Chapter 209.2

Chapter 209.2. Karen’s Financial Situation

-Karen’s POV-

The Grand Mage picks up the gemstone and observes it closely, nodding in agreement.

“As expected. With this, it should be usable.”

He tosses the gemstone, and Viscount Aburage catches it, using [Magic Sensing] to make his eyes glow with mana.

“Yes, you’re right. This is unexpected.”

“Old man, you’re quite something! I looked at the design for Wartan, and it’s extraordinary. I’ll acknowledge you as a genius, right after Lug-chan!”

“Um… What does all this mean?”

Viscount Aburage and Lug look at the gemstone and discuss something, but I can’t understand the content of their conversation.

They should have known that it can conceal mana. What’s going on?

Perhaps noticing Karen’s gaze, Viscount Aburage smiles lightly.

“Your [Mana Stealth] is a magic that conceals mana. That’s right, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I can conceal mana up to intermediate-level magic, although advanced-level magic is beyond my capability.”

“Yes, from that, the Grand Mage has come up with an idea.”

“[Mana Stealth] has the power to keep mana contained inside. That’s the idea.”

Viscount Aburage explains, and Lug interjects with a laugh.

“Containing mana. In other words, it suppresses the release of unnecessary mana. The demonstration is complete. That should be satisfying, right? Now we can study the magic structure we’ve confirmed. It will be a degradation, but it should be sufficient.”

With a solemn voice and a bored snort, the Grand Mage speaks. Feeling down about my stupidity even after being explained to, Takano Miu-sama pokes my side.

“Suppressing the release of mana. In other words, it seems like it can increase the output because it suppresses the unnecessary mana emitted from the mana drive, Karen-oneesan.”

“That’s right. Based on our assumptions, we aim for a 5% increase in output.”

The Grand Mage nods, resting his cheek on his hand.

“I can’t replicate ordinary proprietary magic, even if I used a magic circle, it would be far inferior. But somehow, we can do it.”

“No, you can’t normally do it! What’s going on in that old man’s head? Teach Lug-chan that knowledge!”

It seems like it’s a magic circle that only the Grand Mage can create.

Lug tugs at the hem of the Grand Mage’s robe, pleading with him.

“It will probably be possible to use this on all existing magic tools. It will have a significant impact on the magic tool market.”

“Damn it! You say it so casually, but this basic magic circle, it’s not something ordinary people can create! You created it, right, old man? What are you? Why don’t you teach Lug-chan a bit of that knowledge?”

As Viscount Aburage smiles gently, Lug raises the tablet device and enthusiastically taps on the monitor displaying a magic circle.

“I only have the pre-incorporation blueprint. I’ll examine the structure of this magic and add the composition information to the magic circle. Then I’ll hire someone suitable for the enchantment magic. It will become a ritual magic. So extensive preparation will be necessary.”

“Leave the manpower to me. I have also expanded my connections.”

Takano Yoshiyuki-sama says with a smile. I wonder if it’s just my imagination, but I feel like something difficult is happening.

“If Karen-san uses the magic circle and applies [Magic Stealth], the performance will change, right?”

“It would be better to use it on a dedicated machine. With original magic, its power will also change. If applied to the mana drive, its performance should increase by 20%.”

Hearing Takano Miu-sama and the Grand Mage’s conversation, I’m starting to understand the meaning of my magic.

Could it be…?

“You won’t use [Magic Stealth] for assassinations or shady activities anymore. From now on, you’ll use it for creating dedicated machines. By suppressing the mana released externally and increasing the output, everyone will seek your magic.”

“That’s wonderful, Karen-san! You’re going to be busy from now on!”

“Can I have my dedicated machine modified right away?”

“And Tamamo’s too, pretty please!”

After Viscount Aburage’s words, Takano Miu-sama starts gently patting me. Teijou Yamiyo and Aburage Tamamo already make their requests.

“Could it be… um, the research won’t be using my magic for shady purposes?”

“Nope! I won’t use it for that. I always thought we could use it to increase mana output from the beginning!”

Seeing Takano Miu-sama’s bright smile, I feel like crying with joy.

My Katou family’s magic has always been said to be useful only for shady and dirty work. And so it has been, leading us to become wanderers.

Life has been difficult. Many who were silenced after using magic are part of our past.

That’s why I’ve lived in hiding.

I thought I have to conceal my dangerous and useless original magic. That’s why I was trying to place my brother in an orphanage, unconnected to Katou family.

I wanted him to live in a place where the sun shines.

But it seems that things will be different from now on.

“You’ll be busy from now on. Nice to meet you, Katou-san.”

Polini-san smiles gently and nods, causing tears to well up.

“I-I’m glad, so glad…”

While receiving everyone’s kind gazes, Karen Kato bursts into tears of joy.

It seems that deciding to follow Takano Miu-sama was not a mistake.

“I’ll keep that trunk case for you, Mii-chan.”

“I can’t let the young lady do such work.”

I caught sight of the two of them pulling on the trunk case, but I pretended not to notice, moved by the scene.

Couldn’t they have read the atmosphere a little bit?