, the people who first invented calculators and computers back on Earth must have been true geniuses.
Kuro remained silent for a while longer before producing a pen and paper to jot something down.
Once she finished, her black coat billowed out like a curtain, and she called into the darkness within.
"Zex, are you there?"
"Did you require something? Oh? If it isn't Miyama-dono. It has been quite some time."
"It’s been a while, Zex-san."
Zex emerged from the coat, wearing a ritual mask that looked like it belonged to some ancient tribe. Even though we’d met before, the sight of his skeletal hands still gave me a bit of a start.
If I recalled correctly, he wore the mask specifically to make himself easy to distinguish from other Liches.
It certainly worked, though it made him look like he was headed to a carnival. Since it was a matter of personal taste, I decided not to comment on it.
After we exchanged brief greetings, Kuro handed him the paper she’d been working on.
"This is a Magic Tool Kaito-kun thought of. I’ve already drafted a magic formula for it..."
"...This... what an incredible concept!"
Technically I hadn't "thought" of it; I’d just described a tool from my world, but they seemed to be giving me all the credit.
"What do you think?"
"...This will spark a revolution."
"Can we mass-produce it?"
"Indeed. As expected of Chrome-sama. With this magic formula, we can produce them at a very low cost."
Wait, what was happening? The conversation felt like it was spiraling out of control.
I’d only wanted a calculator-like Magic Tool to give to Lilia-san as a gift to make her life easier, but the looks on Kuro and Zex’s faces were anything but casual.
"Kaito-kun. Is it okay if I have my merchant association produce and sell these?"
"Eh? Oh, sure. I don't mind at all. I mean, it’s not like I actually invented the thing."
Kuro looked quite serious when she asked, so I gave her my immediate approval.
She nodded once before turning back to Zex.
"Thanks. All right, Zex."
"Very well. Regarding Miyama-dono’s rights... would fifty percent of the net profits be acceptable?"
"...Huh?"
Wait, what? The conversation had taken a very strange turn. Fifty percent of the profit? Was I about to be handed a fortune?
"Payments would likely be processed on a monthly basis."
"Wait, hold on a second! I didn't exactly invent this; it's just something that existed in my old world..."
"No. In this world, you are the inventor, Kaito-kun."
"Huh?"
W-What was I supposed to do with that? Essentially, I was the patent holder. I had a feeling a staggering amount of money was about to come rolling in.
It wasn't that I hated the idea of money, but I was only going to be in this world for a year. I wasn't even sure if I’d spend everything Lilia-san had already given me... Wait, Lilia-san! That’s it.
"Would it be possible to transfer those rights to Lilia-san... I mean, to the Ducal House of Albert?"
"Certainly. That is entirely within your discretion, Miyama-dono. However, if that is your wish, it would be best to hold a formal discussion with Duchess Albert present."
"Good idea. Oh, Zex, aren't you going to Lilia-chan's place soon anyway? Why don't you talk to her then, with Kaito-kun there?"
"A sound proposal. In that case, I shall construct a prototype of the Magic Tool by then so that we may demonstrate it."
"Ah, that would be a huge help."
It seemed the production of the calculator was a go. This would definitely make Lilia-san's workload lighter.
I was perfectly happy as long as I had enough money to enjoy my stay here. If Lilia-san was okay with it, I was more than willing to hand all the rights over to her.
Dear Mother, Father—I talked to Kuro about making a calculator, and the conversation turned into a whole thing about rights and business. Basically, if a calculator is introduced to this world, it looks like I’ll be... the patent holder.
In the quiet of her office, the scratching of a pen suddenly ceased. Lilia lifted her gaze from the documents on her desk.
"...What was that? I just felt a horrific chill..."
Lilia muttered to herself, her face turning slightly pale. Her dark premonition would become a reality in just a few short days.