Chapter 227 - Chapter 226: War Begins
The 1st Month of Water, the 1st Week, Day of Wind.
Mika was at the academy dormitory after school.
Knock knock.
He knocked on Paraleira's room, but there was no answer.
He turned the doorknob, but it was locked and he couldn't open it.
Helplessly, he went to the cafeteria, where the Cafeteria Ladies were preparing dinner in the kitchen.
"Hello."
"Oh, welcome. What's wrong? Is something the matter today?"
The Cafeteria Lady replied without stopping her nimble hands chopping vegetables.
"I came to see Paraleira-san. She hasn't been here whenever I've come recently."
"Oh, Paraleira. Speaking of which, she's been going out every day lately. For a while she was completely shut in, but these days she's out all the time?"
Apparently, after Mika forcibly dragged her out for a walk once, she suddenly became someone who goes out all the time.
What an extreme person. Really.
Another Cafeteria Lady brought out a drink.
Mika thanked her, took the glass, and took a small sip.
Is this fruit juice?
"Do you know what she's doing outside?"
"I haven't heard anything specific. It's much better than her staying shut in her room all the time. The Cafeteria Ladies are just letting her be, though."
She really isn't working at all, that person.
Is there such a workplace where that is allowed? In a way, is it her true calling?
Mika also wants to get a job like that in the future.
(How is the scientific research going? Is she doing research outside? Or is it something else?)
Speaking of which, she looked a bit strange during the walk.
I hope she didn't get involved in something weird... rather, I hope she didn't cause something weird.
Paraleira is definitely a type that charges forward blindly.
Once she takes action, she doesn't care about anyone around her at all, so I'm a little worried she might do something.
"If you notice anything about Paraleira-san, please pass a message to Messerite. Like if she's shut herself in again."
"Yes, understood. Thank you, Mika-kun."
Mika finished his juice and returned the glass to the Cafeteria Lady.
(Maybe Paraleira is just observing for now? If something happens, the Cafeteria Ladies will tell me.)
If she's healthy for now, it should be fine to leave her alone.
Mika thanked the Cafeteria Lady and left the dormitory.
Next, he arrived at the shabby house in District 3.
Oyaji-san, Adelriese, and today, the boss of the Underground Magic Tool Association, an old woman called the Great Mother, were present.
When Mika entered the shabby house, the three of them stood up.
Mika gestured with his hand for them to sit, and he took his seat as well.
But the old woman did not sit; instead, she came over to Mika.
The old woman seemed to be over sixty years old.
Yet, with a steady gait and straight posture, she approached with elegant movements.
Then, she knelt before Mika.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Alchemist-sama. I am Nozzemueller, the coordinator for the gathering of the Underground Magic Tool Association. Please take note of me from now on."
"Eh, ah, yes..."
Mika was more confused than the person who had given such a proper greeting.
I imagined the leader of people who run magic tool shops in the shadows would be more rough, more uncouth.
But this old woman was refined in appearance, and her movements were beautiful.
She must have received a solid education, and one could sense the years of accumulation behind it.
While Mika was flustered about what to do, Adelriese let out a bitter smile.
"Great Mother, over there. The boy is in trouble."
At Adelriese's words, the old woman slowly stood up.
"My apologies. Alchemist-sama, you generously provided us, the Underground Magic Tool Association, with very valuable materials and opportunities. I wanted to say a few words of thanks for that."
"N-no, that's not necessary. Just keeping the secret is enough."
"Of course. If the Underground Magic Tool Association were to leak this secret, the blame would be entirely mine. Though my life as an old woman may not balance the scales, please forgive me."
"T-that's not necessary. I understand your resolve, Nozzemueller-san. Also, please call me Mika. And, please stop calling me Alchemist-sama."
When Mika said this with a troubled face, Nozzemueller smiled softly.
(Does this person really run a magic tool shop in the shadows?)
Mika couldn't hide his surprise at this old woman, who seems to be called the Great Mother in the underground world.
But a few minutes later, Mika would be surprised again for another reason.
