The lord's mansion of the Dukes of Solistair.
　With the exception of Creston and Celestina, the rest of the ducal family lives here, but at the moment only the current head of the family, Delsacis, and his siblings Tsveit and Croisus use the mansion.
　There are supposed to be two duchesses, but...

...... I haven't seen your mothers lately, where have they gone?
The two of them have gone to King's Landing for their noble duties.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. Then you won't be coming back for a while.
"Master Zveit ....... I'm sure you'll be back for a while." "Mr. Zveit, are you not cold towards your mother, Mr. Croesus?
You say that, but you and your mother don't talk to us. To be honest, I don't really want to have anything to do with them, and neither does Croisus.

　The duchesses who were the mothers of Zveit and Croisus were, let's say, typical noblewomen.
　She was always in love with her father, Delsacis, and she was a woman who knew nothing about the world. She was so naive that you would think she was living in a dream.
　But in front of the people, she acted like a high-handed aristocrat.
　She may be intimidating because she is a duke, but she is too indifferent to politics and does not pay attention to the current affairs of the world.
　To put it badly, he is a decoration.

She may have been raised to stay out of politics for the sake of political marriage, but it's complicated to think that she's his mother.
"Master Zveit, she is your mother by blood!　You can't talk about her in a derogatory way. ......
"It's actually stupid. I don't remember me or Croisus ever being motherly to those two.　They've always been so attached to their father, they don't seem like parents at all.
"But she's still your mother. Don't you think you should be more respectful?

　Tsveit and Croesus were left with their nannies immediately after birth.
　Because their education itself was left to others, they had a strong sense that their mother was only related to them by blood, and if asked if they could respect her, they would say that they could not.
　There was no such thing as a family bond.

If I were to ask you if you could respect your mother, you would say no. There was no such thing as a family bond. "You have inheritance problems, and you should at least have a heart-to-heart with your mother. If you don't, Lord Croesus will take the governorship away from you.
It'll be fine. Croesus is a research fool and he doesn't want to be in the troublesome position of taking over the viceroyalty. He's a research idiot and he's not going to put himself in a position where he'll have to take over the family name.　I'm sure my father will destroy them sooner or later.
".........

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　At first, Zveit was disgusted with her, but while he was brainwashed by Blemite bloodline magic at the Istor Academy of Magic and had his head in a funk, she was also infused with a lot of things, which had a small impact on his personality.
　Now that the brainwashing is over, there is no problem, but the maidservant seems to want the old Zveit back. Zveit does not want to go back to being such a foolish person again.
　Perhaps he is receiving some kind of order from the Marquesses.

"You know, Masari, ....... If you want to live a long life, get rid of your mother's family. You don't want to get wiped out in the process, do you?
No, I don't think ...... your husband would do that.
My father would do it. He's a talent-driven man, and those who think about taking over the duke's house will have hell to pay.　He has no mercy for his enemies.

　Masari, the head maid, was pale and trembling.
　I've heard rumors about Delsacis for a long time, and the man who was called a genius when he was young has now become even more outstanding than that, to the point where any nobleman would be wary of him.
　The frightening thing is that he took over the duke's house and quickly became a household name, and most of the noblemen who approached him to use him were ostracized for one reason or another. Rumors whispered that Delsasis had done something to him, but no evidence was found.
　If the rumors were true, it seemed unlikely that the Duke of Delsacis would do anything about it, even if he was related to his employer, the Marquises.
　Once again, she was aware that she was now in a rather dangerous position.

I guess I've been letting him off the hook because he's my father. No, maybe he's just enjoying seeing how far he can grow. .......... By the way, is that Croisus guy in your room?
What?　I've been going to the workshop owned by the merchant association until recently, but today, unusually, he has not come out of his room. ......
...... You're not dead, are you?

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　If Croisus, who finds it troublesome to move, frequents the workshop, it is likely that he spends his time researching something. Otherwise, he would have shown up at Xellos' doorstep.
　However, Croisus is not very strong, and it is unlikely that he will be able to move around for a long time, even for a few days.
　Even if he had raised his level a bit to increase his physical strength, he was sure to get muscle aches and pains if a recluse went to the workshop all the time.
　Moreover, he was a hardcore idiot who was willing to stay up all night for a few days to do research. It was quite possible that he would just go back to his room and never return.

There was no choice. Let's go check on him. ....... It would be a shame to find him dead in the garbage.

