Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 106

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 106   Planning ahead

“Here we are.”

Guided by Egon, Winona and I were taken aback. What we saw in front of us was significantly different from what I had imagined.

“Is, uh, is this the place?”

“Yes, this is it.”

Egon answered calmly without changing his expression. Winona and I exchanged glances, then returned our gaze to the front.

After returning to the mansion, Winona and I followed Egon’s guidance to the facility for magical tool development. However, this place was on the outskirts of the capital.

Guards with stern expressions stood at the entrance of the area. When Egon spoke, the guards prompted us to enter. Apparently, the area was off-limits to ordinary people.

Upon entering, we were faced with ruins. Several large buildings, worn down and dilapidated, stood in rows. It seemed that they had not been struck by any disaster; rather, they had aged and deteriorated over time.

Compared to other buildings, these were crudely constructed. The touch of a brick could cause it to crumble, and the ground was littered with wood chips. The creaking of wood could be heard here and there.

Desolate enough to be called a ghost town, the atmosphere was eerily quiet.

“This is an area densely packed with houses built in a previous era. The capital prioritized new construction and development over repairs and renovations, resulting in some areas with older buildings like these. This district, in particular, is composed mainly of ancient structures. It was abandoned and considered dangerous until recently, serving as a haven for vagrants and troublemakers.”

“A slum area, you mean.”

“Yes. However, there are other impoverished districts within the capital, and they offer somewhat better living conditions than here. Unless there’s a compelling reason, people tend to avoid this place. Some individuals who prefer to stay out of the public eye might be an exception. Recently, it has been renovated, and patrolling soldiers frequent the area, ensuring its safety.”

Egon gestured towards the soldiers with his eyes. Indeed, they seemed to be putting effort into security.

“Until recently, Lystia had a high number of monsters, making some areas conflict zones. During that time, Adon effectively took control of territories, leading to some disputes. Lystia was a developing nation in terms of technology, culture, and economy, focusing on the capital’s growth. However, only recently has it stabilized and turned attention to domestic development.”

“I see. That explains why there are no people around.”

“Yes. However, there are several facilities being used as warehouses now. Those are some of the repaired facilities, so it might be better not to enter other structures.”

“Understood. So, we’re heading to the repaired facility, right?”

“That’s correct. There’s a facility I’d like to show you first, so let’s head there.”

As Egon briskly walked ahead, Winona and I followed. It was eerie, with no signs of people. Strangely exciting, though—a situation where there should be inhabitants, but there were none. It gave a certain thrill.

“What I’ve heard is that they chose this place for development to avoid interference. The Merchant Guild is astute to such matters, and meddling with them could lead to complications.”

Duke Balkh also seemed to have his share of difficulties dealing with the Merchant Guild. Glast-san, during the development of lightning lamps and thunderstones, had negotiations with members of the guild. Merchants, wherever you go, are shrewd, cunning, and have sharp ears. They can be reliable allies, but turning them into enemies can be troublesome.

“Another intention might be to concurrently repair aging facilities while developing. After restoration, these facilities can be used as production sites. By securing production locations in advance, they can start manufacturing early and export to other countries.”

“You’ve thought it through to that extent?”

“Queen Milhya is a wise person.”

The area, if named as a development zone, might not have an exact size, but there were several large buildings. Assuming one facility has a side length of about 30 meters, there were at least five visible within the current range. Rebuilding might take time, especially for the partially ruined structures, but once everything is repaired, it could become a town of a decent size.

“The management of this zone will be entrusted to Shion-sama.”

“Huh? Th-the whole zone?”

“Yes. While we can’t grant you a territory, it was suggested that you manage an area within the capital. There are no residents or tax income here, so there won’t be any revenue. However, you are free to develop the zone as you like.”

“So, is this zone like my town?”

“Yes, think of it as an independent town within the capital. However, it doesn’t mean you have complete freedom. You can enjoy some freedom for developments that are approved and permitted. Also, one facility is already undergoing renovations for Shion-sama’s use.”

“Does that mean…”

“That’s it. We are renovating the largest piece of land within the capital, precisely there.”

Egon-san pointed to a vast garden, but it was surrounded by high walls, resembling a fortress. Perhaps it was constructed in preparation for enemy attacks. There were craftsmen repairing gates and walls, and the gate itself was made of sturdy iron, currently open, revealing the vast garden within the defensive walls. In the center, the remnants of a massive facility were visible, most of it in a collapsed and dilapidated state.

“Y-yeah, it’s in pretty bad shape.”

Winona timidly murmured, looking around curiously.

“What’s this place?”

“It’s a relic from a previous era. It used to be a fortress near the capital, built to fend off monster invasions. Initially located farther from the capital, as the city expanded through renovations and extensions, the fortress was gradually enveloped. It was a robust structure and fortification, a marvel of technology at the time, proving invaluable. This fortress served as the final line of defense.”

