Chapter 302 - Chapter 301: An Apostle's Certain Day, Part 4
Stepping out of the Court Magic Institute, the sun had already slanted quite low.
To finish the last errand of the day, I headed for the Kingdom Army garrison stationed in the southwest of the capital.
Mika tried to finish all his errands in a single day so he could stay cooped up at home on other days.
That was why there were days, once or twice a month, where he had to tackle an overly packed schedule.
Of course, he couldn't just go outside only on those days, but he made sure to finish most of his business.
He got off at the main gate of the garrison and was led by soldiers to the front of the supply warehouse.
Waiting there were Minister of Military Affairs Tsudazen, the old knight commander of the army, and several soldiers.
"Sorry. Did I make you wait a little?"
"Not at all. We were just talking about the supplies."
Tsudazen replied with a smile, turning to today's negotiation.
"How many communication devices will be delivered this month?"
"............You don't even need to ask. Including the antennas, all of them."
"As always."
When Mika smiled brightly, Tsudazen let out a large sigh.
It had been the same exchange every month for a year.
"............Can't you give up the technology for the communication devices? If there are conditions, then―――."
"I don't have any conditions I want. If it's the actual goods, I'm selling them at a bargain price, aren't I?"
Mika was receiving personal favors from the Minister of Military Affairs.
This included Rimliche's treatment and having guards assigned to his house.
While it could be said that assigning guards for a national figurehead is natural, he was still grateful to Cranzard and Tsudazen for these things.
So, he was only charging them for the manufacturing costs.
Even then, for pure "Copper-type Rare Metal [Orichalcum]," he was calculating the price as if it were silver.
In the country, even if they obtained the technology, they eventually couldn't get the materials, and the material costs would be three or four orders of magnitude higher than Mika's sales price.
What exactly was the complaint?
"My Lord wants to put it on the production line and popularize it all at once. Apostle-sama."
The army commander, who had been listening to Mika and Tsudazen's exchange, stepped in to mediate.
"Well, it is true that popularization might take some time... but..."
"We want to lay out the communication network all at once and establish an immediate response system. That's why―――."
"I'm not selling it."
To Tsudazen's forceful argument, he coldly poured a bucket of water.
"Have you forgotten? Because only we had communication devices during the chaos in the capital a year ago, we were able to hold back the Kingdom Army."
Only Mika and the others at the front lines were able to learn of the changes in the Royal Castle earliest.
And using the anachronistic method of issuing a flood of command documents, they threw the Kingdom Army into confusion.
If there had been a direct line [Hotline] from the King [Kernils] to the army commanders of each garrison at that time, the three armies stationed near the capital might have had to deal with a situation where they had to fight the enemy.
Direct orders could have gone to the Kingdom Army stationed at the border, leading to a situation where they had to withdraw from the border.
"Do not easily depend on it just because it's convenient. It is better to establish safety valves [Safety], such as ensuring the communication infrastructure doesn't cut off or that important orders cannot be issued easily by the Emperor's sole discretion. This is advice as a special consultant. Technologies and concepts that break existing common sense are double-edged swords."
Lacking experience, there is also the danger of collapsing all at once if something irregular occurs.
Communication, in short, if information is misused, the kingdom could be destroyed.
Originally, a nation at this level of cultural standard is that precarious.
Until recognition and experience regarding such matters accumulate, he had not considered releasing the technology.
"Please get used to it little by little. It's good to lay out only the important bases first, but prioritize safety."
After saying that, Mika narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice slightly.
"............If you can't understand, shall I actually show you? Throw the Kingdom Army into confusion and make the Emperor end up in the underground dungeon."
Tsudazen and the army commander both grimaced and swallowed hard.
A tense atmosphere flowed.
"...W-we don't need to go that far. I don't intend to slight your advice."
Hearing Tsudazen's reply, Mika smiled brightly.
"Let's learn from past lessons and build a solid posture. A nation that won't waver even if a fool [Pe] sits on the throne."
"Pe-kado-no?"
The old knight made a face as if he didn't understand at all.
(It would be ideal to have a posture where nothing can be done by just one foolish king. Should we take away the king's power and delegate all authority to the parliament? The Am-Tast Trade Alliance is close to that form.)
But he refused a nation where the House of Nobles wielded such power.
Popular sovereignty.
Even if not going that far, couldn't they establish a system to somehow contain the nobles?
A mechanism to lower incompetent nobles and arrogant nobles to the status of commoners?
(............Even if not built into the system, would the subjects balancing out by having military power work?)
Threatening them with "We'll rise up and crush you if push comes to shove" would also be effective.
It seems like it would become a very grim country though.