　With that, Zveit headed for Croisus' room.
　I don't care what you say, but you have a terrible opinion of Croisus.
　Well, it's a fair assessment, but...

　I'm not sure what to say.

　Even in the Duchy of Solistea, Croisus' room is half-open.


　The sun was shining through the windows of the corridor, but it was dark in front of his room, Zveit thought again.
　What should he say? ...... There was a strange presence rising from the door that stood in front of the room.

"Is that ...... his room this dark?

　Zveit tilted his head at the phenomenon that seemed to twist the laws of physics.
　The atmosphere was something he had felt before.

"Croisus, are you there?

　Putting off thinking about it for the moment, Tsveit called out to Croisus, who was probably in the room, but there was no answer.
　He called out several times, but did not hear Croisus' voice coming from the room.

'Is he finally dead?　He's an idiot when it comes to ...... research~.

　He is a terrible brother.
　Since there was no reply from the room, he had no choice but to go in.
　But then he remembered the devastation of Croisus' room at the academy.

...... Croisus, I'm going in without permission.

　When he summoned up the courage to enter the room, he found himself in a rotting forest of junk. It reminds me of his room in the student dormitory.
　No, it's worse than that, just his parents' house.

That's what I thought. ......

　The room was not cleaned by Yee Lin like the dormitory, so the mess was unimaginable. In addition, the curtains were closed, so it was even darker.
　Even the curtains were closed, making it even darker.
　We walked through the darkness, Zveit. I stepped on something unidentifiable a few times, but I didn't check what it was. I had no desire to find out.
　When his eyes became accustomed to the darkness and he could see into the room, he finally spotted Croisus.
　He was asleep with a stack of papers in his hand, buried in his junk.

...... How can he sleep in this situation?

　The son of an aristocrat, he looked very uncomfortable.
　If you say that he is a researcher, that's fine, but that's a bit excessive.

"Where do you always get all this junk from? More importantly, this document is a ...... drawing?　Blueprints. This is a report .......

　Tsveit took the document that Croesus was holding and opened the curtain to see what it said.
　There was a wand-like shape that Zveit had never seen before, as well as exploded drawings of another wand of a similar shape that had probably been excavated.
　The fact that they are working in secret suggests that they are involved in military affairs.

I'm not sure if this is a weapon or not.　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to use it.　The cane ...... should be seen as a ranged weapon that shoots out something from its tubular parts. A simple and efficient redesign is required to counter the shock-induced malfunction of the rapid-fire mechanism.　The first priority is to find a metal that is strong enough and durable enough to withstand the degradation of parts caused by the instantaneous pressure inside the chamber when magic is triggered. See separate section for a list of potential metals. Reviewing the plan to emphasize productivity and simplify the mechanism, which means the weapon is aimed for mass production.

　Most of the documents were put together in pieces, showing Croisus's sketchy nature.
　What's more disturbing is the fact that there is a plan in motion to mass produce this never-before-seen weapon. It seemed to Zveit as if they were planning to go to war with some other country.

I knew for sure that my father was involved," he said, "but there is an urgent need to increase the number of alchemists who can process alloys to the optimum ratio. I need an alchemist as soon as possible.'?　Why are you bringing in a report? It's a document for the faction.

　Skipping the unnecessary paperwork and looking at the blueprints, I can see that the Holy Law Goddess Kingdom of Metis has already developed this weapon and deployed it in the field.
　Its performance indicates that it is likely to change the way war is fought, and Zveit is surprised.
　The plan that Croisus is involved in seems to be to further develop the weapon, mass produce it, and deploy it to each unit. But this is a terrible plan.

"If this weapon ...... gets out in large numbers, won't it be dangerous?　If it can kill the enemy with less magic power than magic, then even women and children can fight on the battlefield. In fact, if they get out into the streets, they could spark a rebellion.

　Immediately, he realized the danger of guns as weapons.
　On the contrary, it would give us a great deal of power without spending much time training to kill the enemy. It was a dangerous weapon that could turn the entire nation into soldiers.
　Although it had the advantage of killing the enemy faster than activating magic, there was no telling when this weapon would be turned on them. A strict control system is necessary.
　After all, it has the potential to easily start a revolution.

"How can my father not be aware of this danger? ......

