> Kira PoV

“Mistress, the King will arrive shortly for your appointment.” (Ariel)

“Thanks, Ariel. I’ll be there in a moment.” (Kira)

“Of course, Mistress.” (Ariel)

She bows and leaves my office as I slowly get off my chair and put on my coat. Moving around has been getting a bit challenging lately. They don’t call it ‘heavy with child’ for no reason, huh?

“Kira. Will you be alright with the stairs?” (Ellie)

Ellie worriedly walks up to me.

“I’ll be fine Ellie. I’m not some delicate flower that needs to be protected. Even if I’m like this, I’m still a Rank A adventurer you know!” (Kira)

How many times do I have to tell her? Her concern is touching, but it’s getting to be a bit overbearing.

“I can’t help it! I feel like I’m not sharing your burdens properly.” (Ellie)

“You mounted an expedition into the northern tundra and stared down an angry titan for my sake. I think you’ve done enough.” (Kira)

“That was then. This is now. I just… don’t want to risk either of you getting hurt…” (Ellie)

Geh! There she goes with that pleading expression of hers again! That’s cheating! She knows I can’t easily deny her when she does things like this!

“... Fine. Have it your way.” (Kira)

And now that borderline desolate face is instantly replaced by a satisfied smile. As expected, it was all an act. Well, it’s fine. If she wants to go that far just to spoil me a bit, I might as well let her.

* * *

“Good day, Your Majesty.” (Kira)

“Hey Fred.” (Ellie)

We greet the king as he comes near. Ariel makes a silent bow while Rimmel outright kneels on the muddy ground.

It feels a bit strange to meet royalty in the open field next to the greenhouses like this, but judging from the king’s wide smile he’s thoroughly enjoying himself. It’s probably the first time in a long while that he’s been out of the castle. Is it really okay to be here without any guards, though? Well, the Ministry of Progress’s grounds are a secure and highly guarded area since what we’re doing here could be classified as state secrets, so it’s probably fine.

“Good day, Mrs Quasse. Ellie.” (King Fred)

Next, I turn towards the man next to him. The seventeen-year old black haired and black-eyes crown prince, wearing fittingly fancy clothes.

“Good day, Your Highness.” (Kira)

“...” (Prince Mathew)

He’s having trouble maintaining his neutral mask. I can clearly see the corners of his mouth are twitching. Come to think of it, this is the first time we’ve met face to face ever since Ellie… educated him on the King’s behalf. Looking back to the culprit in question, his pleasant smile has not wavered one bit.

“Oy. Kira greeted you.” (Ellie)

“Uck! *Ahem* Good day, Director Quasse.” (Prince Mathew)

“Better.” (Ellie)

Ellie nods satisfyingly while the king’s smile turns mischievous for an instant.

This sort of thing was probably the king’s whole reason for bringing him along. I’d really wish he’d stop counting on us to look after his children and do it himself…

Well, Shalia is a good girl so I don’t mind having Sophie and Lara keep her company, but the crown prince is another story. He idolized the late Court Wizard Rutland, didn’t he? And we’ve now basically taken that guy’s place for our own in addition to being ‘responsible’ for his downfall. I’m sure he hates us, especially after we got physical with him. He’s probably only here because his father - the King - ordered him to come as a prank. I bet his position didn’t even allow him to throw a tantrum.

I hate politics.

“Well then, now that we’re all here, shall we get on with this demonstration of yours? I’m eager to find out what you’ve come up with!” (King Fred)

“Of course. Mister Rimmel, if you please.” (Kira)

I turn to the brown haired young man next to us. Having been suddenly called out, he jolts a bit, his thick glasses almost falling off his nose.

“Y-Yes, Director!” (Rimmel)

He turns around and stiffly walks off towards the special wagon we’ve brought here. He climbs inside and starts making his preparations. Well, being tense in the presence of two members of the royal family is the normal reaction for a commoner. Especially someone who’s barely older than me.

Wait, doesn’t that make me the weird one for being so casual with the king?

Oh well. It’s my loss if I mind it.

