Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 57

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 57   Progress report 11th day

The expression of Duke Balkh sitting across from me is stern. Though silent, he embodies the dignified duke.

“Haaaa, I can’t take it anymore… Can’t someone else do it…”

Duke Balkh lets out a conspicuous sigh while uttering pathetic words. It’s the second time we’ve met in person, but he left such a strong impression that he’s unforgettable.

Eleven days since the onset of the Lazy Syndrome.

Exactly one week since I first met Duke Balkh.

Dad and I had visited the duke’s house to report.

The same guest room as before.

There, Dad and I were in the midst of reporting to Duke Balkh.

“That’s the situation. I think there has been some progress in treating the Lazy Syndrome, especially regarding the magical reaction of Cutthroat Trout.”

In the end, Trout didn’t react to magic and didn’t turn into charcoal.

I think this is a significant discovery.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s appreciated. Shion is excellent! I’m glad I left it to Shion. Truly, I’m great!

However, the medical field is quite complex; you can’t just easily dive into it. Because it has unique powers. Just like the Commercial Guild, the medical field is a grateful yet troublesome entity. Oh, I can’t stand it… So, can you keep doing what you’re doing?”

This seems to imply that what we can do from our side has its limits, and it’s not as easy as I thought to give orders to people in the territory. I’m unlikely to know the inside story.

I wanted to transfer mildly affected Lazy Syndrome patients to Dr. Alfonse’s clinic, but if it’s not possible, there’s nothing we can do.

“Understood. We’ll continue like this.”

“Mm! Well, you know, there’s hardly any progress report from the doctors. They’ve been administering unfamiliar herbs, trying various treatment methods, and there are plenty of reports saying that the condition improved a bit, but…”

“Doesn’t that mean there’s progress?”

“Nope. There’s none. They just don’t want to report that they haven’t done anything. Doctors have pride, you know. It’s quite troublesome. What’s important is solving the problem… and maintaining the status quo! If there are no issues and we can live in peace, that’s good enough! Right!?”

Right!? Right!? He throws a glance at me as if asking for confirmation. I can’t tell if he’s competent or not, but I can agree with his thoughts.

“Yes, I’ll do my best to cure Lazy Syndrome.”

“Great! Gawain-sama’s son is excellent. Beyond his ten years.”

“…I’m humbled.”

In response to Duke Balkh’s hearty laughter, my father politely lowers his head. The reaction seems positive.

This person is easy to talk to, or rather, he seems to reveal his true self. He has a close sense of distance with people. I had the impression that dukes would be more imposing.

“That’s all regarding the Lazy Syndrome. As for monsters, powerful ones have been appearing sporadically near Istria. Other than that, I think there’s nothing unusual. The red light at night hasn’t appeared for about ten days either.”

“Hmm… I see.”

Duke Balkh answers while playing with his chin beard.

“What do you mean by ‘I see’?”

“Indeed. Yesterday, the messenger we sent to Sanostria returned. Apparently, a large number of Lazy Syndrome patients have emerged in the capital, and it seems neighboring countries are experiencing the same. However, there were no reports of attacks by monsters like the Wraith or invisible creatures.”

“So, is it a phenomenon unique to Istria?”

“For now, yes. Similar phenomena may have occurred in other parts of the world. However, currently, it’s only Istria. Moreover, there haven’t been any repeated incidents since the first day. We still have them carry the ‘temporary’ lightning lanterns when walking around, but there are growing complaints. Lightning lanterns are convenient but fragile, and many are more accustomed to carrying torches or lamps.”

“The lightning lanterns were distributed as a measure against Wraiths. If they prove ineffective or there are no monsters requiring such measures, they become entirely useless. Torches can’t be used in the rain, but lightning lanterns, with their cases, can be used as a light source without issue. While there are advantages, it’s understandable that some find them difficult to handle. After all, they were originally designed to be stationary.”

“But when the Wraith appears again, you’ll be unilaterally killed. It’s fine if it’s just a needless worry, but being attacked and killed without preparation would be disastrous.”

