kscans

Chapter 267 - The Luncheon

"Today’s entire menu was made possible through the use of this magical device. First, of the two stacked compartments, the larger one on the bottom is kept at a temperature close to that of the Royal Capital in winter. The smaller one on top can not only preserve ice without it melting, but can also freeze water to create more."

As Noel spoke, Ricardo opened the lower door. Inside were rows of the exquisite aperitif from earlier. He had called it a formal gift, and I suppose that included its contents…

No, this was no time for such thoughts.

Sherry and Rilka approached the device with some hesitation.

"Like the edible flowers used in the salad, many vegetables, though it depends on the variety, can be preserved while maintaining their freshness."

Fresh ingredients could be kept longer, and for processed goods, it would allow for new methods that prioritized flavor and texture. Next, Dalgan explained how it could be used to preserve organ meats.

All the figures he gave were specific numbers of days during the harshest conditions of summer.

I see. Things like cheese and organ meats already existed. They simply had not been reaching places like the Royal Capital. This meant those products would now generate new wealth.

Alfina opened the top compartment. She took out frozen meat and some ice cream that had not been served earlier. Then, she placed a shallow glass filled with water inside. It seemed she planned to demonstrate later that it had frozen.

Plural explained its primary uses as a cooking implement. It was already incredible that it merely extended the storage life of food, but it also increased the variety of available foods and even added new cooking methods.

My head spun at the sheer scope of this single magic device’s influence. But…

"A magic device means it requires magic power to operate. How much power does it need?" I asked to confirm.

"Yes. A single standard crimson magic crystal, once set, will sustain the effect for half a year," one of Noel’s disciples said.

I believe she was the daughter of a count who had pleaded with Noel to become his apprentice in front of the academy’s experiment wing. Her posture was good, perhaps a result of her experience in developing this device.

One crimson magic crystal for six months. The royal palace and the knightly order’s storehouses held a vast quantity of magic crystals obtained from the last battle with the Magic Insects.

"What if a Mana Charging Furnace is used?"

"The efficiency of a magic crystal declines each time it is recharged, so obtaining new ones will be necessary for long term use."

"I see. Ricardo, how many of these do you intend to produce?"

"If we’re only talking about producing the winter box, I believe we could make one or two hundred a year with the same system we used for the magic wands. However, getting it onto a mass production line would require several months to half a year. That depends on the Magic Dormitory, of course…"

So in a few years, we would see several hundred, perhaps over a thousand of them. I suspect that once a person starts using this device, they will not be able to part with it. The nobility would clamor for one.

The magic crystals in our storehouses must be preserved to a certain extent as a provision for disaster. In that case, we may run short sooner rather than later.

This will involve trade with the Empire and the development of the Blood Mountains. The Empire produces crimson magic crystals and has an overwhelming number of Mana Charging Furnaces. This device could help correct the trade imbalance that has favored the Kingdom. I see, Maytyl’s cooperation must have been in anticipation of that…

Now then, as for Grand Duke Kurtheite… he must have realized it by now. The Kurtheite Ducal Territory has shrunk, and its industries like carriage making have flowed to Bertold. However, Tuvil Mountain holds the largest Magic Vent in the kingdom.

This was not a balance at all. It was as if Ricardo had him by the scruff of the neck from the very start.

Still, Ricardo and Alfina looked like nothing more than merchants introducing their finest products. But looking around, few people were foolish enough to mock them.

They had been made to confirm the power of Ricardo’s group with their own eyes and tongues. Though it seemed some were still fixated on the bottles of wine.

To obsess over rank and hierarchy at a time like this was out of the question. What mattered was how those present would react to this new information. I committed the attendees’ attitudes to memory as they listened to the explanation.

"And with that, we from Central Garden have concluded our presentation of our final gift."

While I was assessing the promising individuals, Ricardo wrapped up his explanation.

I had grown weary of the overly rigid procedures and ceremonies related to my ascension, so failing to request a detailed report on the menu was a mistake. I never imagined they would go this far…

Everyone in the hall, including the two groups on either side of me who had been trying to compete with Ricardo, was holding their breath, frozen solid. It was as if they had been turned to ice inside that box.

But I could not afford to freeze along with them. My reaction to this would reveal my caliber as a king and the direction of my policies.

"...As expected of my brother-in-law. Is this not a magnificent gesture?" I began, forcing a relaxed smile.

"With this magic device, organ meats and cheeses that never before reached beyond their production areas will now generate commercial wealth. Furthermore, the cuisine of the Kingdom will change greatly thanks to new cooking methods. And the value of the crimson magic crystals sleeping in the royal palace will rise, and trade with the Empire will flourish thanks to them…"

A murmur returned to the hall. I confirmed it, then continued.

"In other words, this is what you mean. The prosperity this magic device will bring to the Kingdom is your true gift. I shall say it again, as expected of my brother-in-law. This is a truly magnificent celebration."

I somehow maintained my composure, though I mentally added that he had gone too far.

The task of adapting the Kingdom to this change. How much work would that entail? I wanted to say that the enormous amount of work was the real gift.

Of course, everyone here, both nobles and merchants, would be swept up in it.

As my words permeated the hall, the complexions of everyone present began to change. Did they finally understand? Whether I favored Ricardo or not was not even the issue.

In fact, I had specifically chosen younger attendees to get them accustomed to this to some degree.

Well, in that respect, things were going according to plan. First, I needed to settle the important points.