“Rimmel huh?” (King Fred)

“Yes, Your Majesty. He’s one of the few people that came to us with an actual invention.” (Kira)

“Really? I thought your drive to look for innovation among the commoners was hugely popular. We mentioned that in the first issue of the Wyvernews, didn’t we?” (King Fred)

“Popular is one way to put it. While there were over 60 people that visited us this past week, almost all of them were con artists.” (Kira)

Brand new ministry, young naive girl at the head - easy target for making money, right? Sure, unless that girl, her wife and her servant were all Rank A adventurers. We didn’t even need to rely on Ellie’s mind-reading to tell the ideas and concepts they were trying to sell us were completely bogus.

“And that young lad was different, huh?” (King Fred)

“That is correct, Your Majesty. Although Rimmel’s invention was nothing more than a fancy trinket, it showed off a set of skills that we were looking for, so we hired him.” (Kira)

“Oh! Someone our Minister of Progress has her eye on, hmm? Then I shall look forward to his results!” (King Fred)

“As do I, Your Majesty.” (Kira)

Nano was oddly excited at the ‘wristwatch’ Rimmel brought. I fail to see the point in that - people that need to keep track of the time either work indoors or can tell by looking at the sun’s position in the sky. But we hired him anyway, because that invention of his ran without a drop of mana. The insides were a puzzle-like arrangement of gears and springs that somehow worked, and Rimmel had made them all by hand.

That sort of precision and understanding of moving parts is exactly what we needed around here.

“Director Quasse! I’m all ready over here!” (Rimmel)

The young man in question shouted at us from inside the open-top carriage.

“Good! Then start her up, Rimmel!” (Kira)

“Yes, ma’am!” (Rimmel)

“Start up?” (King Fred)

*VRRUMMM*

A sudden loud noise comes out from the carriage as it starts vibrating slightly. The king and prince both jump a little in shock.

*VRRRUM VRRUM VRRRRRRRRRRR*

“Quit showing off, Rimmel!” (Kira)

“Sorry, ma’am!” (Rimmel)

He eases up on the throttle and the wagon quiets down.

“Mrs Quasse… What was that?” (King Fred)

“That, Your Majesty, is the noise of a Mana Engine. In essence, a new type of magic tool. Rimmel! Let’s show the king what it can do!” (Kira)

“Yes ma’am!” (Rimmel)

*VRUM VRRRrrrrrr*

The wagon starts moving under its own power around the open field with a constant roar as the Mana Engine does its thing. Rimmel accelerates for a short while before braking to lower the speed and making a short turn. Then he accelerates again and makes a wider turn at a higher speed. Our guests stare at it in wonderment as the carriage wobbles atop the odd wheels and leaves deep tracks in the muddy ground.

“There you have it, Your Majesty. The world’s first automobile. It uses the operator’s mana to propel itself along the ground. It’s capable of reaching speeds that rival that of a gryphon in flight. Those weird-looking axles and wheels, as well as the overall shape, are there to make sure the carriage itself shakes as little as possible.” (Kira)

Nano came up with that name. Automobile. It’s a bit awkward to say, but it fits. Ellie wanted to call it a ‘buggy’ based on the shape. I still have no idea what she meant. Come to think of it, she said something similar about the weird carriage we used about a year ago while tracking down Nano’s lost boxes. Probably confusing it with something from her old world.

“The mana consumption varies depending on the speed and weight it’s hauling, but it’s good enough that a non-mage like Rimmel can make the trip from here to Runetap in four days.” (Kira)

*rrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRrrr*

“Wait, he’s not a mage?! You’re telling me a regular person is capable of moving a whole wagon like that!?” (Prince Mathew)

“That is correct Your Highness.” (Kira)

“But… I thought non-mages couldn’t use magic!” (Prince Mathew)

“Your Highness is mistaken. Every person has some measure of mana within them and can, in theory, use magic. It’s just that their mana is insufficient to use it regularly.” (Kira)

Whereas I can probably throw out hundreds of [Firebolts] or [Thunder] spells, a regular person would be completely dry after one or two, maybe three of those spells.

