Chapter 662 |
<div class="code-block code-block-4" style="margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;"><div style="min-height:250px"><p class="tm6">Jin explained how inefficient it would be to manipulate water with wind attribute magic.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…… In other words, the size of the ‘molecules’ we target is different. Water molecules are several times larger than air molecules, roughly like the difference between sand and gravel.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Here, Jin’s use of the term “water molecules” lacks accuracy. The size of one water molecule (H₂O) is not significantly different from oxygen or nitrogen molecules. If anything, it’s relatively light.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Materials with waterproof and moisture-permeable properties allow water vapor to pass but not liquid water. In the case of liquid water, water molecules are not in individual H₂O units but rather clustered together, forming the so-called cluster state. This functional difference is due to the apparent larger size of these clusters.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">In essence, individual gaseous water molecules can pass through small holes, but water molecules in liquid form, which are clustered, cannot.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Water attribute magic works on these clusters, but wind attribute magic works on each water molecule individually. In other words, it is highly inefficient.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Even working on each molecule individually doesn’t increase the power. It’s simply a waste.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Leaving aside these technical details, Jin managed to convince those who lacked basic knowledge of atoms and molecules by using metaphors and examples.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“… Well, Lord Jin, thank you for the explanation. Honestly, there were parts I didn’t quite understand, but I think I grasped the essential points: that the Wind Thruster can function even when covered with water, and in that case, the consumption of mana, the magical energy, increases.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Christoph expressed his gratitude. The others, looking somewhat tired, also nodded.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">The discussion was concluded as it was about time to wrap up the first day.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“I apologize for the rearrangement of the itinerary, but accommodations have been prepared here.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Guided by Christoph, or rather, everyone walked in the same direction. They headed to a hotel by the lakeside, a quaint and pleasant establishment.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“We’ve reserved the entire hotel for your stay until the project is completed.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">From the on-site director Christoph to the escort soldiers, everyone was supposed to stay at this hotel.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Each person had a private room. The rooms were on the second floor, arranged in the order of Reinhardt, Jin, and Elsa.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">All rooms faced Lake Wass, providing a beautiful view.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Hmm, two rooms, a living room and a bedroom.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Jin placed his belongings in the room and looked around. Reiko was checking the interior.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Father, there’s also a bathroom and a shower room.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Perhaps due to the abundant water from the lakeside location, the facilities seemed quite good. However, Jin preferred the communal bath.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Therefore, carrying spare underwear, he decided to go to the bath. Then, in the hallway, he ran into Reinhardt and Elsa.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Hey, Jin, are you going to the bath too?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Yeah, that’s right.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Me too. Shall we go together? Elsa, you can join us until the entrance.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Mm.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Since the baths were separated by gender, Elsa could accompany them to the first floor, where the baths were located.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Oh, quite spacious, isn’t it?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“The Southern part of the Shouro Empire has a bathing culture. It’s not like hot springs, but it’s relaxing.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">With no one else present, Jin and Reinhardt were in a private setting. The two stretched their limbs and leisurely soaked in the bath.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Hey, Rodrigo… What do you think?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Taking advantage of the private setting, Jin spoke to Reinhardt.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Well, seems like a good person.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Not about that, though.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“… About Miss Marsha’s situation?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Marsha was Jin’s partner during the Golem Boat Race held in Potrok in the past.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“… I suspect she might be the father who went missing when she disappeared.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“I think so too.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Reinhardt was also aware of Marsha’s circumstances.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“… What should we do?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“It depends on what she thinks.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Let’s observe a little longer.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“… Yeah, that might be a good idea.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">At that moment, the sound of someone entering the changing room was heard, so they ended the conversation there.<p class="tm6"><div class="code-block code-block-5" style="margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;"><div style="min-height:250px"><p class="tm6">On the other hand, there was a prior visitor in the women’s bath.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Oh.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Oh, Elsa-san, right?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">It was Clea Altman.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Good work today, Elsa-san.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Haha, indeed. I’m tired on the first day.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Clea laughed while washing herself. Elsa glanced at her from the side while rinsing her body.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Despite Clea’s petite height, only reaching Elsa’s nose, she had a reasonably-sized chest that elicited a sense of unfairness.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Once in the hot water, Clea, who finished washing, also entered.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Ah, spacious baths are really nice.