第３４６堀：白い森の観光 (Part2)
"It’s all thanks to the Hot Stones developed by Comet-sama. Originally, they were 'Ice Stones'—a material that maintains a constant temperature, perfect for keeping things cool. However, she found a way to raise that temperature and figured out how to mass-produce them. The issue is that the mining sites for the base Ice Stones are scarce. Even if we try to produce them with DP, the cost is high, and pouring magic power into them manually doesn't yield large quantities quickly. That’s why we mainly place them at equal intervals along the main roads of the castle town to mitigate the damage caused by the snow as much as possible."
"I see. That explains why there’s still snow left in the alleys."
Following Ratz’s gaze, I saw someone shoveling snow from an alleyway out onto the main street.
"They have a role in that, too—clearing the alley snow onto the main street to be melted. Plus, Hot Stones are distributed to the residents of this country through proper procedures. That’s how they keep warm."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I realized I haven't seen any smoke from fires. So that’s why."
No wonder the air felt so clean compared to other cities. There wasn't a hint of smokiness.
"Yes. Gathering firewood in winter requires a significant amount of labor and resources. This invention of the Hot Stone has greatly improved the lives of our citizens."
"Being able to spend the winter in the North without any issues is all thanks to Comet-sama."
"Wow, Comet is amazing, isn't she?"
I mean, she’s been doing all sorts of things as a Dungeon Master on this continent, so I knew she was impressive, but this is the first time I’ve seen such tangible results. Up until now, it was mostly just combat tools or research documents.
"But, was it called a Hot Stone? Wouldn't other countries want such a convenient item?"
"They do. That’s why we export them at a high price and keep them under strict management."
"Though, these tools are only truly valuable here in the White Forest of the North. In other countries, they just provide a little warmth in the winter, and the rest of the time, they’re just in the way."
"Well, they can't be used to start a fire, and they’re strictly for keeping warm. Besides, it seems they turn into ordinary rocks after about ten years in lands outside the White Forest."
"I suppose they were a type of magic item. When I heard about the magic power depletion, I figured that might be why."
"I see. So they were the type that operates by absorbing magic power from the air. And outside the White Forest and the Academy... wait a minute. Does this mean this land is rich in magic power?"
"Eh, is that so? Hold on."
Hearing that, I tried using a bit of magic myself.
"...No. It’s consuming twenty times the usual amount."
"What could that mean?"
"Um, I don't know the detailed structure of the Hot Stones, so I can't really say..."
"I don't know much about it either."
Should I contact Yuki-san? He might come up with an idea different from ours. Just as I was about to initiate a call...
"It’s simple. They were replenishing their magic power from the Dungeon Core. The range is just about the size of this country. Once you leave that area, you can't receive the replenishment, and they just dry up. I’m surprised they lasted ten years, though. I don't know if they’re just durable or if the magic depletion outside is slower than expected."
"Ah, Comet."
I don't know where she came from, but Comet just sat down next to me. She’s really elusive, isn't she?
"Comet-sama. Why are you here?"
"Oh, I’ll have some tea, too. Hm? Ah, the meetings are a pain, so I slipped out."
She just openly admitted to slacking off on her work. I gave a wry smile, while Tori, Ratz, and Kaya looked at her with cold eyes.
"...If you trouble Yuki-san too much, he’ll get angry, you know?"
"Indeed. As for me, I cannot tolerate my brother being burdened with everything."
"...I’ll take away your fried tofu."
"Ah, that’s no good, Comet. Yuki-san is busy, you know."
Yuki-san is going to collapse from overwork. That won't do. Sorry, Comet, but I have to be strict.
"Ah, I phrased that poorly. My turn isn't needed, so I came to check on the situation outside. I’m a researcher, after all. National administration and strategy are outside my expertise. I understand them, but I don't want to use my brain for that. Gathering data like this is much more useful. Yuki-kun already gave me the OK, so don't worry."
Ah, I kind of get it. I attend the Weed management meetings too, but once I talk a little about security, I leave the rest to Eris, Ratz, and Milly. I often feel like there’s no point in me being there. I’d rather be out acting as a guard.
"Anyway, back to the topic. Regarding the magic power from the Dungeon Core to maintain the Hot Stones—I wouldn't say every day, but surely the King or the Prime Minister is pouring magic power into the core, right? The efficiency is certainly poor, but by pouring it directly into the core instead of releasing it into the air, the consumption shouldn't spike. If this process also cost twenty times the amount, you wouldn't be able to do anything."
"So there is such a way to use it. Hm? Then, the Holy Swords as well..."
"Exactly. They’re designed to store the owner's magic power without loss, and by connecting the blade to the core, unnecessary magic consumption is suppressed. So, it’s better to use magic through a Holy Sword than to use it normally. If the incantation is built into the Holy Sword, you can suppress the consumption even further."
"Wow, you’ve thought of everything. Is it like the staves on the Weed continent?"
"Staves exist here too, but they lacked practicality and were only good for firing from the rear. People like Popuri are different, but waiting for someone to grow that much is... well. So, the original idea was: why not give the sword the role of a staff and reinforce it with a core?"
"Phew. You really think about a lot of things. I..."
*BOOM!!*
A loud explosion echoed, cutting off my words. They say things never go as planned, and that’s certainly true. Still, I think we got a glimpse into life in the White Forest, didn't we? Snow countries seem tough.
Anyway, putting that aside, the 10th is finally the day after tomorrow!! *Summon Night 6!!* *Medarot Girls!!* Ah, it’s going to be busy! Lately, I’ve also started playing Minecraft in earnest—without any mods. I’m facing the world of Minecraft for real. I thought about making a Let's Play video, but it sounds tiring, so never mind. I’ve also got doujin manuscripts to work on. Man, I’m busy.
Oh, anyone want to join in on a doujinshi? Also, is there anyone who wants to play with an art chat? I want to rehabilitate my drawing skills, and I’d be happy if someone gave me a request.