*VRrrrrummmRURRRR*

“Then… How?” (Prince Mathew)

“Our Mana Engine is an efficient tool, Your Highness. In all honestly, calling it a magic tool doesn’t do it justice. It’s closer to a collection of smaller magic tools that work in unison. Allow me to show you.” (Kira)

I turn my head to Rimmel and raise a hand at him.

*rrRRRRRURRRUrrrr rururururu*

After seeing my signal, he turns the automobile around and comes closer to us. He stops it right next to me and Ellie, gets out, walks around and opens up a panel on the side to reveal the Magic Engine to the king and prince.

“And here, it is.” (Kira)

It’s a metal block with all kinds of widgets and hinges and pistons and other bits moving around rhythmically.

“Fascinating! Look at it go!” (King Fred)

“This looks really complicated. Are you sure it’s not another one of your so-called Star Magic doodads?” (Prince Mathew)

“Quite sure, Your Highness. This very engine was assembled by Mister Rimmel here. In fact, given the rate the parts grow in and with sufficient manpower, we’ll be able to produce about 300 of these a month.” (Kira)

“Wait, what do you mean the parts grow?” (Prince Mathew)

“Ah, that’s what’s in those glass structures next to us. We are currently raising a large number of Money Trees that are-” (Kira)

“The cultivation of Money Trees is illegal!” (Prince Mathew)

*Fwit THUD*

A black knife lands blade-first into the ground between the prince’s feet. It sank so deep into the mud that only the top part of the handle is sticking out of the ground. The one that threw the knife glared at the stupefied prince.

“Cut her off again. I dare you.” (Ellie)

“I-I-I’m sorry! Please don’t hurt me!” (Prince Mathew)

He takes a few steps backwards with a pale face. Yep, he’s definitely traumatized. The King, on the other hand, is trying really hard to suppress his laughter. Hey, that’s your son, isn’t it? Shouldn’t you be protecting him?!

“As I was saying, we seeded those Money Trees not with coins, but with parts for the Mana Engine. That way we can produce large quantities of completely identical components without any skilled labor, although there’s a certain loss of materials doing this. Honestly, at this point we should be calling them something other than Money Trees.” (Kira)

Come to think of it, I need to double-check how our Orichalcum supply is doing. Copper and iron are common enough, and we only need a little bit of Mithril, but the Orichalcum is a problem. At least the all-important Titansteel from Ecebis is flowing in nicely.

A magic tool that demands a magic-cancelling metal to work. Nano sure came up with something outrageous.

“Kuhuhu- *Ahem* So. Mrs Quasse. Pfu-.” (King Fred)

“Fred. It’s too late for you to pretend you’re not enjoying this.” (Ellie)

“Heh, can’t get anything past you Rank As! Truth is, Matt here was convinced you were trying to swindle me, so he insisted he come with me. I wasn’t planning on bringing him along at all, but this whelp thought himself wiser than his old man! I’ve been ruling twice as long as you’ve been alive, moron!” (King Fred)

*SLAP*

“OWW!” (Prince Mathew)

The king slapped the prince on the back of the head with a bit of strength.

“Now apologize to my Minister and Director of Progress for doubting her!” (King Fred)

There it is. That domineering presence he shows whenever he’s serious. I wish he’d use it more often, it actually suits a man of his station. The prince stops holding onto his head, straightens himself out and turns towards us. After taking a few seconds to rebuild his neutral mask, he begins his apology.

“I apologize sincerely for thinking you a common swindler Mrs Quasse.” (Prince Mathew)

He puts one hand behind his back, the oher on his stomach and makes an elegant bow. I glance at Ellie and she nods in response. At least he’s sincere.

“Apology accepted, Your Highness.” (Kira)

I bow my head in response.

“Th-th-the prince a-a-apologized…” (Rimmel)

“Rimmel. Stop gawking about and bring the automobile inside before it starts snowing again.” (Kira)

“Ack! Yes! At once, Director Quasse!” (Rimmel)

Oh great! He’s back to addressing me by my title! I worked so hard to get him to start calling me something shorter! I wish he wouldn’t be so stiff...

I think I finally understand why the king is the way he is...