Or rather, this is exactly what the former King [Kernils] feared.
Still, he wanted to do something about the current situation where commoners were unilaterally exploited and trampled over.
Thinking of such a state subversion plan with a smile on his face.
While saying "building a solid nation" with his mouth.
But it was also a fact that kingdoms and empires that were too huge would inevitably collapse.
Perhaps it would be the most peaceful direction to enact a constitution, set limits on the king and nobles' authority, and protect the rights of the commoners.
For now, he decided to confirm the schedule for the delivery of this month's communication devices and antennas, then head home.
Tsudazen seemed to be returning to the Kingdom Army headquarters, so they walked together for a while.
As they were walking, a voice came from behind.
"Oh, it's Mika."
Turning toward the voice, there was a group of mages who looked like new recruits.
There were Messerite, Murt, and Cecilia, who had chosen the Kingdom Army Mage Division.
Tsudazen, who was standing next to Mika, also turned around, and the group grimaced and saluted in unison.
"S-sorry, My Lord!"
"Sorry!"
Seeing that, Tsudazen looked at Mika.
"Don't you know each other?"
"Yes, those three were from the same academy in the Leventein territory."
"Oh, I see. They're here for new recruit training [Boot Camp]."
It seemed they were here for training at this garrison.
"Can I borrow the three for a moment?"
"Today's training should be over anyway. Is it okay?"
Tsudazen said that and gave instructions to the other mages to leave.
The three left behind remained stiff as boards, continuing to salute.
"Then, see you again. Next week."
"Yes, see you. Please take good care of us, Apostle-sama."
Saying that, Tsudazen left.
Once Tsudazen was far enough away, the three let out a large breath and broke their posture.
"Hey, hey. Isn't it too early to let your guard down? I'm part of the Integrated Operations Headquarters too, you know?"
Only those of the rank of Battalion Commander could participate in meetings of the Kingdom Army Integrated Operations Headquarters.
For this reason, even though it was a temporary position as a special advisor attached to the headquarters chief, he was treated as equivalent to a Battalion Commander.
Though he had no authority or responsibility.
He had no voting rights, so he really could only speak up.
He was just a loudmouth.
Well, if necessary, he would show a hint of his cards [Card] to guide them.
Since he could speak up.
"Why was the Minister of Military Affairs there! It was shocking!"
"Even if you ask why, it's just part of the job..."
Cecilia said half-angrily.
Well, he couldn't blame her for wanting to complain.
Mika himself used to be bored just thinking about getting involved with nobles and such.
Familiarity is scary.
"It's because you spoke up unnecessarily."
Saying that, Murt hit Messerite on the head.
"It's Mika's fault for being in such a place!"
"Hey."
Messerite, who had been hit, pointed at Mika and accused him.
Wasn't that unreasonable?
And so, they talked about their recent situations in their usual manner.
"............Running every single day while being yelled at by a devil instructor, doing athletic drills, and practicing [God's Miracle] until the verge of mana depletion."
Cecilia muttered with a weary expression.
"Mika is cheating. You're just relaxing at home alone, right?"
With a suspicious look, she complained about Mika's special treatment.
"The King, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Finance. Marquis Leventein, Margrave Yusdin, Director General of Magic, and the Minister of Military Affairs..."
Mika counted them off on his fingers, one by one.
"............What's that supposed to mean?"
"People I met today. Want to switch?"
Smiling brightly like that, Cecilia grimaced.
"You're still incomprehensible, you know."
Murt said with an exasperated look.
And so, he listened to the complaints about training that kept popping up one after another.
There, Cecilia suddenly changed her expression.
"By the way, how is Rimliche doing? Is she doing well?"
"She's fine. She's more energetic than me."
When Mika said that, Cecilia smiled happily.
"Please take care of her. She went on a different path alone, so I'm worried."
Cecilia's big-sisterly nature hadn't changed.
Since they couldn't meet face-to-face as before, she seemed worried.
"She's staying at my place, and there doesn't seem to be any particular problem. She's knocking out tough guys who weigh several times more than Rimliche every day."
When Mika said that, Messerite looked a bit taken aback.
Murt muttered "Seriously..."
"When she's a bit more grown, I intend to officially make her my bodyguard. Then, we might be able to meet like this."
After talking like that, they parted ways with the three.
Having someone you can talk to casually like this is nice.
Reuniting after a few months was a bit happy.
Messerite.
After serving ten years of military service, he retired.
He started a business in the capital.
Taking advantage of his connections [Connection] with Mika, he quickly got his business on track.
He often listened to Mika's advice that "if you do shady business, you'll be punished," and gained a reputation as a conscientious trading company.