"This is the thread made from the 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' that was gifted as a down payment. The members of the Underground Magic Tool Association are currently weaving it... but it's quite difficult to weave. As for that part, we are taking a little time."
Amazingly, they had already realized processing the 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' into thread, which Mika was planning to ask them to do.
Hearing that permission to increase the research team had been granted by Adelriese, Nozzemueller apparently immediately selected three skilled technicians from her disciples and started research.
She said she started right away upon hearing the story that the thread was hard to make.
Mika and Oyaji-san stood dumbfounded, holding a small amount of thread for samples.
"To make it so easily..."
Oyaji-san's surprise, having struggled with this himself, must be far greater than Mika's.
Nozzemueller grinned and looked straight at Mika.
"You intend to weave a robe with pure 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' thread, right? If you supply the material, I can make the thread endlessly. What will you do?"
The initial refinement had vanished, and Nozzemueller's face as a material freak was now prominent.
Ah, I guess she's one of Adelriese's kind. I understand now.
"Understood. I will give you ten rods, so please produce the thread as much as possible first. To study weaving, we must first make the thread."
"Yes, leave it to me."
Nozzemueller nodded firmly at Mika's request.
Really, where did that initial refinement go?
"May I have the thread for now? I want to tinker with it a bit myself."
"I thought you'd say that, so I brought everything today."
Nozzemueller handed the wound thread to Mika.
How should I put it? This thread is so soft you wouldn't think it was originally metal.
(By the way, if I wrap this around my finger and pull, will my finger fall off?)
This thread seems to require quite a bit of care in handling.
As Mika fiddled with the thread, Nozzemueller's face became a bit serious.
"For processing into thread, I have increased [Lightweight] and [Toughness] via [Appraisal], but [Hardening] has not been applied. As for future research tasks, it is weaving and what to [Appraise] after weaving. It is not yet at a stage where we can research absorbing impact without blades passing through as armor."
"Yes. The top priority is establishing the weaving method. While producing the thread, please continue researching the weaving method."
Because the 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' thread has no [Hardening] applied, it can be cut with scissors.
Once this thread becomes cloth, we must apply various things like [Hardening] and find the [Appraisal] pattern that yields the maximum effect as armor.
It seems the road ahead is long.
With Nozzemueller joining, Oyaji-san's hands were freed, so Mika ordered weapons and armor made of pure 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum'.
"A short sword and boots, then. Is armor and gauntlets okay?"
"Wearing armor seems troublesome, so maybe not... When the cloth is ready, I'm thinking of making a vest along with the robe."
"I see. The boots will look like leather, then?"
"Yes. Please embed the 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' inside."
Basically, safety boots.
The aim is that while the appearance doesn't change much from before, it is solidly reinforced with 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum'.
Well, decorations like that would be a giveaway, though.
Thus, with instructions for the research and orders for the 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' given to each, they dispersed for the day.
After this, research funds and material costs must be transferred via the bank.
More than five hundred million Rats will disappear today alone...
Although, within a few days, over ten billion Rats from the sale of 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' are scheduled to be deposited.
The numbers are so huge my head feels like it's going crazy.
■■■■■■
The 1st Month of Water, the 2nd Week, Day of Sun.
Mika has had a high fever since last night, diarrhea, vomiting, and is refusing visitors.
That is what I'm saying, I am in Rish Village.
No, I am writhing in agony in my home bed, yes.
I certainly did not break the 'Order Prohibiting Movement Outside the Royal Capital'.
"I'm home!"
"Mika!?"
Amalia, who was cleaning the house, was shocked by Mika's sudden appearance.
"The letter said I couldn't return home this year..."
"Yeah, that's right. So I have a small favor to ask."
His usual style: smoothly brushing aside Amalia's doubts and cutting straight to his request.
"I want you to weave this into cloth."
Saying that, Mika pulled out thread made of pure 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum'.
Since the rice cake belongs to the rice cake maker, I decided to ask a weaver.
"......? With this? You can't make cloth with just this? A lot of thread is needed to make even one piece of cloth----."
"I know that. First, I want you to try and see if it's possible to make."