　It was also dangerous to distribute this weapon to other nobles.
　If it was easy to revolt, it would be possible to bring down the current system if it took enough time.
　No, it would be easy to create chaos through subterfuge. After all, it would be easy to assassinate someone from a long distance.

...... My head hurts.

　It could end the age of the sword.
　No, that in itself is not a bad thing, but the problem is that it is so easy to gain power.
　I don't think people are stupid, but I don't think they are smart either.
　For those who have ambition, the gun is a very attractive weapon, and the moment they have it, they cannot control their desire. In particular, there are many aristocrats who are highly ambitious.
　The more power-minded a person is, the more likely he is to be unable to resist the temptation of power.

The more power-minded you are, the less likely you are to resist the lure of power.

　The magical kingdom of Solistair is currently in the midst of reform.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with your money. If even one of these weapons is stolen, it would be extremely troublesome.
　There is a need to put some kind of restrictions on the weapons.

...... Ugh. My body hurts.



　Croisus woke up.
　When he woke up, his face was clearly marked with what appeared to be some kind of magic tool, and his beautiful face had been changed into something pathetic.
　Zveit wished he would pay a little more attention to his surroundings.

"He's awake. You're up. You're sleeping in that garbage.
"Well, brother ......, it's unusual for you to come to my room. And I thought it would be a good idea to take a peek at your top secret documents.
You have a problem with your sloppy handling of such top secret materials. If you don't want people to see it, you should at least take care of it. You're supposed to keep something like this hidden!
"Well, I was so exhausted and my muscles were sore that I collapsed as soon as I got back to my room. I was so careless.
"Carelessness is not enough!

　There is no consideration for confidential materials.
　I can't help wondering if it's okay to let such a person participate in an important project.

"Looks like you're making something pretty dangerous. Are you working under your father's direction?
Well, that's one thing, but ....... I'm enjoying it too.
I thought he was immersed in something since he hasn't shown up at the Master's. ...... This is a more dangerous plan than I expected. Don't tell anyone about it.
I don't think I can be trusted that much. I'm a member of the nobility, after all.
If you're a member of the nobility, don't carry such an important thing around. If you drop it, you'll be in trouble.

　Croisus is handling the documents, which in all likelihood are classified as state secrets, in a careless manner.
　The documents inside are in a different order, and cannot be said to be handled with respect.
　If they were to be picked up by an agent of some other country, the war potential of the surrounding countries could change drastically in a few years.
　There is a limit to one's interest in anything other than research.

I didn't know that the Holy Law Goddess Kingdom of Metis was making such weapons.
"It looks like theirs is a gunpowder type, so it's not as powerful as the prototypes we have in our workshop. I heard that Master Xelloss also made one.
Master?　You don't mean he made these blueprints for ......
No, it's the firearm of the Holy Priesthood of Metis.　I disassembled it and incorporated the old style. Well, it's a degraded product, but it uses magical explosive instead of explosives, so the internal components must be durable. It is currently undergoing durability tests.
"I don't know as much about technology as you do, but this is going to change the style of warfare into something quite gruesome. Do you know what you're doing?
It's just a tool, you know.　It's just a tool, and the way you use it depends on the humanity of the user. It's not that big of a deal.
That's the biggest problem!　It's a dangerous enough thing.

　Croesus is a researcher who thinks things through.
　Depending on the personality of the person handling the gun, it can be disastrous, but if used correctly, it can help a lot of people. That perception is correct, but only superficial.
　Zveit understood the dangers of guns better than Croesus, because he would eventually be involved in military service. The more of them there are, the more people will die on the battlefield.
　It is a weapon that kills people in an inorganic and cold-hearted way, without any emotionalism such as chivalry or ideals.
Moreover, it can easily massacre people, so it can only be called vicious. The most important problem is that even women and children can be used as soldiers to kill the enemy.

People are not so clever. If such weapons become available, people who are dissatisfied with the current situation will revolt. It's enough fuel to fuel the ambition of the idiots.
"Why don't we just keep it in the country? Secure it somewhere until it's needed.
What's the point if it's rusty and useless when you need it? A complicated weapon like this needs to be maintained by someone at all times. There is a possibility that the parts could be taken out and made somewhere else.
That's not for me to think about, sir. That's a matter for the government.

