There was a grimoire that detailed the construction of a flying carpet.
Lu suggested we try making one, and since I was curious myself, I decided to help.
The first step was to prepare a carpet of a suitable size. The manual noted a specific warning: the carpet had to be brand new. It didn't necessarily have to be fresh off the loom, but it was vital that it had never actually been used as a carpet. I wondered why, but for the time being, I decided to follow the instructions to the letter.
Next, we had to weave magic stones into the fabric with thread to serve as the core. The stones could be small, but a certain total volume was required. Apparently, a single magic stone from a boar hunted in the forest would suffice. I see. The area where I had woven the stones ended up looking lumpy and unsightly, but I didn't let it bother me.
The next step was "speaking to it." ... Speaking to it? I read deeper into the grimoire to understand what that meant. ... Well, essentially, you were supposed to spend your time praising the carpet.
"I've never seen such a beautiful carpet in my life!"
Supposedly, the more people who praised it and the louder their voices, the better.
"What a magnificent carpet!" "I want one just like it!" "The weave is impeccable!" "The texture is divine!" "You can do it! I believe in you!" "I bet this rug is really going places!"
Even if it made no sense, the act of praising it was what mattered. After doing this for about ten days, you were instructed to check the edge of the carpet. If it started twitching and moving, you were on the right track. From there, you just had to keep showering it with compliments to get it into the right mood. Then, the carpet would fly. ... Was that for real? Was this procedure actually going to work?
I read ahead just in case. One must not grow complacent simply because the carpet had begun to fly. The most crucial step was still to come. Namely, discipline. A carpet born of constant praise naturally grew accustomed to being pampered, and thus it would loathe being corrected or given orders. While there were individual differences, the author of the grimoire claimed to have created nearly forty magical flying carpets, and this was almost universally the case. The true test of a master's skill was how to effectively employ a carpet that despised taking orders. We would have to do our best.
I see; the "Rearing Diary" section that made up the bulk of the book was dedicated to this matter of discipline. If one failed to properly train it, the carpet might drop its passengers mid-flight or simply fly off on its own whenever it felt like it. ... I wondered about the flying carpets that had been carrying the boxes. Had their previous owners made them themselves? And perhaps they had failed at the discipline phase, resulting in the boxes being dropped? I decided I would ask the boxes about it later.
For now, the method seemed sound, so I told Lu to keep up the praising. I also asked anyone else who happened to pass by to offer a few kind words to the rug. Just within the scope of what they were comfortable with, of course. I appreciated the cooperation.
Meanwhile, I studied the grimoire further to summarize the sections regarding discipline. Yes, I left the praising to them. To be honest, the sight of adults putting their entire hearts and souls into complimenting a rug hanging on a wall was... a lot to take in. It was a bit difficult for me to participate. Besides, if I were going to praise anyone, I’d much rather praise the children.
Incidentally, Intelligence Boxes and Intelligence Swords were apparently created in a similar fashion. However, since they would fly if praised, the method had to be adjusted depending on the intended purpose. In the case of an Intelligence Box, you were supposed to tell it stories. Combat tales were apparently mediocre, while romance stories were highly recommended. How interesting.
As the hot summer days dragged on, energetic voices echoed from the vicinity of the pool. Ol the Orthros was resting by the poolside. Unlike his usual self, Ol was wearing a hat and a garment that covered his upper body. It wasn't exactly clothes, but a swimsuit. Zabuton must have made it specially for him. That was nice. It actually suited him quite well.
So, was he here alone for once because he was showing off his swimsuit? No? Guronde was with him? Ol’s gaze was fixed on the changing hut built next to the pool. I see; Guronde was currently inside changing into her own swimsuit. Hmm.
I could have waited for her to emerge, but Giral was currently away. I couldn't exactly stand there and praise a married woman's appearance in a swimsuit while her husband wasn't around. It was dangerous to think lightly that a simple compliment would be harmless. Well, others were free to think what they wanted. However, I considered it a social risk. Yet, it would also be rude to say nothing at all after seeing her. If someone else had been present, I might have managed, but Ol wasn't exactly a suitable chaperone. In other words, the correct move was to leave immediately.
After greeting Ol, I headed toward the area where the children were playing. I had wanted to take them to the coast, but because there were so many logistical issues along the way, we hadn't been able to make it a reality yet. It would have been nice if Beezel or Progenitor-san were free. However, it would mean tying them up for nearly half a day, so I couldn't ask for the impossible. Especially Progenitor-san, who had recently made several round trips to Versa's house to retrieve the cameras and playback devices. I had to be considerate of his time.
I greeted the Lizardmen and the High Ogre Maids who were supervising the children at the pool. I made sure to greet the children as well. Hm? What was the matter? One of the children was staring longingly at the boats by the poolside. Did they want to play with them? I didn't mind, but I told them they had to listen to the Lizardmen's instructions.
The boats the children used were masterpieces created by the Mountain Elves. They were single-seaters designed for children; by pedaling with their feet, the paddle wheels on the sides would turn and propel them forward. There was even a steering wheel to control the rudder. They were exceptionally well-made. I almost wanted to order some adult-sized versions. However, for an adult to ride, the scale of the boat would have to be much larger. Besides, the Mountain Elves were currently obsessed with working alongside Box No. 4051 to develop a specialized transport cart. I suspected it would be easier if they just added golem elements to the cart, but... Well, I would mention it when I found an opening.
"Village Head, are you not joining us in the pool?"
No, I just came by to check on everyone. And to discuss the children's lunch.
"We are already preparing the food, so the pool group is well-taken care of."
I see. Understood.
Just then, Guronde and Ol arrived after she finished changing. It was fine now. The Lizardmen and High Ogre Maids were nearby to provide a social buffer. And indeed, Guronde’s swimsuit suited her beautifully. She looked lovely. However, I didn't say it myself. I gave her a standard, polite greeting and left the rest to the nearby Lizardmen and maids.
"Lady Guronde, that swimsuit looks wonderful on you. It's truly lovely."
I simply nodded in agreement with the High Ogre Maids' words. This was the absolute limit of my involvement. Was I being too cautious? Perhaps, but I figured it was better than accidentally causing a domestic dispute between dragons.
Hm? One of the Lizardmen tapped me on the shoulder. What was it?
"Village Head. Hiichiro-sama, Gral-sama, and Raimeiren-sama have arrived."
It was the usual group, but... Raimeiren was in her young form. And she was wearing a swimsuit. Er... Let’s just focus on Hiichiro.
Scholar A: "Isn't the person who discovered that things fly if you praise them a total genius?" Scholar B: "Given that they spent ten days shouting compliments at a rug without even knowing if it would work, I'd say 'complete lunatic' is a more accurate assessment."
Villager A: "Wait, aren't Lady Guronde and Lady Raimeiren about the same age?" Villager B: "I heard Lady Guronde is actually a bit younger. Though she's still older than Lady Hakuren."
Dos: "Wearing a swimsuit in that young form... Honestly, you—" Raimeiren: (Punches him silently)
Giral: "Why won't you show it to meee!" Guronde: (Punches him silently)
Ol: (Collapsed from exhaustion in the pool)