"Try?"
Amalia made a face as if she didn't understand.
"This is originally metal. I managed to process it into thread with special processing, but it seems difficult to turn it into cloth."
"......Metal? This?"
Amalia pinched and pulled the end of the thread.
"Ah, be careful handling it. If you wrap it around your finger and pull, I think your finger might fall off."
"Huh?"
"If you treat it like normal thread, I think you'll get seriously hurt. So, be careful."
When Mika gave that warning, Amalia's face twisted.
"I've already spoken to Horatio-san. I've already received permission to use the loom. Well, there probably isn't enough thread to use the loom yet."
Before coming home, I went to the factory first and talked things over with Horatio.
I had him adjust the loom usage fees and whether it would be okay for Amalia and Loretta to step away.
It's impossible for them to leave completely, but we decided on a compromise.
There is also a special clause that Mika will fully guarantee any damage to the loom.
They say a loom costs two million Rats per unit.
It's surprisingly cheap.
I'm thinking maybe I should have a few dedicated ones installed.
Amalia looked a bit panicked.
Or rather, is she turning pale?
"W-wait, Mika!? What? What does this mean? Explain it properly so Mother understands!"
Amalia was confused as Mika pushed forward with the conversation on his own.
Mika calmed Amalia down and had her sit for a moment.
Then, he explained how important it was to weave this thread into cloth.
"This is thread made from a special metal, and it's still in the research stage. More than ten people are currently involved in this research."
"That many?"
Since the details of the 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' were too heavy for Amalia, the explanation was quite abbreviated, but it couldn't be helped.
"The research team is paid two million Rats a month as a reward. Per person. Of course, I will pay Mother too."
"T-two million!?"
Amalia isn't being hired exclusively for research, but she thought it was fine.
But when Mika said that, Amalia frantically shook her head and hands.
"I know Mika is doing something important! But, I can't accept such an allowance! Especially such a huge amount of money!"
Amalia desperately refused.
This left Mika a little troubled.
"But, it can't be unpaid... Your work time will decrease. That means your income will decrease."
"That's perfectly fine. The money you sent and left behind is untouched, and I'm saving every month? Thanks to Mika, life has become truly easier."
It seems Amalia won't accept the money.
Mika crossed his arms and hummed, pondering.
(What should I do? Should I just rely on her here?)
It seems Amalia doesn't even have the concept of luxury.
Well, one could say that luxury in a village like this is limited.
Besides, if Amalia or Loretta ever run into money troubles again, Mika will have to pay anyway.
In fact, since that was the original intention, is there really a need to persuade her so hard right now?
(It's just a difference between whether I or Amalia holds the money. If you think of it as the same wallet.)
If you think of it not as an individual but as the Noisheim family wallet, it doesn't matter much who holds it.
Mika uncrossed his arms and looked straight at Amalia.
Then, he bowed his head politely.
"Thank you, Mother. Um, please."
When Mika said that, Amalia's expression relaxed, followed by a soft smile.
"Oh, Mika. You don't have to be so humble. I don't quite understand, but you are seriously doing something, aren't you?"
When asked by Amalia, Mika nodded firmly.
Seeing Mika like that, Amalia nodded as well.
"Understood. Leave it to Mother."
"If you need it, borrow your sister's help too. I've already gotten permission from Horatio-san for that."
"Oh dear. If you decide such things on your own, Loretta will get angry."
Saying that, Amalia laughed laughingly.
Thus, a secret detachment for weaving 'Rare Copper-type Metal: Orichalcum' cloth began to move quietly in this frontier village.
And, as a side note, I stopped by the church and made a donation as usual.
Fifty gold coins.
Loretta's face turned blue, then red, then white.
But I wasn't scolded like usual.
Good, good.
On the way back from Rish Village.
Mika came to the border defense wall.
I hear rumors every day about the Kingdom of Ektrem and the Gronoir Empire armies clashing, so I was curious about the actual situation.
"I can't see the Gronoir Empire army..."
Looking down at the Daburandoru Plains from above, only the Kingdom Army was visible.