　He is only a researcher, and the management of the weapon is left to others, Croisus.
　Of course, Zveit does not believe that his father, Delsacis, is unaware of the importance of control, but he also believes that it is impossible to keep a weapon completely hidden.
　In times of crisis, weapons are often lost, and it is possible that they could be taken to an enemy country. Even now, there are people who forge documents and sell them.
　Once a weapon is used on the battlefield, someone will create a more sophisticated weapon. If the weapons are sold to the public, crime will increase.

"Metis, the Holy Law of God, ......, you've created a nasty thing.
As does Lord Xellos.
He didn't make it with the intention of selling it. It's probably a ...... hobby.
I think it's a problem just to be seen. If you put gunpowder in some kind of tube and put a bullet on the end, you can shoot continuously. It should be easy to produce if we improve the processing technology.
The only way to do that is to destroy that country before it happens. ...... Wait!　You can't possibly be starting a war between Metis and some other country, can you?　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

　The signs of gathering weapons and supplies are often based on the premise of war.
　When bandits are to be defeated, various departments will move in advance to mobilize adequate supplies. The gathering of high performance weapons was another sign.


　Archers, in particular, consume a lot of arrows, so the artisans move in unison to get the numbers right. If they are developing new weapons, they may be planning the invasion over several years.
　If the information I read is to be believed, the gun is a development of the bow, so to speak, and if you have a certain number of guns, you will have an advantage in the first battle.
　It seemed more efficient than magic attacks.

What do you think?
"Well?　I don't think I'm the one you should be asking. The job I got was just to design a magic component. The prototype has been completed, and the rest is left to streamline on its own, isn't it?

　Zveit held his head in his hands as Croisus looked at him as if he were someone else.
　The weapon he was working on had the potential to fundamentally change the nature of military service, but he was completely unconcerned about it.
　He insists that he is only in charge of making the parts, and does not get involved in subsequent improvements or production. He doesn't care about the results of the weapons.

"Croisus......, you need to realize that. You're a duke, you can't be that irresponsible.
Why?　I'm sure your brother will be the one to take over, and I'm going to be a researcher, so it won't matter. I'll have to leave the house sooner or later.
I doubt you'll be able to survive on your own, but that's not the point. If you create something dangerous and it gets stolen and used in a crime because of your sloppy management, how are you going to take responsibility?
"I don't know, sir. That's the responsibility of the thief, isn't it?
It's the responsibility of the person who created the dangerous thing to manage it!　If someone gets hurt, there's no excuse.
I don't understand. I don't understand. It's just unreasonable. It's much worse to use something you stole.
When you create something dangerous, you have to realize that you're responsible for it!

　Mages, especially researchers, occasionally create dangerous things.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it.
　Whether it is a weapon or a restorative, the creator of any product bears some responsibility. But Croisus was too careless.

"This gun is a bad weapon. Even if it's just a part, the moment we know we can make it, we'll be targeted by other countries. If we gather and analyze the separate information, we can see the whole picture. You're on the most important people's list when you get involved in this.
No way. It's just a part, okay?
It's the parts that matter!　As far as I can see, there's only one component that uses magic. You have to understand!

　There seems to be a deep rift in thinking between the researchers and the national defense.
　But the trouble is, Croisus is quick to forget this sort of thing.
　Even if you develop the firing mechanism of the bullet that is the heart of the magic gun, if you find another research subject, your attention will shift to that. It can be said that he is like a child who cannot stay in one place.
　For him, the magic gun is certainly interesting, but he is most interested in the usage of the magic formula and is not particular about the magic gun weapon.
　No matter how much Zveit tries to tell him about the dangers of magic guns, a fundamental difference in thinking causes a gap. This was also the reason why Croisus could not blend in with the people around him who had a general way of thinking.
　Zveit's sermon, in which he tried to warn Croisus, continued for about thirty minutes.

I'm sure you'll understand.
Well, somewhat. ....... It's just a matter of imprinting the technique on one of the components.
That's the problem. ...... Huh, someone teach this guy some common sense.
That's rude. I'm still a sensible person.
What do you mean?

　--And then he gave up.
　Croisus was somewhat understanding, but he felt uncertain, as if he were grasping at a cloud.
　Zveit forgot to mention that Croesus was a researcher, not a creator. His creations are just a process to know the result of his research, and he does not aim at production from the beginning.
　Since he is only seeking knowledge, he doesn't care who produces the things he makes in the process. In fact, the [Breast Augmentation Pills] and [Female Transformation Pills] that I produced before have sold surprisingly well.
　However, Croisus was not involved in the production.