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">In response to the casually muttered words, Elsa replied with a simple “Yeah.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Are you knowledgeable about ships, Elsa-san?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Huh? Yeah… I participated in the Golem Boat Race in Potrok.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Surprised, Clea responded, “Wow! That’s amazing. I’ve heard rumors. One of the top engineers in the Elias Kingdom gathers there, right?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Yeah, maybe. I teamed up with my cousin Rein… well, my cousin Reinhardt, so.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Huh? … Oh, I see. If you share the Randol surname, then you’re cousins. So, what about you and Mr. Jin?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…Jin-nii is…”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Elsa momentarily stumbled over her words. Just the other day, she felt that her feelings had been conveyed to Jin—’just’ her feelings. Right after that, in a moment of crisis, Jin had embraced her, and she even received a ring.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">However, she hadn’t heard Jin’s feelings, the crucial part.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…He’s my master, a sort of brother… a sister by relation.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">At the moment, she lacked the confidence for anything beyond that.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Wow, the top disciple! A MagiCraft Meister in magical engineering!”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Clea immediately seized on the aspect of being the top disciple.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“You were amazing today! The speed and precision of that ‘Transformation Forming’! And your knowledge is incredible. Truly, you’re the only MagiCraft Meister in the world!”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Clea showered Jin with praise, more as a display of admiration. While listening to her statements, Elsa felt a mix of happiness and frustration.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“I need to wash my hair.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Trying to change the mood, Elsa got out of the bath. Clea followed suit.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Oh, if it’s your hair, I can wash it for you. Let’s wash each other’s hair!”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Huh?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Though Clea had a somewhat familiar and forward personality for someone she just met, Elsa wasn’t particularly fond of her. But she couldn’t say that directly.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…Fine. I’ll wash it myself.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Elsa said only that, but…<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Oh, no need to hold back. The hair shampoo here is pretty good. Let me do it.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Without waiting for a response, Clea moved behind Elsa, scooped hot water into a basin, and poured it over Elsa’s head.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Make sure to keep your eyes closed.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Saying that, she poured shampoo on Elsa’s head with surprisingly gentle and careful movements.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Any itchy spots?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…Mm.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Helpless, Elsa let herself go with the flow.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“You have beautiful blonde hair. It’s straight and translucent. I’m so envious. My hair is all frizzy red, so jealous!”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">While saying this, she continued washing Elsa’s hair more gently and meticulously than Elsa had anticipated.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Any itchy spots now?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…Mm.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">At this point, Elsa had no choice but to go with the flow.<div class="code-block code-block-9" style="margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;"><div style="min-height:250px"><p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Your hair is done. Now, let me rinse it with hot water. Don’t open your eyes yet.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Saying so, Clea rinsed Elsa’s hair with hot water from the basin.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“I can envy your smooth blonde hair, right? Mine is so wild and unruly.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Saying such things, Clea finished washing Elsa’s hair. Elsa, who had it done by her lady-in-waiting and foster mother, Meine, had no choice but to admit, “Surprisingly not bad,” to Clea’s assistance.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“S-So, now it’s my turn.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Oh, thank you.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">With unaccustomed movements but reasonably skilled hands, Elsa washed Clea’s head just as she had done.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Clea did have somewhat coarse hair, but it was well-maintained, not dirty.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Ah, feels refreshing! Thanks!”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">After expressing her gratitude to Elsa, Clea headed back to the bath. Elsa then washed herself and returned to the bath once again.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">It seemed Clea liked to soak in the hot water, as she was still in the bath.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…Hey, do you think guys prefer girls with blonde hair?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…Huh?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Elsa was faced with quite a challenging question.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“I mean, with my red hair, seeing a girl with blonde hair makes me jealous.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…I know a woman with red hair who became a countess.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Thinking of a friend in the Egelea Kingdom, Elsa shared that information.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Eh? Really? … Hmm, is it the chest after all? Or maybe the face?”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“…Not much different from me.”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Saying that, Elsa inexplicably felt a bit sad.<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">“Hmm… Maybe it’s the face after all…”<p class="tm6"><p class="tm6">Completely unaware of Elsa’s inner thoughts, Clea innocently pondered the matter.<p class="Normal"><div class="code-block code-block-1" style="margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;"> Install Mobile app With Offline Browsing<div class="code-block code-block-2" style="margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;"> Click Donate For More Chapters<div class="code-block code-block-3" style="margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;"> Next Chapter(s) on Patreon and Ko-fi<div class="code-block code-block-7" style="margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;"><div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; background-color: rgb(243, 243, 243);">