Isabelle's Episode

Is this the magical weapon...?

Yes, Ethan. Once it's completed, it will end the war.

They said with just technology, it could stand up to the great powers... truly impressive.

It's just a relic of the past. What's needed now is a new power to move forward.

So this is it...

Yes. But it's very difficult to finish, so I'd like to ask for your help.

I have no reason to refuse, but... how can I assist?

First, the materials. The power unit is ready, but we lack the magic stones, and we need thin, fine strings to connect the parts.

You mean like wires.

I hear lizardmen tendons are tough enough for this... Can you get some?

It's not hard, but I don't have the skill to cut the tendons precisely. It'd be great if you could provide someone to help.

That's something the Duchy can support.

Next... it's a mysterious liquid called Fairy's Tears. It helps the machine move smoothly.

So it acts like a lubricant. Can't we just use regular oil?

Normally, yes, but...

If you use oil in a Magitek Weaponry, it'll catch fire. It's practically a chunk of magic power!

Ah...

Finally, we need the root of the snowflower, found only in the Isiel region.

Oh? Why is that?

When the root is boiled down with a special ritual, it creates the core for magical bullets that can be fired.

I guess the flower stored mana in its roots to survive in cold regions.

It's quite a lot of orders... do you think it's possible?

I'll make sure to gather them on time.

I'd love to help, but with this many things to do...

I'll make sure to offer a fair reward. Next battle, we'll send troops and supplies from the Aurelia Principality.

...! If that's the deal... I'll give it a try.

But Isabelle, I have a question...

What is it...?

What kind of weapon is this?

Past magical weapons were said to be iron giants... but this one is a small but powerful firearm. Think of it like a cannon.

It's this big, but you call it small?

That just shows how powerful the old weapons were. Anyway, with this, it could be integrated into the military, turning the tide of the war.

Thanks, Ethan. Thanks to your help in gathering the materials, the production should go smoothly.

I'm glad I could be of help.

But...

Is there a problem again?

Oh, no. It's more of a technical issue... it's not something you can help with, Ethan.

Well, if that's the case...

I was just a bit curious since this looks similar to something I saw where I used to live.

If you ever need anything, just let me know!

You saw something like this...?

Hmm? Yes, definitely. Tanks, self-propelled guns... there were all kinds.

Wha... How could that be? The idea of removing the horse from a cart was enough to make all the scholars gasp...!

Haha... I suppose so.

Well, just in case, let me ask you a few questions.

Go ahead!

The Magitek Weaponry now has wheels, so it can move forward, but it's unstable.

It's much heavier than a regular cart, so it gets stuck in mud or the wheels break easily. What can we do about it...?

I think I might have a solution for that.

Really?

Yes. From what I know, it was invented for this exact reason.

What... what is that?

It's called a track wheel. Instead of a big cart wheel, you use several small, sturdy wheels and cover them with tough leather.

This way, it works like one long wheel, so it won't break and won't get stuck anywhere.

...! I see... wheels that move as one... That could work.

You're truly an amazing person. The technology of the Aurelia used to be better than any other nation on the continent...

In this world, that's true, but there are other worlds too.

How can we solve the issue of slow direction changes?

Perhaps we could make the cannon's barrel rotate?

Hmm...

Ethan, you're really wise.

Thanks to you, not only will we lead the war in our favor, but the Aurelia Principality will grow stronger too.

Does that weapon have that much power?

Of course. If it's properly charged, it could even destroy a mountain.

...Really?

With that kind of power... wouldn't it cause collateral damage to civilians, even if we win the battle...?

Or would it wipe out surrendering enemies and ruin our reputation...

Ethan... There's no weapon that only targets enemies. We need to become stronger.

Still... this feels wrong...

Would you say that even if your loved ones, your precious nation, were in danger?

Well, that's...

Politics... leading people... means you must consider these aspects as well, Ethan.

I've been thinking about it all night...

Isabelle...

Isabelle...

Ethan, did you sleep well?

Yes, thanks to you.

I see. You can rest until the afternoon before you leave.

Hey, Isabelle...

Yes?

I spent the night thinking about you. Powerful weapons, war... and people...

And I've come to a conclusion.

...What conclusion?

After all... overly powerful weapons aren't good.

That Magitek Weaponry could certainly lead us to victory and make the empire stronger, but...

It might also bring about a disaster that leads to Aurelian's ruin.

Hmm...

Ethan, you're not from this world.

Right now, the Empire and the Tiamat Church are causing turmoil across the world, but that's just the flow of history repeating itself.

When the Empire falls, another Vortigern will rise. You may not understand it, but that's how this era works.

I can't fully understand, but I'm aware of that flow.

The world I lived in had similar things happening throughout history.

So why do you say that?

Because I know it.

A great power might bring peace to the empire, but that very power could also make it a target for all other nations.

Even so, seeing the overwhelming power of the Magitek Weaponry, no one would be able to threaten Aurelia.

That's not true.

What do you mean?

Weapons are just tools... Ultimately, it's the people who wield them that matter.

What if the technology or the weapon itself leaks out, or if it's attacked before it can even be used...?

...

Being targeted means that, you know. There are countless assassins and magicians in this world.

What if I refuse to give up? What will you do then?

I'm not thinking of stopping you. The Magitek Weaponry itself isn't the problem.

But... I believe reducing its firepower would be better for the empire.

You mean to use it purely as a weapon... But you do know how expensive its creation is, right?

Why are you so concerned about this, Ethan?

Me...?

The fate of leaders who relied solely on overwhelming power while seeking peace... hasn't been good.

An ancient king once waged a unification war to eliminate chaos, and while he succeeded, he ended up dying after being tormented by countless conspiracies.

In the world I came from, even the mighty force of nuclear weapons... has become another source of instability.

Hmm...

Depending on the result, all responsibility will fall on you, Isabelle. I... would rather not have that happen.

Heh... I didn't know you were so thoughtful.

For... Aurelia...

Aurelia Principality is a small country. If we use such a weapon to expand territory, it would be unstable. If we only use it as a deterrent...

After this war, many nations will target Aurelia. The people will bear the brunt of that.

You probably don't believe me, but I'm sincere.

I hadn't thought about it that way... But it's definitely worth considering.

Thank you for your advice.

Go rest now, Ethan. We can talk again later.

Isabelle? I'm here.

Huh... she's not here...

Hm...?

These novels... could it be...

E-Ethan?

Ah, Isabel. You're here.

But... this writing...

W-Well... yes, yes! I like them too.

You seem really flustered for some reason.

N-No! It's just that you suddenly appeared in my room, Ethan!

W-Would I have? I'm too busy managing the situation of the Duchy to be writing.

Your face is getting red, though...

I-It's just your imagination!

Wh-What's so funny?

Oh, it's nothing. I just relaxed and couldn't help but laugh.

You relaxed...?

I always thought you were composed and decisive, Isabelle. But right now... you seem more human.

Of course. I do have some room for relaxation in my life...

Haha, I'm sorry if I made you feel bad.

It's not that, but... I ended up showing something embarrassing...

...Ethan.

Yes, Isabelle.

I've been thinking a lot after hearing your words too.

The Magitek Weaponry... I'll think it through more carefully and make sure it doesn't harm the common people...

Isabelle!

But I have a request.

A request?

I've considered your advice and made concessions, so you'll fulfill my request, right?

What is it?

I promised support for your hardships you've gone through, right? I want the same support. Because I trust you, Ethan.

Whenever the Tiamat Church extends its reach to Aurelia, please come and help, Ethan.

If that's the request, of course, I'll grant it. But... are you sure it's okay with me?

Of course. Because...

I've come to like you.