第１６２７堀：グッズというと？ (Part1)
**Chapter 1627: What Do You Mean by "Merchandise"?**
**Side: Agil**
I’ve become incredibly busy lately, having started designing ways to simplify and customize our technology so it can be provided to various nations.
Well, it’s not as if I wasn’t busy before, but there’s a distinct difference in the mental strain between working on projects with set deadlines and pure research. Still, taking things like vehicle construction or medical equipment and refining them to be more user-friendly is a refreshing challenge for us. Pondering how to reduce the number of steps or optimize the systemic side of things is genuinely fun. It’s rewarding in its own right.
In fact, it’s so similar to programming that I’ve even considered taking up computer coding in my spare time.
"Well, not that I have the time to spare for that right now."
Between my usual magic power surveys and the adjustments required to make Earth-made items function using magic, on top of this current equipment supply project, I don't have enough hours in the day—even if I work until the scheduled end of my shift. If I were to study programming, it would have to be after I got home, but I’m already occupied with other things once I’m back. There’s just never enough time.
Thinking this, I arrived home, only to find…
"What are you doing?"
I had stopped by the banquet hall for a break, only to see Yuki and the others pulling items out of an insect cage and lining them up. Despite it being an insect cage, what they were pulling out didn't look like insects at all. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued, but seeing the items only deepened the mystery.
Spread across the table was a disjointed collection of rotting tree branches, seaweed, seashells, sand, pebbles, bones, and some sort of nuts. To an outsider, it looked like nothing more than trash.
"Hm? Oh, Agil. Welcome back."
As I stood there in confusion, Yuki noticed me and called out.
"Oh, yeah. I'm back. So, what is all this?"
When I asked for the identity of the items on the table, he replied:
"Ah, it’s a request from Ratz. We’ve been tasked with coming up with some 'merchandise' for the port town—things that could become local specialties, essentially."
Yuki explained it quite frankly, with no attempt to hide anything. I see. They’re trying to develop the town further by creating items that can only be bought there, ensuring it becomes a famous destination.
"So, like those region-exclusive New G-dams in Fukuoka?"
"Exactly. Wait, did you buy one?"
"Of course. It’s a nasty marketing tactic, isn't it? I had no choice but to buy the whole set."
I had grumbled about such a devious sales method, but I hadn't hesitated to spend the DP to order them. And I’d assembled them properly, too. The craftsmanship was magnificent. I would have loved to visit the place myself, but alas, it’s an unreachable world.
"Hah, well, putting that aside, that’s why we’re trying to think of things that are easy to procure, simple to make, and likely to sell."
"Hmm, that’s an impossibly tall order. Why not just go with a 'Port-Exclusive Z'gok' or something?"
"That wouldn't sell here."
"It would. Everyone wants a model that detailed."
"No, I mean we have to use local materials—no DP allowed."
"Ah, in that case, yeah, that’s impossible."
Tch. So they have to be made from local materials, too? I suppose if they weren't, the money wouldn't circulate among the common folk.
"I see, I get the intent now. You’re trying to create jobs."
"Exactly."
"In that case, at best..."
Talking about models gave me an idea. I picked up a random piece of wood.
"Why not carve these into some kind of character? Also, you have sand, right? What about glass?"
"Ah, that’s an option. I don't know about the characters, but glass would definitely be a hit."
"In the inland regions, glass made from sea sand wouldn't be easy to come by, after all."
My suggestion seemed to be generally well-received. Though, in truth, it was just a spur-of-the-moment thought.
"If that’s the case, regarding the glass..."
"You should definitely go through Narjia or Firia. Though, just like with character goods, you’ll need to decide to some extent what you actually want to make."
"Passing the buck is a pain, isn't it?"
"It’s an absolute nightmare. Like when you told us to 'investigate the magic power depletion phenomenon, the method is up to you.' We’re approaching it from various angles, but it’s quite difficult."
"That part... honestly, I’m sorry."
"Well, it’s not something you need to apologize for, Yuki. We’re regularly checking things like magic concentration levels and the like. Finding what’s missing from that data is the researcher’s job. But, back to the topic: as for the characters, honestly, I’m not the one to ask. I’ve never done design work, and my artistic sense... well, I can draw, but only for blueprints or reference sketches. You’d be better off asking Micos, who handles the magazines."
"That makes sense. Still, wouldn't it be easier to make if we at least had an initial design?"
"I wouldn't know. I’m clueless about what makes a design 'sellable' in that sense."
"What about Fiora and the others?"
Yuki asked the members who were currently staring down the pile of "trash" on the table, but...
"Ahaha... I’m sorry. I have no talent for drawing."
"Neither do I. I’m better with documents and graphs."
"I can't do it either. I’ve never drawn anything before~."
"Drawing? I took a few classes during the Weed vocational training, but honestly, I don't have a clue."
"Same as Orelia~. I thought this was just for a change of pace~."
"Very few people can make a living off of art, after all."
As expected, Yuki’s subordinates were completely out of their element.
"Regardless, it’s not right to just dump this on someone else, so let’s draw something for now. Micos will be back eventually, so until then, it’s drawing time for everyone. Uh, let’s make sure we can provide a design description, too."
Yuki pulled out his laptop, quickly typed something up, and the printer whirred to life. He took the paper and placed it on the table. In a short time, he had created a template for simple designs. It had fields for a title and concept, with the majority left blank.
"Well, it’s a case of 'write before you think.' Plus, the photos of the monsters and scenery from the sea should serve as good references."
And so, the reference materials were expanded. *Sigh.* Working even after hours—they really are a diligent bunch.
As I thought this and turned to head back to my room, my lab coat was grabbed by Yuki, stopping me in my tracks.
"Er, Yuki? Do you need something else?"
I knew what was coming, but I had to ask anyway. Just in case, by some miracle, it was something else.
"You’ve seen this much. You’re going to help me draw the designs. You understand the gist of it, right?"
"Hah, I knew it. The others don't seem like they can, so I guess it’s just you and me setting the example?"
"Exactly. Even a 'yuru-chara' (mascot character) would be fine."
"I don't think it’s something that can be done that easily, though~. Besides, I just finished my work and was planning on relaxing in my room, you know?"
"Think of it as spending some quality time together as a couple."
"There’s no helping it, then. How about I settle for sitting on your lap while I work?"
"No, then I won't be able to write."
"Tch. Fine, then later."
"Hah, understood."
If I’m going to help with such a tedious task, I’d better get properly compensated later. And so, I joined in and began sketching designs. The reference I was using was a photo of a monster that looked like a worm—no, wait, was it a lugworm?
Ugh, it’s gross.