Chapter 97.2

Entir let out a deep sigh, lamenting his predicament.

And on top of that, the Imperial Magic Tower doesn’t yet have the know-how for mana circuits. That’s why it takes so much time and money to make anything.

Arad reflected on yet another reason why the Imperial Magic Tower couldn’t replicate the North’s efficiency.

The Imperial Golden Tower did possess the concepts and technology for mana circuits—it was, after all, a legacy of the Golden Age.

However, they had only recently begun rediscovering and researching it, progressing slowly and methodically, as though memorizing multiplication tables one step at a time. Their efficiency was abysmal.

“Really… truly… enviable.”

Entir spoke as he gazed somewhere within the industrial complex.

His eyes landed on the wizards, their faces drawn and haggard, as they tirelessly worked on crafting mana circuits.

The sight of such high-level personnel being so thoroughly exploited made Entir look at Arad with genuine envy.

Arad, doing his best to ignore Entir’s burdensome stare, asked another question.

“The Bluetooth series wouldn’t sell well in the Empire, would it? Most cities there have a functioning water supply system.”

“I’d sell them to nobles or wealthy adventurers. Unlike the North, the Empire has a culture of travel since there aren’t many monsters. The same goes for subspace bags.”

“Travel… How enviable.”

This time, it was Arad’s turn to look wistfully in the direction of the Empire.

To be honest, Arad was well aware that the Bluetooth series would sell exceptionally well among the Empire’s and Kingdom’s nobility. He just needed an excuse not to sell them.

But Entir wasn’t buying it.

“There’d also be demand from merchant ships or the navy. Nowhere is water more precious than at sea. Before long, no respectable noble would step onto a ship or into an inn without a Bluetooth system.”

“The sea… Truly, truly… enviable.”

Arad expressed his admiration once more.

“?”

Entir couldn’t help but feel a small sense of victory at Arad’s response.

***

Entir finally departed for the Empire, his steps light but his hands burdened with heavy packages.

He had stayed an extra week beyond his planned departure.

What a persistent man.

In the end, Entir managed to secure contracts not only for the printing press and mechanical pulp machine but also for small quantities of the Bluetooth series and subspace bags.

I’ve reinforced the security enchantments, so there’s no risk of mana circuit leaks. Even if they did leak, it’s not something they could easily replicate.

Entir had clung stubbornly to the High Tower until the last possible moment, eventually securing more than a fair share of products.

At least I didn’t sell him the magical communication device.

Arad had firmly refused to part with the magical communication device.

He couldn’t risk the Empire and the North having quicker communication through it, which might lead to incessant demands for Arad’s presence in the Empire.

And frankly, Arad had no desire to listen to Entir’s whining via magical communication.

The High Tower’s constant demands are enough of a headache.

With a click of his tongue, Arad spurred his mount onward.

His steed, a top-class horse of impeccable lineage and training, increased its speed without the slightest hesitation or complaint.

Thanks to his custom saddle and the horse’s superior gait, riding felt as comfortable as traveling in a carriage.

Before long, Arad reached the Glory Palace in the High Tower’s inner city.

Carriages, likely from various parts of the North, were parked around the palace grounds.

“To think the royal court meeting would be convened again so soon…”

Lost in his musings, Arad murmured to himself.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“And all because of your request, sir.”

Hearing his words, Mary, walking beside him, couldn’t resist adding a comment.

“…”

“…? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Whenever Arad had to attend royal court meetings or visit the High Tower, Mary usually accompanied him.

She’s changed.

The bright, enthusiastic newcomer from her first day of work had long since disappeared, replaced by a seasoned, slightly jaded worker.

After silently observing the worn-down lady beside him, Arad replied briefly.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Dismounting with Mary, Arad strode forward confidently.

“Sir Arad~, it’s been a while.”

“Lady Isabelle.”

Inside the palace, Arad was greeted by Isabelle, chairwoman of the Renslet Mage Council and the Mage of Spring.

“Her Highness the Grand Duke, the ministers, and the officials from across the North are all gathered.”

“It seems I’m the last to arrive?”

Arad checked the time and frowned slightly. He thought he’d arrived on schedule.

The North’s concept of time is relentless.

Because of the cold, Northerners had developed a habit of doing everything promptly and efficiently, often arriving early.

This blasted 15-minutes-early culture—it’s like dealing with the navy.

Arad had momentarily forgotten that even the royal court adhered to this norm.

“The main character always arrives last, don’t they?”

Noticing Arad’s flustered expression, Isabelle teased him with a playful tone.

“Those kinds of remarks can get you in trouble. Let’s go.”

“Hohoho, alright.”

Isabelle, who Arad hadn’t seen in a while, seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.

“How’s your project to compile all known magic progressing?”

“Splendidly. Soon, we’ll be able to establish a unique school of thought for the Renslet Mage Council.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“As an honorary vice-chairman of the council, you’re welcome to observe or even learn. Though I wonder if we have anything left to teach you—you’re always the one teaching us…”

“Hahaha, I’m sure there’s plenty I can still learn. I’ll be sure to ask when something comes up.”

“Really? Teaching the Northern Sorcerer—it’s thrilling just to think about it! Feel free to ask through the magical communicator anytime!”

As they conversed, Arad and Isabelle headed toward the royal court.

As always, the closer they got to the court, the quieter Mary became. Usually a reserved person, she now seemed as though she was practicing a vow of silence.

Is she still nervous around Arina and the ministers?

Noticing Mary’s slightly tense demeanor, Arad shrugged lightly.

He had no intention of meddling further.

This is as far as I go. If she’s satisfied at this level, I should respect that.

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