“Pardon me, Director Quasse, but I do have one question.” (Prince Mathew)

“Yes, Your Highness?” (Kira)

“How come you’re floating?” (Prince Mathew)

“Ah, Ellie is carrying me with her Star Magic. She gets worried for our baby if I walk around too much.” (Kira)

To others it probably looks like I’m sitting in an invisible flying armchair. Well, it’s not entirely uncomfortable I suppose, though I’m only allowing this because Ellie worries entirely too much about me and the baby. It has nothing to do with the fact it makes me feel like Ellie is holding me lovingly in her invisible arms.

This and that are completely unrelated.

“I’m sorry, ‘our’ baby?” (Prince Mathew)

“Oh right! I forgot to mention that!” (King Fred)

Haaaah.

“Ariel, go inside and fetch some warm water.” (Kira)

“At once, Mistress.” (Ariel)

“Well, Matt, it’s like this-” (King Fred)

* * *

*PLOP*

And there he goes. He somehow made it past the crazy spider titan, but the all-female pregnancy finished him off. Well, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Almost everyone we’ve told has had a reaction like that. Only Dad seemed genuinely happy for us without raising any sort of fuss.

Then again, nobody that’s lived in Runetap for as long as he has would be fazed with just this much absurdity...

“Ahhhhh… Now his clothes are all muddy. Raela is going to kill me…” (King Fred)

“It’s okay, Your Majesty. Ariel should be here soon with some warm water to help rinse him off.” (Kira)

“Oh! As expected of the top-ranked adventurer team! You really are prepared for anything!” (King Fred)

“Yes, ye- Wait, ‘top-ranked’? ... Why do I get the feeling you don’t mean Rank A?” (Kira)

“Ah, right. You weren’t around back then… Basically, the Adventurer’s Guild decided to give every Rank A adventuring team their own standing on something they’re calling The Ladder. They recognized you guys as the best adventurer team in the country!” (King Fred)

“I’m sorry, what?” (Kira)

We’re the best? Really?! But we’re not even a year old!

“I know, quite exciting, isn’t it? Well, it won’t be made official until the next issue of the Wyvernews that’s going out in a few days!” (King Fred)

“What!?” (Kira)

“We’re even including an image of your likeness! All that thanks to your printing press! Now the entire country will know exactly who you are and what you look like! It was my idea - no need to thank me!” (King Fred)

“You what?! You absolute moron! You think I want that kind of attention!” (Kira)

Now I won’t be able to live peacefully! People will crowd around me whenever we go for a walk! Ellie’s fan club is going to get even more obnoxious!

“There is not a single good thing about this! Hold me tight, Ellie!” (Kira)

“I-I thought you’d be hap- Woah!” (King Fred)

“Don’t dodge it!” (Kira)

I take off my other boot and prepare to throw it at his head, just like the first one!

“Ellie, please calm her down!” (King Fred)

“You earned this one, Fred.” (Ellie)

“I’ll calm down when you’re chewing on my heel!” (Kira)

I toss it with all my strength! The damn king ducks under it again!

“Mistress, this one has retURPBFH!” (Ariel)

Ah… Ariel was behind him. My leather boot landed squarely in her face. Her head flew back as the tray she was carrying was flipped forward. The jug of hot water that was on it flew wonderfully through the air while emptying its contents onto the still unconscious prince.

“My best color is three!” (Prince Mathew)

He suddenly wakes up with a weird yell. Ariel on the other hand has fallen on the ground from the sudden blow to the face.

“Haah, haah, Mistress’s heel, haaah! Nnnnng! Such a reward, haah, this one is not, haah, worthy! Hauuuh!” (Ariel)

She’s actually wallowing in the mud, rubbing her bruised face all over my footwear with a disgusting smile.

“...” (Kira, King Fred, Ellie)

There’s a bizarre moment of silence where the only things heard are the soaked crown prince’s panicked breathing and Ariel’s indecent panting. I’m floating in the air barefoot, while the king is down in all fours after his panicked dodging.

…

It’s probably a good thing I didn’t bring my staff with me today.

Also, I need to remember to burn my left boot later.