kscans

Chapter 182 - Episode 3: Part One, The Crystal Chamber

　A jet black detection plate lay before us. It was the result of measurements taken while moving the tree ring samples left and right, and the detection plate up and down.

　Even if the magic power extracted from the tree rings was applied directly to Iris, no data could be obtained. The amount of magic power in the tree rings is far less than in low quality magic crystals, and furthermore, unlike magic crystals, a procedure for humans to extract magic power has not been established. This is especially true considering that magic power containing various wavelengths obstructs the flow of magic power.

「It's as expected, I suppose, if you think about it.」

　We nodded at Fulsy's words. The problem was how to overcome this.

「We can separate the tree rings year by year, and then extract the components that emit magic power. With this method, we can use a more concentrated sample than the tree rings themselves.」

　If it's a stick of tree rings one centimeter wide, assuming one year's growth of tree rings is five millimeters, that's roughly a 0.5 cubic centimeter sample. Moreover, the amount of magic power heading towards the measuring device through a slit is even smaller. However, with this method, we can use an entire year's worth of tree rings. If we concentrate the extracted sample, we can concentrate it even further. While it would require more effort, it would also make data unification much more difficult.

「Specifically, it's the same method as when we extracted the magic catalyst, isn't it?」

「I see. Iris 1's performance can be utilized at each stage of the extraction, too.」

「We'll have to ask Vinaldira for help.」

　The three of them began to consider my proposal. I felt bad for Vinaldira, who had said, "If things continue like this, the magic catalyst will become our main product, won't it?" but we would have to ask for her help.

「Ricardo kun.」

　A subdued voice called from behind me. I turned around to see Alfina standing there, looking apologetic.

「Oh, the time... I, I'm sorry.」

　Today was the day we were to head to the sanctuary for the crystal measurements. It was the highest priority task among the challenges we currently faced.

「Iris 1 is ready. I'm sure you know, but it's a precise machine, so please be careful with it.」

　Noel handed me the packaged Iris 1.

「It would be good if Noel could come along, but...」

　Originally, Noel was supposed to accompany me, but I insisted on confirming it with my own eyes. Firsthand information is important. However, this time Noel had an errand to attend to.

「I'm busy adjusting Iris 2, which will be installed in the Magic Dormitory, so...」

　Noel looked at the half finished magic power wavelength measuring device. Number 2 would be sent from the Magic Dormitory to the western Magic Vein Observatory, and was also planned to be used for current magic vein spectrum analysis.

「Then, what if I go?」

「Maytyl denka, that's...」

　Alfina made a troubled face.

「Just deciding whether or not to show the measurement results is a huge political issue. There's no way we could take you along.」

　I said.

「Then at least let me come here every day. My contribution regarding Iris 1 is obvious. Ricardo would prefer that, wouldn't he? Since he'd be able to see me every day.」

「I'm already asking about that...」

　I was concerned about Alfina, who was waiting.

「Unlike the two who live together, I can only meet you here, so shouldn't I be prioritized when I'm here?」

　Maytyl pouted.

「...And besides, the prophecies from the crystal appear in the middle of the night, don't they?」

　Maytyl looked at Alfina and me with a knowing gaze. What is she going to say now?

「In other words, you two will be alone in a small room all night, won't you?」

「Don't be ridiculous. Listen, this is a sacred sanctuary. Firstly, we won't be alone.」

　I looked behind Alfina. Clau and Luiza were standing together.

「Anyway, I'm counting on you for the tree rings. I'm relying on you when it comes to magic power.」

「Oh dear, am I being treated like a tool again? Well, if Ricardo says so, I suppose it can't be helped. When we succeed... French toast will be fine next time.」

　Maytyl grinned.

「With a mountain of salad, too.」

　We proceeded deeper and deeper down a corridor lined with stained glass windows on both sides, within the sanctuary standing next to the Royal Palace. The passing priests bowed their heads to Alfina, who had changed into navy priest robes. The fact that nothing was said to me, standing next to her, probably meant that the notification had been thorough.

「I was relieved that permission was granted sooner than I expected.」

　Permission for the crystal measurements was given quickly. There was no doubt that Craig and Euphillia had done their best, as promised. On the other hand, the agreement for anti monster technology development with the Empire had not progressed yet. They were likely still at the level of discussing the proposal to present to the Empire within the Royal Palace.

「Ricardo kun, you and Maytyl denka... you've become quite close, haven't you? You even call each other by name.」

「Isn't it normal for royalty to call commoners by name?」

「That... that might be true, but.」

　Alfina calls me "Ricardo kun" because we are classmates. I don't think that's normal. Well, I don't dislike being called that, though.

　The corridor ended in a T junction. Alfina turned right. As I tried to follow, three female priests stood in my way.

「Beyond this point is a sacred area forbidden to men.」

　The elderly female priest in the middle told me.

「Eh, no, even if you tell me that...」

　I held up Iris 1, which I was carrying in my arms. How am I supposed to take measurements?

「Vinder kun, this way.」

　Luiza guided me to the opposite corridor. Alfina looked back at me once, but was urged on by Clau and continued forward.

　Confused, I followed Luiza down the corridor. Turning a corner, we entered a narrow, windowless passage. At its end, there was a door with a large bolt. Luiza undid the lock. After going a little further, there was another locked door. It was exceedingly secure. What kind of place is this?

　Luiza opened the door, and I entered as she urged me. It looked like an ordinary room at first glance. Its size was perhaps a little smaller than Alfina's private room.

「Hey, this room... Wait!」

　I turned back, alarmed. Luiza was trying to close the door, leaving me behind. I rushed to the door, but it mercilessly closed right in front of me. From the other side of the door, I heard the gacha sound of a lock being dropped.

「Whatever is supposed to happen in this room, or whatever does happen in this room, Grand Duke-kakka and I will handle it. Please be prepared for that.」

　Incomprehensible words came from beyond the door. What is "whatever"? I came here to measure the crystal. And what exactly is "supposed to happen" in this room anyway?

　Is the crystal going to do something? If there's such a special secret, not telling me beforehand would interfere with the experimental plan.

　I looked around the room again. The first thing I noticed was the complete absence of ordinary windows. There was only a small skylight window on the ceiling. Lamps glowed softly in the four corners of the room.

　The walls were covered with something like tapestries, and the carpet was thick, giving it the feel of a noble's room. However, it looked somewhat faded, as if not used often. At the back of the room was a canopy bed. Upon closer inspection, there was another door beside the bed.

　It felt like a room where a masked king's twin brother might be imprisoned.

「I suppose there's no helping it...」

　I placed Iris 1, which I had brought, on the table beside the bed. There was a table, but no chair. As I started to look beyond the bed, I heard a kon kon sound nearby. I flinched and turned around.

「...Um. Ricardo kun. Are you there?」

　A small voice came from beyond the door next to the bed. I felt relieved at that voice.

「Alfina sama. Yes, I'm here.」

　The door slowly opened, and Alfina peered out. Through the gap, I could see the space on her side. There was a stone wall right beyond it, so it didn't seem very wide. I could see a spherical, transparent object resting on something like an altar. Considering Alfina was there, it seemed that the other side was likely the Crystal Chamber.

　In that case, this might be something like the Oracle Princess' waiting room.

　...Why is it built as if one enters from a different entrance?