The Sleeping Devil

After a break with tea and snacks, they were guided to the underground facilities. Descending the stone spiral staircase, they entered a large room that used to be a warehouse, where numerous large barrels lined up, almost reaching the ceiling.

"This is the water purification facility. Pipes separated for clean and waste water run through the building, directing dirty water here," she explained.

The barrels were coated inside with a wax-like substance previously used for meringue piping, ensuring they wouldn't rot or leak easily.

"Passing through all these barrels, the water becomes cleaner than well water."

Waste water accumulated in barrels containing slime for processing, while the purified water was pushed up to the pipes for clean water by the magical power emitted by the slime. With just a basic magic circle installed to create flow, the abundant magical power of the slime was sufficient.

The explanation seemed to quickly resonate with their capable audience.

"Oh, so you can do all that with just the power of slime?"

"Yes, the purified water here is clean enough, but we've also installed poison detection and magic attribute extraction arrays on the taps. Since it's equivalent to magic water, we'd like to implement it in the castle too. Is that alright?"

"Indeed, the maids would find it easier than fetching water from the well."

Yes, it would make life easier for the maids. It's not about making Sergio's life easier, so they had to emphasize its utility.

As they energetically presented, Sergio belatedly exclaimed, "...Poison detection!? You're even extracting attributes?"

"Julius-sensei thought it prudent given the various dangers... And besides, using purified water is safer than using well water for cooking, and if the maids' work becomes easier, we'll need fewer staff. Even if there's a surplus of people, we can hire them as salon employees, so there won't be a reduction in job opportunities."

They were eager to explain the details of the magic arrays, but for now, it seemed better to focus on promoting implementation in the castle.

"So, where does this water come from? Wouldn't it require extensive construction to draw it from the river?"

"We use a teleportation array, so no construction is needed."

The most troublesome part of installing the water system was underground construction. Digging tunnels underground without knowing if the buildings above were safe, and it would take years without the use of magicians.

However, in this world, there was magic. Instead of passing sewage underground with magic, they simply installed a teleportation array directly into the river.

When teleporting from the river, they improved the magic array to remove any differences with magic water and to remove any unnecessary elements.

They could also adjust the quantity, so if the water in the barrels decreased, they could simply turn a larger tap to allow as much water as they liked from the river to flow in.

Since they mainly purified and reused water, it didn't decrease much, and it was sufficient to replenish it once a month with the employees' magical power.

"Why would you use a teleportation array for such a thing... Are you serious?"

"We only allow water through, so not much magic power is needed. It's reassuring since no fish can accidentally get in, right?"

"That's not the issue here. What a waste of talent... I mean, it's a wonderful invention, but what are you going to do with it..."

Sergio found himself at a loss, his head in his hands.

The aides remained silent, while Didier trembled with suppressed laughter.

"Sherry, seriously, you're insane... Haha... It's like there's a fine line between genius and madness... It's amazing, but this, huh?"

Huh? I don't understand why they're laughing at all? It's just an impressive invention, right? It should be useful.

Since I couldn't grasp the meaning behind their laughter, I sought help from Zaris, the most sensible person here. Despite smiling wryly, Zaris kindly explained.

"Sheriel-sama's invention is truly magnificent. It's unlike anything we've ever seen. However, based on the explanation of the magic arrays you just provided, it seems to be on a scale equivalent to state-led military development. The fact that you intend to use it for entertainment facilities has left both of them bewildered."

"State-led military development... That sounds a bit exaggerated..."

I did think it was an impressive invention, but it seems to be slightly off target. To summarize Zaris's subsequent words, it seems like, "It's crazy to create new magic just for the sake of water quality when no one is concerned about it."

"If you don't use your head for things like this, where are you going to use it? Will life become richer with weapons?"

I was about to say that's why technology is biased, but I shut my mouth.

Actually, this world revolves around nobility, so it develops in incomprehensible ways. Processing techniques for ornaments are surprisingly refined, and the craftsmanship of tableware and glassware is superb. There's a wide variety of fabrics used for dresses, some even have a silk-like sheen. It's all because those with money and power had them researched for their own benefit.

This kind of thinking leads to a bias in technology, but I stopped myself from saying it.

In fact, this world is centered around nobility, so it develops in incomprehensible ways. Processing techniques for ornaments are surprisingly refined, and the craftsmanship of tableware and glassware is superb. There's a wide variety of fabrics used for dresses, some even have a silk-like sheen. It's all because those with money and power had them researched for their own benefit.

Just when Sergio's mouth turned into a hunched expression, he let out a sigh and shook his head slightly.

"Indeed, Sheriel's opinion is valid... So, shall we implement this facility in the castle?"

"Thank you, Father!"

Well, that's a relief. Since I've put so much thought into it, I want to feel that it's not just about making money, but also about being useful in everyday life.

"Preparations are already in place, so we can start construction tomorrow..."

"Rather than that, isn't there any other use for this? It seems like a waste of technology to use it just for this. Isn't there something else that could generate more profit?"

The use of a mock water supply... It's a basic mechanism of daily life, so when it comes to profit-oriented businesses, I can't think of many.

"Do you really need that much money?"

"Well, we're not poor, but having more money would solve more problems."