It's unlikely this is after a battle.
Even if a battle had already occurred, it would be strange if the Kingdom Army was too orderly and fallen soldiers weren't scattered across the battlefield.
"Is the daily marching distance about twenty kilometers?"
Well, there are countless examples of moving faster, but normally people don't rush that much.
And normally, the larger the number of people, the slower the marching speed.
It is natural that there would be a difference in marching speed between a unit of ten to a hundred people and a grand army of ten thousand or a hundred thousand.
Probably the Empire Army is still far away and is currently heading this way.
(......Still, if they can move twenty kilometers in a day, it wouldn't be strange if they fought the day after tomorrow.)
You could scout by flying in the sky, but there is no way to convey that information.
Or rather, even if Mika didn't do that, the Kingdom Army would naturally send out scouts.
(I could strike the Empire Army if I wanted to.)
It looks like it would be troublesome later on.
Mika stared at the Kingdom Army from the sky.
As expected, I can't tell if there are tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of them just by looking.
The Kingdom Army was deployed a few hundred meters in front of the defense wall.
The height of the defense wall is about five meters.
For defense, it's a bit low.
It seems they intend to come out onto the plains and clash head-on.
I don't know if this choice is good or bad.
(......I'm counting on you.)
Muttering that, Mika flew away towards the Royal Capital.
■■■■■■
The 1st Month of Water, the 2nd Week, Day of Saturday.
Today I skipped special training and came to Cleiria's room.
I was invited to lunch at the academy, and after lunch, we drank tea slowly.
Enjoying black tea on a pleasant balcony bathed in sunlight, but the conversation was hardly lively.
Even for Cleiria, this situation of not knowing when war will start seems mentally quite taxing.
Usually she acts bravely, but today Cleiria invited me to lunch herself.
Cleiria didn't say anything specific.
She must have been holding a vague anxiety and couldn't stay still.
(For Cleiria, they are her father and brother.)
Right now, standing on the battlefield are Cleiria's family.
It's natural to be anxious.
It's okay, or something like that.
She probably isn't seeking such comfort.
But still, she wanted someone to be with her.
A somewhat heavy atmosphere.
Behind Cleiria stood the Nanny and the Knight Captain Mustajif.
Several other maids and knights were also waiting in the room.
Everyone, considering Cleiria's feelings, had solemn expressions.
As Mika gazed at the garden from the terrace, one knight ran from the gate toward the entrance.
"Did something happen?"
"Perhaps... Cleiria-sama. Excuse me for a moment."
When Mika muttered, Mustajif relieved another knight and went out of the room.
In this situation, a knight rushing to report.
It is probably news of the war starting.
Cleiria must have felt it too, as her expression was slightly stiff.
(......It has finally begun.)
For Mika as well, it is hard to say it is none of his business.
As expected, a reserve mobilization order won't be issued immediately, but still, as someone registered in the military, he cannot remain unrelated.
As Mika was in a gloomy mood thinking about the future, Mustajif returned.
But Mustajif's expression was severe.
Mustajif, a regular soldier entrusted with the captaincy, showing such an expression on his face was a bit strange.
The start of the war itself was known.
Even if the report arrived, he should have been prepared by now.
"Cleiria-sama. I apologize, please come this way."
Mustajif did not go out to the balcony but urged Cleiria to enter the room.
Cleiria glanced at Mika, then looked at Mustajif.
"It's fine, Mustajif. Report as is. Even if you don't say it, I will tell Mika."
"No, but..."
"Cleiria-sama."
Urged by Cleiria, Mustajif hesitated.
But Mustajif seemed to have made up his mind and looked straight at Cleiria.
His eyes were sharp, as if glaring.
"Two days ago, on the Day of Water. We have declared war on Gronoir."
There, Mustajif took a deep breath and swallowed hard.
"The Domain Army and the Kingdom Army have suffered devastating blows and retreated..."
"What!?"
"What did you say!?"
The news conveyed from Mustajif's mouth was the unexpected report of defeat for the Domain Army and the Kingdom Army.