Imperial VI-7

"I'm going to head over to Emma's place."

"I'll come too. I really think we can't just stay here like this. I know where she is, so I'll take you there. This way."

Going outside with Daniel, a four-wheeled vehicle was waiting.

The magic-powered tricycle had clearly evolved further.

It looked completely like a regular automobile.

Steam was emerging from a small chimney extending from the front.

Compared to ordinary vehicles from the original world, it was noticeably slender, but compared to the magic-powered tricycle, it was remarkably large.

To think such an impressive machine could be made—it would be a waste to abandon such talent here.

The magic-powered quadracycle moved far faster and with much greater stability than the magic-powered tricycle.

I hadn't noticed upon entering the city, but specific areas within the town now had dedicated roads for magic-powered quadracycles.

Several magic-powered quadracycles were zipping around. Judging by their attire, it seemed noblefolk were actively riding them.

Everyone looked comfortable.

Not everything goes smoothly, but sometimes things do work out. One mustn't give up.

Thanks to the speed of the magic quadracycles, we arrived at Ms. Emma's location shortly.

She was safely back with her parents.

It was the Fujiwara Company.

How long has it been since I last came here? It feels nostalgic.

The doorbell rang, and the butler appeared.

"Goodness me, a distinguished guest has arrived. What business brings you today?"

"Forgive the sudden visit. I've come to see Emma."

"I'm sorry, but the young mistress is unable to receive anyone at the moment."

"Then please let me speak with Marie."

"With the mistress...? Forgive me, but she is currently very occupied. Would you kindly make an appointment and return at a later time?"

Damn, this isn't going smoothly at all... If things keep going like this, there'll be no progress whatsoever.

Should I just push through?

No, doing that would make me a criminal. If I become a lawless man in Japan and then again here, I'll truly have nowhere left to call home.

I have no choice but to obey straightforwardly...

"Fine. Normally I'd have turned you away, but since you're here, entertain me for a bit."

The door in front of me opened, and out stepped Marie, looking slightly worn.

The butler gently guided us into the sitting room, looking slightly flustered.

As soon as we entered, Marie began puffing away at her cigarette.

"It's been a while. The renowned prodigy mage. I heard you've been personally summoned by the Empire."

"Your timing is impressive. Is this your usual information gathering?"

And when did I suddenly become known as a mage, anyway?

"This time, there was no need to go through the trouble of investigating. You just blasted magic right in front of the Empress and knocked out a powerful noble. Naturally, it's caused a huge uproar. You ignored everyone's warnings and just went wild."

Daniel's gaze from beside me felt painfully intense.

Thinking about it again, I really did something terrible...

"I-I came here this time because I wanted to talk to Emma about that incident."

"That child is... yes. Let's talk a little. Then it'd be best to meet face to face."

Marie set down her cigarette and turned serious.

What on earth was going on?

"First of all, it was me who ordered that child to create the mecha armor."

At those words, I instinctively stood up.

How Emma had struggled every day... what she had been striving for, and why she had built such an incredible machine.

You can tell from the intricate details of this magical four-wheeled machine.

You understand that, don't you?

"Are you going to blow this place apart like a castle? I'd be glad if you'd just sweep away that nobleman and clear the air."

I managed to calm myself down after Marie's words. Right. Getting angry about everything won't get us anywhere.

I sat back down and listened to what she had to say.

"It might be better to hear everything in detail from Marie before talking with Emma."

"I'm not asking you to forgive me. There was no other choice. I had no alternative."

Marie recalled memories she'd rather forget.

"Right at the moment when the declaration of war was about to be made. The military brass from the Empire came to us. They asked if we could repurpose the magic-powered quad we were developing for military use. Naturally, I refused at first. It was her creation, after all."

But reality wasn't kind.

The military kept trying every possible negotiation tactic—funding, noble titles, and more.

But Emma and Marie didn't give in.

Eventually, they were arrested for violating military regulations.

Emma, even then, remained defiant, as if daring them to try something.

But Marie broke completely at that point.

Knowing Emma's life was in danger, she could no longer resist.

After all, she was her mother...

Marie turned to说服 Emma instead.

Emma felt betrayed by Marie's sudden actions.

Overwhelmed by the shock and realizing she had fewer allies than before, she reluctantly began constructing the vehicle chassis that would serve as the foundation for the magical mecha.

Once completed, the chassis was handed over to the military, who immediately began further weaponization.

Emma watched helplessly, unable to do anything but stand by and observe.

The magical mechanized soldiers, achieving astonishing results from the very start of the war.

The tactless nobles praised Emma, the developer, to the skies, even attempting to lure her into their own domain.

Suitors even appeared, proposing marriage.

Emma was completely overwhelmed, ultimately retreating into seclusion.

Marie, having finished telling everything, was crying.

The actions I took to protect my own daughter ended up hurting her instead.

I couldn't say a word.