When his younger brother's inherited family trading company was on the verge of collapse, he saved it by absorbing it.
Thus, Messerite officially inherited the headship of the family.
The scale of the trading company wasn't quite a large store, but its major clients included the Royal Palace, Ministry of Military Affairs, Court Magic Institute, Magic Academy, Church, Adventurer Guild, and Information Broker Guild.
As a mid-sized trading company, it was loved by the people of the kingdom for a long time.
Murt.
Even after finishing ten years of military service, he stayed in the army and continued as a mage.
He stuck to his field-first approach with no interest in promotion, but reluctantly accepted the position of company commander up to a certain point.
Somewhat taciturn, he was a captain like an older brother who took good care of his subordinates, and was popular among them.
He also participated in the invasion of the old Gronoir region, and even after retiring due to old age, he worked to train the next generation as a practice instructor at the Magic Academy.
Cecilia.
After finishing her military service, she retired quickly and got married.
She became a mother of three children.
One of the children became a mage.
The other two also became knights.
"She voluntarily became a soldier... I spend days worrying endlessly."
She continued her friendship with Rimliche and Charl, and it is said they were lifelong friends.
■■■■■■
Mika was flying through the darkening sky.
His destination was the warehouse district of District 3.
To convey the delivery schedule for the communication devices and antennas.
Mika continued flying past the warehouse district and activated stealth camouflage.
He disappeared and returned to the warehouse district, hiding in the shadows.
He watched for a while while invisible, then began to move.
Approaching a deep, seemingly unused warehouse.
Instead of using the large entrance for loading, he went around the side of the warehouse.
He entered a place where wooden boxes were stacked cleverly so they couldn't be seen from the surroundings, and deactivated the stealth camouflage.
Knock knock knock, knock, knock.
He lightly knocked on the door and waited for a moment.
Then, the lock was unlocked from the inside.
Entering, there was the owner of Adelriese's shop.
"What's wrong? Weren't you not coming this month?"
"Well, it was a whim. To deliver the order from the Ministry of Military Affairs."
"You'll probably say 'send whatever you have' again, won't you?"
At the man's reply, Mika laughed without making a sound.
Since the content was always the same, he often contacted them via Lebrantes to just get the results.
Actually, Adelriese's magic tool shop had already closed down.
It wasn't because they were raided, but the store had burned down in the disaster a year ago.
They hadn't been hit directly by the laser fired by Hildinlander, but the surrounding area caught fire, and they were burned in the conflagration.
There were no human casualties for Adelriese or the other research teams.
However, several of the research teams' bases had been damaged.
So, they urgently needed another base.
Since there was a need to manufacture a large number of antennas, they decided to prepare a large place and make them all together there.
Incidentally, since they also made items that couldn't be manufactured or sold openly, various tricks to deceive were applied to this warehouse.
While being led by the man, Mika spoke.
"How is the new model?"
"It seems to be progressing quite difficult. Can't you relax the requirements a bit more?"
The man glanced at Mika.
"The prototype is fine with that. But the final form won't change."
Hearing Mika's reply, the man shrugged his shoulders.
Currently, research on the successor model of the communication device was also progressing.
Well, calling it a successor model, but in reality, it was just a telephone.
He intended to shift from the current dedicated direct line [Hotline] to a number system.
"I have time. You can take your time working on it."
With the current dedicated direct line [Hotline], they would first establish the communication network.
After selling that off, they would replace it with "The successor model is ready, isn't it convenient?"
He intended to make the antennas incompatible on purpose, making them dedicated antennas.
This would require laying out the communication network again.
It can't be helped. Technological innovation is like that.
The man grimaced at Mika, who was putting forward a plan to sell as much as possible, assuming from the start that it would require a complete overhaul.
It was a sample of what happens when you monopolize the market.
If an anti-monopoly law were to be enacted in this country, maybe it would be because of me.
Well, strategies using a dominant position were commonly practiced in this country.
It would still take a long time for economic activities to mature and for laws to be established.
Passing between the tables where each part was being created, he headed for the table where Adelriese and the new model research team were.
"Oh, you're here. Something wrong?"
"Weren't you not showing your face this month, Apostle-sama?"
Adelriese, noticing Mika, spoke to him.
Nozzemueller glanced sideways at him and resumed the work at hand.
It seemed he was doing some delicate work.
Frowning deeply between his eyebrows, he was attaching parts with careful hand movements.
"That's not the case. I just stopped by for a moment."
Mika stared intently at Nozzemueller's hands and conveyed the contact matter for now.
"Send out everything that was made this month."
"Understood. ...By the way, how is the new bracelet?"
Adelriese pointed to Mika's left wrist.
"Oh... I guess it's fine. Probably."