Indeed. It's because I earn money through business that I can develop such large-scale facilities and support the children sent to Klayla.

"That's true. I'll consider profit-oriented options. However, once this facility is completed, the only remaining costs will be labor costs, so if it thrives, it will be profitable as it is, right?"

"Huh? What about the cost of serving tea and snacks in the salon?"

Sergio placed his hand on his chin, tilting his head thoughtfully.

"Magic ore is included in the membership fee, and all tea and snacks served in the salon will be charged for. The only complimentary services will be drinks during bathing and tea after bathing, but those are included in the usage fee, so in reality, all services received here are paid for."

There was a sound of everyone swallowing their saliva, and I also tilted my head in confusion.

"Huh? Are you planning to charge a fee for using the facility?"

"Of course. We'll assign prices to tea and snacks, and we also plan to charge for using the tea salon."

The nobles were speechless, standing stupefied. Only Bergar and the merchant, Rainer, nodded in agreement.

"Sheriel, you're surprisingly greedy... Wasn't allowing bathing experiences meant to sell cosmetics? How do we explain a host charging guests? "

Huh? I thought I explained it to Dior... It seems like there was a misunderstanding somewhere.

Indeed, the spa is a trial facility to sell soap and shampoo, but I have no intention of providing it for free.

"Mother, this is a commercial facility. There are no hosts here. Just like buying things, you buy the experience here."

Even the servants were paid wages, so if I explained it as payment for labor, they understood.

Since spending money on hospitality is a symbol of authority, Dior seems to have equipped the salon with such luxurious decorations as a host.

I feel like I understand why Beriard is bad at business. Basically, it's because he has an extreme view of either giving or taking.

"I see, it seems to be a bigger business than I thought. Changing the way money is spent."

"Yes, the trends themselves are likely to change drastically."

While there are taverns and inns for commoners, there is no custom for nobles to pay for services.

For the nobility, who have previously asserted their wealth with tangible treasures such as jewelry, furniture, and costumes, spending money on experiences is the height of extravagance.

Moreover, since it makes you beautiful, I don't feel like it will fail... Probably.

A few days later, at the site of the tower I used to occupy, large barrels were being assembled. First, I decided to build a water purification facility in the East Wing, where there are laundry and kitchens.

The craftsmen were working skillfully. Wooden boards were arranged like petals along the outer perimeter of the circular bottom plate, and they were hammered with a wooden mallet to close the gaps. Several people gathered the wooden boards opened with a large iron ring, and it began to take on a barrel-like shape.

"Sheriel, there you are."

"Oh, Brother."

Didier sat down next to me and naturally imitated me, watching the movements of the craftsmen.

"The process of making things is interesting, isn't it? Just plain wooden boards gradually transform into something else."

"Heh, what's that?"

"It's fun to understand how things come together, isn't it? Once you understand the mechanism, you can imagine how similar things are made, right?"

"The only mechanism I'm interested in is emotions, I guess."

Compared to before, I didn't feel as much tension in the air, whether it was because Didier had softened or because I had gotten used to it...

"Do we really need this many? Isn't it too much?"

Half of them are for Professor Julius. He helped with the development, and he also worked a lot on setting up the teleportation array by the river."

"Oh, I see."

Julius seems to be doing the construction himself because he doesn't want craftsmen in his mansion.

Since Julius did most of the design work, there shouldn't be any problems with assembly.

"It's about time to go back."

Today, all classes were unusually canceled, so I was relaxing like this, but tomorrow there will be an unveiling ceremony for the spa salon, so I needed to check the arrangements.

"Oh... No, let's take it easy a bit more. I'm starting to get interested in how the barrels are made, too."

Despite feeling suspicious of Didier's sudden panic, I sat back down.

Does he really want to play with me that much?

"Shouldn't you start distancing yourself from your little sister?"

"Huh? Why do I have to distance myself from my sister?"

"You're taking time off from school again this year and coming home. Are you okay with your studies?"

"I finished all my units last year, so technically I don't even need to go. I'm just going to make connections and look for illegal slaves."

As expected of a genius... He managed to complete the curriculum that normally takes four years in three years. Since the academy operates on a credit system like the university in my previous life, it's technically possible, but...

As the day was nearing sunset, Didier finally seemed satisfied and suddenly stood up, extending his hand. "Let's go back now."

He's really capricious...

"Brother, isn't something strange?"

What's this feeling of unease? Since entering the mansion, there has been a different atmosphere, and my heart feels restless.

"Huh, what? Everything seems fine, doesn't it?"

I sharpened my nerves and enhanced my hearing, but I couldn't hear anything. That's strange. In a castle with so many people, this shouldn't happen.

"Brother, something is happening. I don't sense any human presence."

"Huh? Really? That's serious. Let's go to the dining hall for now."

Huh? Isn't it strange that Didier, who should be more cautious than me, doesn't notice?

As I was about to draw my sword, Didier suddenly took it from me. When I tried to get the sword back from Didier, we had already reached the dining hall without realizing it.

In the spur of the moment, as I grabbed Didier's wrist, the sound of the door opening echoed.

"Come on, Brother, let's be careful..."

On the other side of the open door, a scene unfolded that was different from what I had expected.

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