...... I realized there was no point in saying more. How can you sleep in a mess like this? It's more messy than the dormitories at the academy.
"Garbage is terrible. What kind of technology was used?　Isn't it interesting to see what kind of technology is used in them?
I'm not sure if you have the option to clean up the mess in your head.　Wait a minute, if this room was in the same situation as the dormitory of the academy--

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
　The room of Croisus in the Istor Academy of Magic is famous for often causing strange phenomena. It's a good thing that you're not the only one.
　Above all, this is the room where Croisus has lived for a long time. Tsveit was unaware of this, as he had been estranged from Croisus until recently, but there was a rumor that the maids would occasionally disappear from the house of the Dukes of Solistea.
　Of course, no one had ever gone missing, but it was said that on rare occasions, the maids would disappear for hours at a time.

There was ......

　--And so it happened.
　The room was filled with an unidentifiable magical power that had accumulated inside the room.

　This is the first time I've seen such a thing.



　Eromura had come to Croisus' room in search of Zveit.
　Why did he go to Croisus' room, which he was not familiar with?

The other brother is good looking, so it's easy to get a girl if you take him out. It's the best way to get a girl.　It's the right way to go.

--It was a reason full of ulterior motives.
　If he was going to pick up a girl, he should have used his own charm to win her over, but what Elomura was aiming for was a shrewd move that relied on Croisus to take advantage of him.
　It is refreshing to see such stupidity. However, there was a miscalculation in the plan as well: there was no way that the reclusive Croisus would be interested in picking up girls.
　He didn't realize that even if he had been able to take her out on the town, most of the girls would have been looking for him, and he would have been miserable.
　No, if he was smart enough to understand that much, he wouldn't have done this in the first place.

"Hey. Comrade Croesus, are you there?

　I heard that Zveit was also in the room. Elomra tried to open the door to Croisus's room, intending to ask him to come and pick her up.
　But .......

What?　I can't open the door. Is it broken?

　I can feel a presence from inside the room, so I know that Tsveit and his friends are inside.
　But if the door doesn't open, you can't even invite them to pick you up.

What to do: ....... You can't just give up here,......, can you?

　You can feel the inside of the door faintly.
　I'm not sure what to do. It's a great pervert.

"Come on, Croisus!
"Well, well, well.
"Transform!
　--≪"Cyclone Death.
　　　≪"Joker, poi? ≫♪
　　　≪"Best match! ≫Best match!

　I'm getting a lot of bad vibes.

Hey, comrade!　What are you doing in my room?　What is that sound effect?　I'm really curious!

　I can hear the sounds of loud fighting, slashing, shooting, and even the sound of flying tools hitting.
　I'm so curious to see what's inside that I desperately try to open the door, but the door won't budge.

I'm not sure if this is the same thing that happened at the academy.　I didn't know it was happening at my parents' house too. ....... But where the hell is it connected to?

　This phenomenon will subside in a short time, so those on the outside will have to wait in silence.
　However, Elomura really wanted to see what was going on inside.

"'This is the end!'
--≪"Hey, final attack ride, full challenge!
　　≪"Saw, Saw!　Saw!　Sono choushi!　But it's too late!
　　≪≪But it's too late. ≫≫What's the situation?

What's going on?　And because it's all mixed up!　Why is the sound effect a girl?　What kind of special move is that?　Let me see it!　No, let me have one!

　I was curious about what kind of form-up the two of them were doing, but I was even more curious about their special moves .
　No, I'd transform myself if I could.
　A righteous hero who defeats evil is something every man dreams of. To the extent that I wanted him to be in the mix, Elomura evoked the passionate spirit of a boyhood gone by.
　And he desperately tried to open the door.

"d*mn it, why did I take on shopping in the morning?

　A fiercely regretful Elomura.
　In the back of the door, there was a loud explosion, as if a special move had been brilliantly decided.
　Unable to see the final moment of the show, Elomura, who had regained his boyish heart, fell to his knees and cried tears of regret.
　The maids working at the mansion were watching him closely.

...... You-Know-Who
You can't just say, "Let me do it" in front of Croisus's room. ......
But I might like to see it. ....... He's pretty good when he's not talking.
"What?　............ I see, that's nice!

　Then, a suspicion of eromura was born among the maids.
　After this day, the maids became more active in promoting rotten books, but that's not important.
　Well, it was a disaster for the duke's brothers and Elomura.