“So, it’s a monument to the achievements of the past era.”

It must have endured for many years. The walls and structures bore countless scars that were certainly not a result of natural causes.

“It seems they plan to repair the defensive walls to make them invisible from the outside. They intend to keep the garden spacious and rebuild the facility on a somewhat smaller scale, so it should be okay even if things get a little wild. However, they can’t make the facility too large.”

“What if there’s an explosion?”

“Well, as long as the walls don’t break, it shouldn’t be a problem even if the ground is gouged out. Sound might leak, but since this is a remote area, it shouldn’t be an issue unless it’s something significant.”

It seemed that the queen had accurately understood my requests beyond my expectations. This place could fulfill my wishes. The land here was several times larger than the estate I owned, although the central facility would be relatively small houses. It would still cost quite a bit of money, but the queen seemed to be planning to favor me significantly.

“However, it’s quite extensive… It must cost a considerable amount, right? Even though I say it myself, it’s probably a substantial sum.”

“When considering the entire development of the area, it might be equivalent to buying a medium-sized village. This land designated for you, Sir Shion, is just a part of that, but it’s roughly the cost of one estate.”

That makes sense, and for some reason, I easily accepted it. Most of it was being prepared for me by the queen. My sense of money has become warped. Even though I faced some financial difficulties growing up in Japan, after coming here, I’ve never had money troubles. I receive a salary, and there aren’t many things I desire. I rarely go shopping; at home, my parents buy everything for me. The only things I’ve personally bought are paper and a horse, both considered luxury items in this world. I’ve hardly… no, I don’t think I’ve ever made a cheap purchase. This isn’t good. At this rate, I might become a careless adult. I need to remind myself. But well, with the queen’s generosity, it seems her expectations for me are quite high. If things continue like this, the day may come when my goals are achieved, although that’s still a bit further down the road.

“Considering Sir Shion’s achievements, I believe this is a reasonable reward. We also take into account future considerations, and there’s an aspect of making an upfront investment.”

“Is the queen the type to feed the fish first and then not let them escape?”

“When you give bait to a caught fish, it becomes unable to swim away from that spot.”

Allowing obtained things to indulge in luxury makes that luxury seem natural. While it may seem like pampering at first, it’s a method of immersing someone in that lifestyle. Well, I don’t particularly get attached to something just because I have magic. So, this premise doesn’t quite apply to me, but offering a reward in advance does make it difficult to decline and encourages motivation. Perhaps that’s why she’s doing various things in advance. Even without all that, I intend to fulfill the assigned tasks—training for treating lazy syndrome and the development and creation of magical tools.

“May I ask about the details?”

“This is information for which I have obtained permission, so there is no issue.”

I see. I had the feeling Egon was unusually talkative, and it seems this is a topic already approved by the queen. This implies there are aspects he can’t discuss. I don’t intend to know everything, and it’s not a problem for now. However, this zone is quite extensive.

“Um, how long will it take for this to be completed?”

“Based on the estimates, it will take about three months for facility demolition, wall repairs, and overall land development.”

“I see. Three months… sounds just right.”

“Is there any issue?”

“No, it’s nothing. Uh, could you please hold off on the facility construction preparations? I have some considerations regarding the design.”

“Understood. I will report to Queen Milhya. Since it’s a facility for Shion-sama, I believe there won’t be any problems.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your cooperation.”

Now, this should be fine for the time being. I never expected such a perfectly suitable place. There’s a need for various preparations. It’s not the right time yet, but I should be able to achieve my goal soon.

“Wow! Shion-sama, this place is really spacious!”

A vast garden with only overgrown wildflowers. Since they’ve been growing unchecked, it doesn’t look neat, but there might be a natural beauty to it. Winona walked through it happily. Is it that unusual?

“Miss Olof rarely leaves her home, and it seems she has never ventured outside the capital.”

Olof is Winona’s last name.

“I see, so…”

Like a bird stretching its wings after being freed from a small cage, Winona seems to be flying around. The fairy I rescued in the forest behaved similarly. Winona has been smiling more than a few days ago. Gradually becoming more positive, facing herself, perhaps.

Will she eventually leave her father’s side?

Will the day come when she leaves the cage and soars into the vast sky?

Regardless of the choices she makes, I’ll be there to support her.

“Shion-sama, it’s time to go. We’ve kept the assigned personnel waiting.”

“Yes. Winona! We’re about to leave!”

“S-Sorry, Shion-sama! I’ll be back right away!”

Her usual timid expression returned, but the face of Winona rushing back looked refreshed and sparkled with curiosity. Discovering what one likes and dislikes, finding something enjoyable in life—that’s the key.

To her repeated apologies, I respond with reassurances multiple times.

It’s a familiar routine, but it’s a moment that feels pleasantly comforting.