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Aresia’s words plunged the Duke into contemplation.
Indeed, the magical machine was indeed operated by ordinary people.
The Duke inquired, “Is the scale of the magical hoverboard truly not overwhelming for the workshop?”
Aresia nodded in affirmation, adding, “The instructions for making this machine are actually in this notebook.”
He was already intrigued by Aresia’s ideas but only said, “If you create this machine, then I will assist in establishing the alchemy workshop.”
“I assure you, I will,” Aresia replied.
She was confident; she had previously been involved in research and improvement projects related to mechanized assembly lines, making the creation of a hoverboard machine maker not particularly challenging.
Seeing her confidence, the Duke began pondering how to proceed with establishing the alchemy workshop.
To meet the requirements for running an alchemy workshop, several alchemists from the Rogest family were at the necessary levels. However, he needed someone to take the lead. As Aresia was the one primarily in charge, the Duke wasn’t sure if anyone would agree without conditions.
If suitable, they would invite a suitable alchemist to manage the workshop. If not, they would refrain from appointing a manager but might borrow their name.
The Duke reminded Aresia, “If the alchemy workshop is established, your envolvement must be confines to the outside.”
This was due to Aresia’s safety concerns.
The situation within Holy Lotean City was complex; owing to the contractual obligations with their magical beasts, everyone kept a close watch on their every move. If the alchemy workshop were there, it would inevitably attract unwanted attention, especially since Aresia would be the actual leader—something the Duke was not keen on.
The Duke’s family land was different; it had been managed by the Rogest family for generations. Inside their territory, they had control, ensuring security away from prying eyes, making it a safer location to construct the alchemy workshop.
However, the Duke’s territory was far from Holy Lotean City, lying to the east, a borderland of the Holy Lotean Empire. It wasn’t as prosperous as the city, meaning that if they established the workshop there, it would imply Aresia’s occasional return to the Duke’s territory.
Aresia, on the other hand, was willing and even eager to return because within the Duke’s territory lay an empty mage tower.
The original owner of the mage tower was an elder of the Rogest family who had passed away decades ago. Since then, the Rogest family lacked a mage worthy of inheriting the tower. As there was no proper management or upkeep, the mage tower remained deserted.
Aresia acknowledged the potential of the mage tower, though she wasn’t clear about its current condition. Despite this uncertainty, she saw the value in renovating and rebuilding the tower. Revamping it would save considerable time and money compared to constructing a new one.
Regarding the establishment of the alchemy workshop and Aresia’s potential return to the Duke’s territory, it seemed impracticable. The Duke and his wife had grown accustomed to their ways in this world, and their attachment or commitment to a specific place wasn’t flexible.
The Duke jokingly scolded her, “You’re causing trouble for me again, Aresia! Troublesome genius!”
Aresia obediently listened to his reprimand, feeling a hint of happiness at the sense of being cared for by a family member—how long had it been? A hundred and eighty years?
The Duke wasn’t particularly fond of reprimanding or instructing. After a few words, Aresia redirected the discussion back to the alchemy workshop, mentioning the spider silk solidifying agent previously handed over to someone else. She no longer required updates on the textile factory. However, the factory had received a fair amount of high-grade spider silk, suitable for a few high-level garments. The Duke, interested in acquiring more of this fabric, inquired if Aresia had other idea or ways of using it.
High-grade spider silk indeed allowed the creation of defensive garments, especially suitable for crafting magical robes.
Aresia had plan to obtained two pieces of fabric to craft some experimental magical robes on their way back.
The style of crafting magical robes with magical runes and patterns required Aresia’s expertise.
Aresia suggested, “Perhaps we should create an embroidery machine to sew magical runes onto the clothing. With the right materials, it might even have an enchanting effect.”
This surprised the Duke, unaware of the notebook owner’s identity or what they had done to equip Aresia with such exceptional capabilities beyond those of a regular mage.
Meanwhile, Amos finally satisfied his curiosity and retrieved his gryphon egg.
As he came near Aresia, she asked, “What about the hoverboard?”
“Loaned it to someone else.” Amos replied.
Amos, still brimming with excitement, remarked, “Flying on that board is addictive. With more practice, one could use it in battles, especially during sieges. No city walls could hinder it.”
Aresia, not a fan of such conversations, retorted, “Don’t think about taking it into battles. You might end up as a target.”
The Duke had official matters to attend to and needed to re-copy some missed documents, which Aresia had written and forgotten. These were to be submitted to the Emperor of Holy Lotean. Additionally, as Aresia had taken half a day off and had to return for her classes, the Duke decided to let her leave earlier.
Before departing he leaved a reminder: “Remember what I said. If there’s any new development, inform me before taking action. No more ‘surprise’ assaults on your dear father.”
Aresia acknowledged his instructions.
Despite the Duke’s repeated reminders, Aresia assured him multiple times that she wouldn’t repeat the same mistake and even shared details about her ongoing research.
The Duke cautioned her again, “There might be many people seeking information recently. Be careful not to slip anything about the beast companion contract.”
After bidding farewell, the Duke walked with Amos to the Legion’s outpost gate. Amos greeted a guard who had been waiting there and saw Aresia off onto a carriage.
“Oh, the letter from Mother should have arrived in Holy Lotean City by now. Will you go to receive it?” Amos asked.
Aresia knew the Duchess was about to return. Feeling exposed due to the Duke noticing her vulnerabilities, she feared being confronted by the Duchess. She was so afraid that she wouldn’t dare try to escape.
Firmly and honestly, she stated that she had just taken a break and wouldn’t receive it until her holiday.
Amos seemed skeptical but pretended to accept it, saying, “Of course, after all, it’s a new position. Can’t keep asking for leaves. Oh, and congratulations on becoming the grade chief leader. Maintain it and strive to continue.”
“Sure…”
Amos bid farewell and had the guard escort Aresia back to the City. Before leaving, he mentioned arranging for a tailor to come and take measurements for new clothes over the weekend.
Aresia declined the offer, suggesting they estimate the sizes based on her current measurements and add some extra length and width. She reasoned that she was still growing and needed roomier attire, whether for magical robes or school uniforms.