He didn't know because he hadn't tested it.
At Mika's unreliable reply, Adelriese gave a wry smile.
Previously, Mika had equipped a magic tool for mana stabilization, a heavy-duty bracelet, and a Tranquilizer [Tranquilizer].
But the magic tool for mana stabilization broke, and the heavy-duty bracelet was given to Rimliche.
Now, thanks to Fee, Mika no longer needed a magic tool for mana stabilization.
Even if he manifested [God's Miracle], he wouldn't have to go all-in [All-in].
And, also thanks to Fee, the Tranquilizer [Tranquilizer] was no longer needed.
Since he was partially fused with Fee, it seemed she was also suppressing the "Power [Potestas]" and "Will [Voluntas]" inside Mika, which were combined in a bad way.
Originally, Fee could release the combination of "Power [Potestas]" and "Will [Voluntas]" that was different from Mika's.
Mika had released the combination in the form of a Curse.
Fee was releasing something [·] that [·] invisible.
That thing that only Nerisfeene could see.
It seemed the combination inside Mika, which was close to a Curse, was also difficult for Fee to release.
But interference itself was possible, and it could be suppressed.
Thanks to that, he didn't scatter killing intent even without the Tranquilizer [Tranquilizer], nor did he forget himself in anger.
No, unless something really made him snap, unrelated to mana pollution.
Like some foolish noble somewhere.
It seemed the influence of mana pollution was not completely absent, but it looked like the worst state could be avoided.
However, the mana pollution itself proceeded normally.
It was just that symptoms could be suppressed.
So, if he used magic based on emotions too much, there was a high possibility that even Fee couldn't suppress it.
That point required caution, but for now, the person [Fee] said it was a level he didn't need to worry about at all.
So, Mika was in a state where all magic tool accessories were gone.
But the resistance set of the heavy-duty bracelet, honestly, he thought "It's a bit of a pity."
So, he had a bracelet made with just the resistance boosted.
It took more than six months to produce this.
Simply put, the market chaos was severe, and he couldn't gather materials as he wished.
He even hired adventurers and sent them to the Am-Tast Trade Alliance and the Seven Duchies Federation to buy them.
Even so, they couldn't gather as he wished, so he had them bought in several batches, and finally completed it last month.
Mika rolled up his sleeve slightly and showed it to Adelriese.
"I don't think drinking poison is a good idea, and I don't want to get paralyzed. If there are no problems in the test, that's fine."
After hearing about the current research problems, he gave instructions like he told the man, "I have time," so they wouldn't push themselves too hard.
After confirming what needed to be confirmed and instructing what needed to be instructed, Mika finally headed home.
Nozzemueller.
Several years later, he resigned as the representative of the Underground Magic Tool Association due to old age and designated Adelriese as his successor.
He spent his remaining years as a magic tool freak [Freak] and a material freak [Freak].
He also opened a free magic tool class, teaching children about the mechanisms of nearby magic tools, and devoted himself to enlightenment activities regarding magic tools.
Sometimes the Apostle would drop by and leave secret blueprints.
Nozzemueller seemed to enjoy making those one-of-a-kind magic tools whose purpose was unclear.
The disciples saw Nozzemueller happily making things like 'Sensakuki' and 'Kansouki' without knowing how to use them.
Since all the actually produced items and blueprints were taken away by the Apostle, the mystery of "What on earth was that?" was passed down for a long time.
Adelriese.
One of the things that increased the value of the Apostle Mika was the existence of various magic tools.
And the ones actually producing those magic tools were the Underground Magic Tool Association.
Mika and the Underground Magic Tool Association led by Adelriese maintained a strong connection, and their relationship of trust was solid.
Also, at this time, the Underground Magic Tool Association was producing many magic tools using large amounts of high-purity rare metals.
Therefore, the existence of alchemists was whispered, but the Underground Magic Tool Association continued to deny the connection.
Externally, they treated the Apostle [Mika] and the alchemist as separate individuals.
The Underground Magic Tool Association's continuous consumption of large amounts of magic tool materials caused the prices of materials to soar for a long time.
To make materials easier to obtain, the Underground Magic Tool Association brought the Magic Tool Association [Magic Tool Association] under its umbrella and built its own distribution route.
It penetrated part of intercontinental trade, and large amounts of materials from all over the world gathered in the Kingdom of Ektrem... secretly.
The Underground Magic Tool Association, which was a small organization of less than a hundred people, grew significantly during Adelriese's era, becoming an organization that had a huge impact on the world market.
In the underground world, rumors were whispered as if true that organizations that opposed Adelriese would be struck by Divine Punishment [Divine Punishment]... or something like that.