"Now, having been presented with such a celebration, what reward should be bestowed upon Central Garden? This is quite the conundrum, is it not?" I said, deliberately feigning indecision.

"What say you, brother-in-law? How about granting Central Garden the authority to manage the distribution of magic crystals?"

At my words, the murmurs among the attendees grew louder. This was a concession that could become immensely powerful in relation to this new magic device. Well, Ricardo would not give the wrong answer.

"That is unthinkable. The management of magic crystals is closely tied to national defense and includes broad authority over the Mana Charging Furnaces scattered throughout the kingdom. The only body that can manage it is the royal palace."

He said it without a moment’s hesitation.

"I see. In that case, we must create a specialized department to handle it. Those who prepared this luncheon will need to offer us a great deal of advice from now on," I said, looking at the members of Central Garden.

With this, I would bring them into the fold of the Kingdom's structure. And protect them.

"The Lord of Calamity once said he would enrich the Kingdom by creating new products from his new city. Today, you have certainly shown us the results of that endeavor. I expect Central Garden, with the Lord of Calamity at its center, to continue contributing to the Kingdom in the same manner."

I had stated the most important point. Ricardo and the others knelt in response to my words. An air of anticlimax flowed through the hall.

They were wondering what had happened to the talk of a reward. But I had just given them what they desired most. They had no need for special privileges from the royal palace. What they needed was safety and freedom.

"Now then, I have thoroughly enjoyed these many novelties, but for the evening banquet…"

I looked toward the two groups on either side of me. Both could do no more than muster a stiff smile.

"Too many new things can upset the stomach. For dinner, I would like to enjoy the traditional flavors of the Kingdom."

At my words, my two other brothers-in-law showed expressions of blatant relief. Honestly, Ricardo, this is politics.

◇◇

"Your Majesty is quite the villain himself. The very people who were clamoring that ‘maintaining the Lord of Calamity’s current authority is unthinkable’ were relieved to see the status quo maintained."

The banquet had ended, and only the highest-ranking dignitaries of the Kingdom were gathered in the office. The first to speak was Euphillia. She was in a position where I wished she would feel a little more responsible…

"With Ricardo, any clumsy attempt to control him is ill-advised. The bigger problem is our response. One of Ricardo’s greatest strengths is his speed. The speed of his information sharing and decision-making, centered around him, is terrifying."

I suspected one of the reasons Ricardo insisted on remaining a merchant was to maintain that speed.

"We too must acquire a commensurate speed."

"You are quite right. However, unlike a group of ten or so, the Kingdom is…" Grynisias, who served as chancellor, said next.

He was right. It was only possible because they were a small, elite group. To put it bluntly, they could simply cast aside anyone who was not useful. But a country’s purview is everyone from the start. The royal palace that governs it cannot and should not adopt a policy of selecting a few. The organization would collapse before speed was even a factor.

"That is where the distribution of magic crystals comes in."

"It is a fine thing that the magic crystals gathering dust in the storehouses will be converted into wealth, but…" Grynisias trailed off, a thoughtful look on his face.

"As I said this afternoon, we will create a department for it. I identified several promising individuals at the luncheon earlier. We will gather talented people from every department, including the Magic Dormitory and the Chancellor’s Office. By having them report directly to me, we will accelerate decision-making. This department should give us an idea of how quickly we can execute policy."

And so, Grynisias would continue to handle general government affairs, and Tembelg would be responsible for most military matters.

"The nobility will welcome it, as it creates an entire new department’s worth of posts," Grynisias said.

"However, even with that, to continue as we have been is…" Tembelg began.

I recalled the scene at the banquet. It looked as though a Lord of Calamity faction might form in a single day. Even those who had been cozying up to my other two brothers-in-law were rushing to be first… though the man himself seemed to dislike it.

"You are right. We must strengthen our management of the universities. At this rate, the Royal Capital’s Magic Dormitory will lose its reason for being. What are your thoughts, Great Sage?" I asked Fulsy.

"A fair point. However, the greatest contribution I can make to closing the gap between the Magic Dormitory and the universities is to hasten the completion of the book I am currently writing."

He dodged the question. Well, a theoretical textbook on magic power itself and its measurement was certainly fundamental, I supposed. Besides, forcing this old man to manage people might just create more work for us.

"Arrange for an audience with Noel’s three apprentices in the near future."

"Understood," Grynisias nodded.

"I must also speak with Dalgan and the other merchants from Central Garden before they return north. Perhaps we should arrange for a less formal setting."

I wanted to drink with them. I was sure I would hear some interesting stories.

"For now, this is all we can do," I said, and everyone nodded.

"Speaking of which, after the luncheon I asked Ricardo if he had any other ideas for similar magic devices. Do you know how he answered?"

I posed the question to everyone. No one spoke. No, only Euphillia quietly turned her face away.

"You recall that imperial battering ram, do you not?"

"Yes. The one with the rotating metal spike."

"He replied by asking what would happen if you turned it sideways and attached wheels to both ends."

"...A horseless carriage?" Tembelg said, as if spitting out the words.

Euphillia sighed. Grynisias pressed a hand to his forehead.

Silence fell over the office.

"I told him to at least wait until the new department is up and running."

Good grief. I may have become king by utilizing Ricardo’s power, but being Ricardo’s king was no easy task.

Well, at least I would not be bored for the foreseeable future. I had no desire to sit on the throne lamenting my idleness.