“Uh, well, I understand that, but the evidence consists of your two opinions and the fact that you were attacked by something invisible. Initially, one might think it’s the work of monsters, but gradually, they start considering other reasons. Keeping them equipped with lightning lanterns might become difficult.”

When I give him a skeptical look, he hastily averts his gaze with incredible force. Oh, he’s trying to play it off. However, I also understand the Duke’s point. Just relying on our testimony and unexplained injuries makes it challenging to justify keeping the lightning lanterns.

Patrol guards, gatekeepers, knights—they all have duties they must carry out every day. In such circumstances, unnecessary tasks should be eliminated as much as possible.

“Also, the increase in powerful monsters has been mentioned before. It’s been a concern since before the recent incident, so it’s difficult to argue for the necessity of lightning lanterns based on that fact.”

“For now, we’re managing to keep them equipped. However, it’ll likely be the limit in a few weeks. I don’t doubt your words, but there’s an unavoidable aspect to it. …I really don’t doubt it!”

He clearly harbors suspicions.

But getting upset and trying to assert my opinion here would be meaningless. After all, I’m just the son of a minor noble, and it’s only thanks to the Duke’s gracious audience, facilitated by my father’s introduction, that I’m here. I wonder who my father really is. How does he have connections with the Duke? And why was he talking about me? Why did the Duke believe and accept it?

…Anyway.

I’m concerned about the Wraith.

It’s strange that it hasn’t appeared since that incident. It’s bound to reappear. We know the countermeasures, but returning to the old methods is dangerous.

However, if there are no problems when you shout about an issue, nobody believes it. The story of being attacked by an unseen enemy will eventually become a rumor, be deemed a falsehood, and then days will pass as if nothing happened.

Once it reaches that point, it’s over.

People are weak without preparation. Wisdom, tools, and technology are the strengths of humanity.

“…Please make sure, as much as possible, that they have lightning lanterns.”

“Mm. Let’s do as much as possible. As much as possible.”

It’s not a definite commitment, it seems. Of course not. Duke Balkh simply listened to our advice, and that’s all. Yet, his response and assistance are strangely extensive.

” Balkh-sama, are they taking measures in Sanostria?”

“…No, they are not. There are no victims of unseen monsters over there. I, too, apparently needed some maneuvering based on the unverified statement that visibility was improved by the lightning lanterns. For now, the situation with Lazy Syndrome is similar to Istria. It seems there’s an intense internal dispute among the doctors over there. How about the villages?”

“We are making sure not to run out of lightning lanterns. Even if there are no issues in the future, we plan to continue it as a customary practice. In villages where light sources are scarce, it’s convenient and safe.”

“It’s difficult for Istria with its vastness… I heard that Shion made the lightning lanterns. Can you make them over there?”

I take a moment to think before responding.

“I can. However, processing thunderstone takes a considerable amount of time. Magic is only required for the ignition process, so it won’t take much time for me. Um… if there’s someone knowledgeable about blacksmithing, it should be possible.”

I hesitated about telling him about Glast but ultimately said nothing. If my father is discussing thunderstone with the Duke, he would probably mention Glast if it’s necessary.

“Hmm… Should we have them produced? Restricting circulation to the Merchant Guild would be a foolish move in the long run. If Shion can handle it without much burden, we should consider exporting to the capital and other countries to establish a production line. Yes, let Shion participate in the initial process. The other parts can be left to us. Any other issues?”

“No.”

“Good, then please continue your efforts. Yeah, I’m really counting on you! Shion is reliable! If all the Istria residents were to succumb to Lazy Syndrome, it would be over! I’m begging you! I’m begging you!”

Duke Balkh stood up, grabbed my shoulders, and shook me. He had a desperate look on his face. I had no choice but to respond with a simple “Understood, understood!”

It’s a step forward and a step back. Progress in Lazy Syndrome treatment feels a bit, while measures against monsters seem to have declined. Nevertheless, we have to keep going. There isn’t much I can do, but it’s the only option.