Though I was interested in the magical instruments on the third floor, I also would’ve liked to look at the clothes and other items on the second floor.
It’s not fair! Boo!
Though I was internally complaining, I still went ahead and browsed through the magical instruments.
“There sure are a lot of lamps,” Caesar commented. He and Benjamin completely skipped the lamp section of the floor.
I could understand why, since these were basically the mass-manufactured version of what we’d assembled in Alchemy I. They were quite pricey, but not so much that they would be impossible for me to purchase. I could probably make enough from my embroidery side job to buy one.
Mary was standing behind me, looking at the lamps as well. Does she want one? I’m sure it’s easier to read and sew using a lamp rather than candlelight. I could make her one, but we couldn’t buy the magic stone needed to operate it.
“Are magic stones more expensive in Lawrence than in other countries?” I asked.
Caesar turned around.
“I’m not sure. I’ve never thought about the price of magic stones. Do you know something about the price, Patience?”
You darned rich kid! You’ve never had to struggle because you didn’t have a magic stone!
“That question is a part of my homework for diplomacy,” I explained. “The main topic is how we can get foreign countries to acknowledge Lawrence’s cultural achievements. According to Mr. Fotchner, although many magical instruments are made here, they’re mostly used in Sonia. I thought that it could be because magic stones are more affordable in Sonia.”
Benjamin also had no idea whether magic stones were relatively expensive in Lawrence.
“I think Powell, the manager, would know more about that,” Caesar said.
I wanted to keep browsing, but Caesar dragged me to the manager’s office.
“Sir Caesar and Sir Benjamin? Why, hello. Are you here looking for a magical instrument?”
Judging from the manager’s reaction, it seemed Benjamin also frequented the store.
“Do you have a moment, Powell?” Caesar asked. “This is Patience Granger. We’ll soon be manufacturing and selling a hot water bottle and needle threader she invented.”
The manager smiled and introduced himself.
“I am Max Powell. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Patience.”
I greeted him back, then did as he encouraged and took a seat. Mary was also offered a chair, and she sat behind the sofa we were on.
“We came here with a question for you, Powell,” Caesar explained. “Are magic stones more expensive here in Lawrence than in other countries?”
Powell looked surprised by the question.
“I never thought you would take an interest in business, Sir Caesar. I hope this isn’t a foreboding premonition of what’s to come... Jokes aside, it is true that magic stones here cost around twenty percent more than they do in the Kingdom of Sonia. Where did you learn about this?”
Twenty percent more?! Are they even allowed to sell them for such a ridiculous markup?!
“They’re that expensive?!” Caesar and Benjamin both exclaimed with shock.
“I don’t think the difference in monsters and the number that are hunted is significant between our kingdoms,” Caesar remarked. “I see! They must be importing them from the southern continent. Wait, I thought Cordova does the most trade on this continent.”
Caesar sure knows a lot. All of this seems to be news to Benjamin.
“Are there a lot of monsters in the southern continent?” Benjamin asked.
“I’m not sure, but their biggest exports are magic stones and spices,” Caesar replied. “I agree with my father, Benjamin. You should enroll in the civil service course. You’re severely lacking in common knowledge.”
“How could you be so cruel?” Benjamin mumbled.
Caesar hadn’t enrolled in the civil service track, so he appeared to have studied on his own.
“Magical instruments aren’t widespread in the Kingdom of Cordova, so they are likely exporting their traded magic stones to the Kingdom of Sonia,” Powell chimed in.
That makes sense. I guess Sonia isn’t just the kingdom of romance. They must be focused on enjoying cultural activities through modern technology. I’m not interested in romance, but I’d love to visit Sonia. I never want to use a chamber pot again, so I’m definitely not going to Cordova. I’d also like to avoid their spit-producing dialect.
“In that case, why doesn’t Lawrence import them from Cordova as well?” I asked. I found that strange.
“That’s probably because a Sonian princess married into the Cordovan royal family,” Caesar replied. “I’ve heard rumors that King Carlos is absolutely smitten with Queen Leonora. Cordovan businesses probably pay lower export taxes on goods going to Sonia.”
They get a tax break over such a silly reason?! That’s crazy!
“Well, this kingdom does import magic stones, but considering the export taxes associated, they end up being too expensive for common folk,” Powell commented.
They really are expensive! Can’t we make magic stones cheaper? I don’t know how to go about doing that. We didn’t have those in my previous life.
“We must make useful tools that do not require magic stones!” I said enthusiastically to Caesar and Benjamin.
“They’d no longer be magical instruments!” Caesar argued.
“Magic circles and magic stones go hand in hand,” Benjamin pointed out.
They both seemed exasperated, but Powell liked my enthusiasm.
“I agree, Lady Patience. I hope you succeed.”
“The bicycle doesn’t require a magic stone,” I reminded my companions.
“The bicycle gets a pass,” Benjamin insisted.
“That reminds me, I wonder if we can get something to use for the tires here,” Caesar said.
I guess the bike is okay because they like it. So unfair.
Though I was displeased, I also wanted to improve the tires on our bike, so I worked with the other two to look for something we could use.
“Mr. Powell, have you heard of any plants in the southern continent that produce a sticky sap?” I asked. “Or do you know of any sturdy but flexible materials?”
Powell thought for a moment, then he replied, “I apologize. I haven’t been to the southern continent, so I’m not aware of any such plants.”
I’d hoped that there were rubber trees, but even if they existed, I probably couldn’t get my hands on the sap.
“They have slime powder in stock, so let’s try using this,” Caesar suggested. “There’s also leather that we can use for the seat.”
“We also need to add some cushioning to the seat, Sir Caesar,” Benjamin said.
Wow, they’re really obsessed with the bike.
“Oh, we can also make the handles easier to grip by wrapping some leather around them!” I chimed in.
Well, I guess I’m excited about it too.
Mary silently tugged at my sleeve.
“My, I didn’t realize it had gotten so late,” I remarked. “I must return to the dorms.”
I had to leave without getting a chance to browse through the tableware, pots, and clothes, which was quite unfortunate.
President Caesar and Benjamin both accompanied me home, and my father was quite surprised when Benjamin also appeared to greet him. I couldn’t deal with that, because I had more pressing matters to handle. President Caesar passed the contract along to my father, but further discussion would have to wait until next week because I wanted to get back to the dorms before Princess Margaret did.
They have to come in and greet your parents when they pick you up, then they have to follow you home and greet your parents again. Noble customs are so annoying.
Though I was rushing, I didn’t forget to kiss my angels goodbye.
I headed back to the academy, and I barely made it back to the dorms before Princess Margaret.
Thank God...