ushernet Chapter 26.2
Chapter 26.2
“However, I could produce bags with lower performance. Using mid- to low-tier magic stones, I could create bags with only a spatial enchantment. Those could be made in decent numbers.”
Noticing Arina’s slight disappointment, Arad offered a suggestion.
“Really? I’ll provide any support you need. What materials are required?”
Her face brightened at his words.
“However, I’d like to work with witches and Northern craftsmen rather than doing it alone. If I do this by myself, it will consume too much of my time. I can’t spend an entire year just making these bags.”
“Hmm... so you mean to pass on your knowledge to them?”
However, Arad’s next words caused Arina’s expression to grow somewhat serious.
“...? Yes, that’s correct.”
Arad responded, puzzled by her change in demeanor.
“Now that I think about it, there are more complications to consider than I initially thought.”
“Complications?”
“I’m sorry, but let’s postpone mass production for now. The High Tower and the North are still crawling with rats, which could be troublesome. Then there’s also the matter of the witches.”
“Ah... I understand.”
Arad nodded immediately, accepting her reasoning.
The only area where the North was currently ahead of the Empire was Arad’s knowledge and magical engineering. If even a fraction of that knowledge leaked to the Empire, it could spell real danger.
‘But what does she mean by “the witches’ circumstances”? It doesn’t seem like just a matter of pride.’
Arad’s curiosity didn’t last long, as Arina continued speaking.
“Then... this bag will be the only one of its kind for the time being, won’t it?”
“That’s correct. I wouldn’t make such a labor-intensive bag again.”
“I see. So, what do you intend to do with it? Considering its value, it could fetch a fortune...”
“No, Your Highness. I’m not going to sell it.”
“...What? Is it because you’re worried about reverse-engineering? Now that I think about it, even if we did sell it, we couldn’t allow just anyone to own it.”
“There’s no need to worry about reverse-engineering. The bag is equipped with a safeguard that destroys all magical circuits if unauthorized disassembly is attempted.”
“...?”
If he wasn’t going to sell it, why had he shown it in the first place?
Arina’s gaze lingered on Arad as she silently pondered the question. She decided to wait until he finished explaining to resolve her doubts.
“Now, Your Highness—please imprint your signature on it.”
Smiling, Arad held the bag out to her.
“Here, just place your finger on the white magic stone.”
“Me...?”
Arina’s eyes widened as she finally grasped Arad’s intention.
No, to be precise, she had vaguely suspected it ever since Arad first introduced the bag.
“That’s great news...!”
“Hahaha, truly a relief.”
The atmosphere on the spire and the wall became noticeably lighter.
“Paper and a quill.”
Having finished reading the letter, Arina burned it in the spire’s torch and requested writing tools to draft a reply.
“As the administrative officer, I can handle this task for you, Your Highness.”
“No, Zune recognizes my handwriting.”
“Understood.”
Administrator Haita quickly handed over a quill dipped in ink and a sheet of white paper clipped to a small board.
Arina wrote a brief reply.
“All is well with me and the North. Focus on your return, but do not overexert yourself and minimize the soldiers’ sacrifices. I wish you a safe return and will prepare a grand feast in your honor.”
Notably, Zune was unaware of Arina’s recent ordeals.
If he found out, he would likely push himself to the limit to return to the High Tower as quickly as possible.
“Off you go!”
After attaching the letter to the hawk’s ankle, the trained winter bird let out a shrill cry and soared powerfully into the sky.
Having completed the exchange, Arina resumed her inspection.
“It feels good to go on an inspection like this after so long.”
“Please don’t overexert yourself, Your Highness.”
“Of course not. Let’s head down now—I need to check on the commoners’ lives as well.”
As Arina walked along the wall, a peculiar bag hung at her waist like an extension of herself.
The palm-sized bag, its unique design unmistakable, stood out even against her Northern-style coat and armor.
She often ran her fingers over its surface as if confirming its presence.
‘The Grand Duchess seems quite fond of the bag Arad gifted her.’
‘Well, it’s certainly a masterpiece.’
‘It even boasts four miraculous enchantments! I’d carry it everywhere, too.’
‘If we could make just five more of those bags, we wouldn’t have to worry about funding the North for at least two years...’
The officials watched their liege’s subtle changes with keen eyes.
Since receiving the bag from Arad, Arina had rarely parted with it.
Whether eating, wielding her sword, or attending to her duties, the bag remained at her side.
Rumor even had it that she kept “Arad’s Devotion” close by while bathing—and some claimed she even slept with it.
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