3 bar menu

Chapter 241

On that day, Christina and her secretary, Dramina, were observing the research results of the scholars they had invited to Bern. These included Dr. Mazda and his granddaughter, Charlot.

With abundant funds, a wide range of research materials, and investors who allowed scholars to conduct research at their own pace, Bern provided the perfect environment for these scholars. They were enjoying a rather smooth sailing process, despite some failures.

Christina and Dramina headed upstream to the river that ran through Bern village. Today, they were conducting a trial run of a boat installed with the magic steam engine invented by Dr. Mazda.

The barony of Bern did not face the sea, but a large river ran through its vicinity to the southern part of the kingdom. Hence, there were rising expectations of river trade and talks about the acquisition or establishment of a shipping company in the southern part of the kingdom.

Dr. Mazda was an old man with white hair, a white beard, and a lanky build; Charlot worked as his secretary. The two of them were on a paddle steamer equipped with a magic steam engine. The boat was emitting rainbow-colored smoke from its chimneys as the wheels on both sides of it rotated. It traveled upstream and then downstream, going back and forth between the two banks of the river.

The magic steam engine which had only produced less than twenty horsepower, had been steadily improved. The wheels were moving smoothly with a full load of goods intended for river trade.

「I think we can put this into regular use, Dramina.」

While watching the other researchers grimace in bitter regret and taking notes in admiration, Christina spoke to Dramina beside her.

「Yes. That being said, shipbuilding is one of the skills lacking in Bern right now. We’ve reached out to craftsmen from other territories, but that’ll take some time. We also need to improve the environment for operating more than just paddle steamers. We need a suitable environment for Mr. Lilich’s land-based engines and Madam Prana’s aircraft. It’s time to increase our sources of income.」

「We have many tourists, but a much smaller number of people actually immigrate to the area. Even the lords of other territories won’t overlook the emigration of their own folks. With war looming, it’s natural that they have hesitations about moving to Bern. After all, Bern is likely to be the first place where the battle will break out. Things won’t proceed easily.」

「Despite that, the population is growing steadily, and self-sufficiency isn’t a problem when it comes to food. We also have the favor of the Governor-General of Galois and Prince Sperion thanks to your father. With their help in persuasion, we can get around the situation.」

The development of a transportation network posed the risk of rapid movement of personnel and goods for hostile nations during a war. However, Bern was aiming for further expansion and development due to the inventions of Mazda and other researchers. The people of Bern were clear that establishing such a network was an urgent task.

Presently, the only transportation route available was from Bern Village to Clauze Village and Galois. However, plans were under consideration to establish a direct path to urban areas outside of Galois and other territories in the future.

「In that case, I hope the Demon Lord’s army makes it clear when they’ll attack us. If they do, we’ll have to rethink our other policies. This may sound careless, but hopefully, we can finish before they strike.」

「It’s rather flippant, but we’re in a pretty unique situation, and we have some unusual people around us. I can’t blame you for thinking this way, Christina. Oh… I see that Lenia’s guests are here.」

Dramina was the first to spot a number of dragons, led by Vaje, flying in from the direction of Mores mountains. Christina caught sight of them soon after.

When Mazda and the others noticed the dragons landing on the training ground that Lenia and her team had been provided for mock battles, they gasped in astonishment.

「I hope Lenia doesn’t make a mistake with her strength and end up hurting Vaje and the rest by accident…」

「Lenia should be fine with Dran keeping an eye on her. In the past, she would get too excited before Dran and unleash too much power, but she’s much calmer now. I’m sure she won’t let Dran down.」

「I’m surprised that you trust Lenia so much, though it’s about time we should place our trust in her. On the other hand, we should be worried about Nel having too much fun and losing herself, as well as the spirits of Kushli and Aznar getting crushed.」

「That sure is a concern, but I hope that the process and outcome turn out well for all…」

As expected, Dramina had her doubts about this and could not speak with complete confidence.

＊

Not long after the barrier golems were scattered and the instant warding devices had been set up, the dragons flew down and landed at the training site. After they exchanged a few words with Dran, who was supervising the Bern participants, they transformed into human form to spectate the battles.

Lenia was the first to engage in a mock battle. She had been nominated because of her experience in training with dragons last year. Her opponents were Vaje, Winchant, and Klaubord. All four of them remained inside the warding barrier.

The rest left the warding barrier, and Dran made his rounds to greet the various dragons he was meeting for the first time. At the same time, Vaje was giving Winchant and Klaubord some sincere and serious advice as they faced Lenia.

A thoughtful and firm expression was on Vaje’s beautiful face. Her usual arrogance and confidence were nowhere to be seen as she spoke to the other two dragons in a stern voice that did not allow for rebuttals. The young wind dragon and thunder dragon were compelled to keep silent and listen to Vaje.

「Listen, Winchant, Klaubord. We’ll be dealing with someone that looks human but isn’t quite human. You must be ready to kill, though the results won’t change even if you give your all. That being said, it’ll be more like a proper battle if you don’t underestimate this fight.」

Such advice from Vaje, someone who looked down on other species, was unbelievable. Winchant even suspected that Vaje had eaten something bad before coming here. Fortunately, he kept such thoughts to himself and avoided insulting Vaje in her face.