Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

Cast of Characters Arc 4: The Young Masters Awakening, The Girls Determination

Theyre... trying to make something incredible, Taru said, awed. Being a craftsperson, she understood how amazing that technology would be.

Because this world had magic, if you had a technology that would allow you to put holes in rock and metal, Cant you just do it with magic? might seem like the likely response. However, magical abilities and their power varied wildly, and only a select few could open holes of an ideal size. And once the technology was established, anyone would be able to make use of it.

Even without an appropriate mage, it would be possible to put a hole in anything. The effect that would have, not just in this country but across the world, was immeasurable.

Kuu nodded, saying, Exactly. This technology, I want it for us, no matter what it costs. No, if anything, our country is the one that needs this technology more than any others. Our country is locked in snow and ice.

In the frigid Republic of Turgis, in winter, the land was covered by snow and the sea in ice, making it impossible to move around. Ships couldnt enter the frozen waters, and moving through the snow was impossible without using a large, woolly creature like a numoth.

Recently, with the introduction of the large Roroa Maru hovercraft from the kingdom, it had become easier to engage in trade, but the situation was still difficult.

So, what if they had a drill that could punch through rock?

If we can open holes through the mountains, well have roads that dont need to worry about snow, Kuu said. If we put them on ships, we might be able to create vessels that can break the ice as we move forward. When I was saying that to Bro, he said, With a rotation mechanism, you might be able to build a ski lift, too.

A lift? Taru repeated.

He said it was for something called... leisure skiing? If we had that, we could bring tourists into the republic... he was saying. I didnt get it, but I intend to hear about it again in more detail next time.

If that was one of Bros ideas, it was bound to be fun, Kuu reflected with a grin.

I understand that the technology is important, Taru said slowly. So what is it you want to ask of me?

Kuu slapped his knee like hed been waiting to hear those words. The drill is a tech our country needs. But if we try to introduce it after the kingdom and Empire have perfected it, it will cost us big time. We cant handle that. Thats why Ive negotiated with Bro to bring us in on the joint research project. With my old mans permission, of course.

Kuu was as quick to act as ever. If an idea occurred to him, he ran with it immediately.

So, Taru, I want you to join the joint research team, he continued.

...Me?

Yes. He saw a young king who was incredibly strong, with an immense power to draw people to him, and an ambition grand enough to cover the world. He was like the embodiment of the young masters ideal ruler.

Taru was silent.

Because that was the young king of another country, it lit a fire in the young masters belly. He doesnt want to lose. Thats helped him to see things that are bigger than he could have before. With a serious expression on her face, Leporina clenched her fist in front of her chest, as if in pain. Dont assume hell keep looking at you forever.

Huh?!

The young master is trying to move forward, Leporina went on. This relationship wont stay the same forever. If you stand still, Im sure youll be left behind.

I... I... Taru tried to say something, but she couldnt find the words.