New chapter of Control Engineer is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Magical Iron (3): Breakthrough

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Muuuu. It seems the material is not iron. At least, not for the steam iron. A metal that does not rust. For example, a light metal called aluminum, something that exists in my memory. Strictly speaking, aluminum rusts, but only on the surface, and the corrosion does not progress any further.

“Hmmm. If that could be used, then it might be possible.” (Leon)

Conversely speaking, it seems impossible in this world. No, not absolutely impossible. However, since aluminum is not being mass-produced here, it is an extremely difficult path. The cost of raw materials rises significantly, and even if an iron is made, it hardly sells at all.

Kuuu.

I am defeated by Earth’s fundamental scientific capability.

 

—

 

“You look kind of down, Leon.” (Leah)

When we gathered around the table and began dinner, Leah-san said that to me.

In this lodging house, there were three residents including myself. If everyone was present, we always ate together. If guests came, that was apparently an exception.

When I was first welcomed as a new lodger, I had been quite surprised.

Except for parties or other social gatherings, nobles generally did not share a table with commoners. Madam Therese was a noble, so it was usual that both I, as a lodger, and Leah-san, as a maid, would dine separately in another room. However, in this mansion, things were not that way.

Once, when Leah-san was not present, I asked Madam why that was. “Oh my, is that so?” she had laughed. That had surely been a way to dodge the question.

Somehow, it felt like a true family.

“Well, yes, a little. Ah, I am not sick.” (Leon)

“Then, what is it?” (Leah)

“I am just a little depressed.” (Leon)

“My.” (Therese)

Madam placed her hand on her cheek. Leah-san knitted her brows.

“Madam is worried about you. Speak. Is it about yesterday?” (Leah)

“It is not entirely unrelated.” (Leon)

Hmmm, Leah-san purses her lips.

“Well, how should I put it? What should one do to win against an opponent who has steadily prepared and built things up piece by piece?” (Leon)

“Hah? Leon, are you sulking because you lost?” (Leah)

“Yes. I am simply no match.” (Leon)

I wanted to say that I could not stand up to Earth’s scientific power, but there was no way I could say that in this world. So, I ended up speaking vaguely.

“Well, you are still young, Leon, so it cannot be helped. You should keep building up too. Then, win after ten years!” (Leah)

Hmm. No, even ten years would not be enough. It is not about me alone after all. It is about the technological level of the world.

Since I did not show any sign of agreement, Leah-san looked slightly shaken and turned to Madam.

“Well now.” (Therese)

Eh?

Usually, when Leah-san and I conversed, Madam would listen on with a gentle smile.

“Leon-san, do you truly wish to win against that opponent?” (Therese)

“Eh?” (Leon)

“My late husband often said this to a certain person. When you wish to win against someone, you are often losing sight of your original purpose.” (Therese)

“Original purpose…” (Leon)

“Yes. So, you must be careful not to lose sight of it.” (Therese)

Hmm.

“I understand. I will think about it carefully.” (Leon)

 

—

 

After dinner, I returned to my room.

Madam’s words weighed heavily.

As Leah-san had said, I realized it. I was simply sulking. The science behind Reo’s knowledge from Earth was truly great. I had envied it, felt I could not surpass it, and became dejected.

How childish.

I am disappointed in myself. And yet, I am about to become an adult at 15.

Childish. It was the first time I had heard mention of Madam’s husband, that is, the Baron. In any case…

The “certain person” to whom the Baron often spoke, was that not the child of the Baron and Madam? That child must have been a boy. I wondered what he was doing now. Upstairs on the second floor. No, I should stop. I had decided not to pry.

Well, I know I could not win against Earth’s science.

Moreover, the civilization of the mental system is far beyond that. There is always someone greater above. Rather than win, I should accomplish my purpose. Those were fine words.

My purpose.

The reason I aimed to improve the iron was because I want to make Leah-san happy, even if only a little.

“Ah. I see. So that is how it is.” (Leon)

 

—

 

The next evening.

When I descended into the basement, Leah-san was folding laundry.

“Oh, Leon. You came again. Hmm. You seem cheerful today, unlike last night.” (Leah)

It seemed Leah-san could tell my mood.

“Yes. Madam’s words awakened me.” (Leon)

“I see. Madam always says good things. Hmm? What are you holding?” (Leah)

“This is an iron.” (Leon)

“You bought it? But there is already one here. Wait, did you already modify it?” (Leah)

“Yes. I used my special technique.” (Leon)

“Hmm. I have no idea what that means, but all right.” (Leah)

“Please try using it.” (Leon)

“I see. It looks rather small though.” (Leah)

Indeed, the one here was an industrial-grade model or something equivalent, while the one bought from the supply department was a household model.

“Yes, the method of use is mostly the same.” (Leon)

“Hmmm.” (Leah)

Leah-san, with familiar hands, touched the upper part of the exposed magic stone of the magical iron. It glowed dully, and the bottom began to heat up.

A few silent minutes passed. Then, she gripped the handle and moved it across the ironing board.

“Hmm. I cannot tell what has changed.” (Leah)

“Yes. Could you please try twisting your thumb on the magic stone, as if screwing it?” (Leon)

“Twisting? Like this? It does not twist, but ah!” (Leah)

The iron hissed.

“What is this? Oooh!” (Leah)

From between the bottom plate and the ironing board, white vapor burst forth.

“Steam! Eh, where is it coming from?” (Leah)

Leah-san lifted the iron in surprise.

Steam poured out vigorously.

“Be careful, the steam is hot.” (Leon)

“Oh!” (Leah)

However, in less than ten seconds, the force weakened, and soon the steam ceased.

“Huh? It stopped already?” (Leah)

“If you touch the magic stone again, the same way as before, it will come out again.” (Leon)

“Ohh, there it is.” (Leah)

Just before the steam spouted out, a faint red magic symbol appeared on the bottom surface.

“Could it be?” (Leah)

Leah-san placed what was probably a folded handkerchief on the board, pressed the iron on it, then lifted it, spread the cloth again, and pressed it once more.

*Shuuuuuuu*

“Ohh, the wrinkles are smoothing. They are smoothing well. Eh, where is the water for the steam stored?” (Leah)

“No, there is no water stored. It is produced by magic art.” (Leon)

“Hehh. I see. That is convenient.” (Leah)

Saying so, she began to iron a thin garment, probably my shirt.

Yes. This device generated steam by modifying the spell of the water-producing magic art Aqua. I had rewritten the control magic stone for that purpose.

Speaking plainly, as long as steam struck the fabric, that was sufficient. That alone would smooth the wrinkles. It was not necessary to store water inside the iron and eject it through holes in the bottom surface. It was perfectly fine to employ a different method from Earth’s science. Because the structure of a steam iron that existed in Reo’s memories, especially the use of heat, was so precise, I had assumed there could be no other way.

My perspective had become narrow. Thinking back now, I could not believe I had failed to notice such a simple idea. How shameful. Madam’s words truly carried meaning.

The steam contacted the plated bottom surface of the iron. With this, it would not easily rust. Even now, we sprayed water with a mister. Furthermore, there were parts where this design surpassed the other. There was no need for refilling water. The only drawback was that generating steam consumed a little extra mana, but it was not much.

“This is amazing. You really made this, Leon?” (Leah)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Then, I have a request for you, Leah-san.” (Leon)

“What is it, this request?” (Leah)

“Yes. I would like you to use this iron for a while, and if there are any parts that are inconvenient to use, or if it rusts, please observe and tell me.” (Leon)

“Oh, that is all? I will ask Madam just in case, but I think there will be no problem.” (Leah)

 

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