Lord Hartwig seemed fascinated by every item in the shop.
“Aurelia, what is this?”
“It is called a magic-stone lamp. It is a Magia Item that produces light using the power of a magic stone.”
“So it lights up without having to refill it with oil every time!”
“It appears so. However, the power of a magic stone is not infinite, so the stone must be replaced once its magical energy is depleted.”
Even so, it lasted longer and shone more brightly than an ordinary oil lamp, making it far more convenient.
“With these, we might be able to prevent fires during the winter.”
Apparently, the dry conditions in winter sometimes caused fires throughout the territory.
Lord Hartwig was equally impressed by the other Magia Items powered by magic stones, including magical refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and bath boilers.
“I can’t believe magic stones can make everyday life so much easier.”
Until now, the people of his territory had relied on firewood, peat, and even oil extracted from beasts.
“Beast oil smells rather unpleasant when burned. And since fire is needed to process it in the first place, there have been endless arguments in the territory over whether firewood would simply be better.”
Magic stones produced no odor and lasted comparatively longer.
When I explained this, Lord Hartwig said that, if possible, he wanted to introduce Magia Items throughout the Limburg Margraviate as well.
“I suppose the first thing we need to do is find a Magia Item craftsman.”
“Yes.”
If we intended to make Magia Items widely available throughout the territory, it would be best to have a craftsman residing there permanently.
However, whether anyone would be willing to move to the Limburg Margraviate, situated at the very edge of the kingdom, was another matter entirely.
As we discussed the problem, the sheep beastkin clerk who had assisted me previously approached us.
“Welcome. What might you be looking for today?”
“We would like to purchase a complete selection of Magia Items needed for everyday life.”
“Certainly.”
For the time being, we decided to purchase five magic-stone lamps, as well as a magical refrigerator, washing machine, oven, and bath boiler to test them out.
“Where would you like them delivered?”
I wanted to say the Limburg Margraviate, but I could not help wondering how much the delivery fee would cost.
While I was considering what to do, Lord Hartwig provided an address.
“Could you deliver them to the Marquis of Altenburg’s residence?”
“Yes, certainly.”
Apparently, a shipment of this size could be carried by wyvern.
They must have been remarkably strong.
I had intended to have the payment sent to Father, but Lord Hartwig settled the bill himself.
“Are you certain?”
“They’re Magia Items we’ll be using in my territory, so it’s only natural that I pay for them.”
Lord Hartwig assured me that I would never have to worry about money.
Afterward, we visited a tailor together and ordered some clothing.
Apparently, there were no dressmakers in the Limburg Margraviate.
I commissioned several custom-made dresses, which would be ready for collection in six months. Lord Hartwig also seemed to have ordered several outfits for himself.
“Is there anything else you might need?”
“Hmm… I don’t think I can think of anything else.”
Lord Hartwig suggested that we rest for a while at a café, since I must have been tired.
“Or would you be able to relax more comfortably if we returned to the mansion?”
“No. I’ve always wanted to visit a café.”
I had often watched young ladies my age gathering together in cafés and enjoying themselves, and I had always envied them.
I had never dreamed that I would be able to experience it myself.
The most popular café in the royal capital had a long line outside, so we chose an old-fashioned establishment tucked away down a narrow side street.
The interior was dimly lit, but it possessed a pleasant and charming atmosphere.
I also found it lovely when a man who appeared to be the owner began playing the piano.
The café’s specialties were said to be its tea and a berry pie made by the owner’s wife.
When we placed our order, a freshly baked pie was brought to our table.
The pastry was crisp and flaky. The filling appeared to have been made with berry jam, and its sweet yet tart flavor was delicious.
“Many different kinds of berries grow in our territory from early summer through autumn.”
“My, that sounds wonderful.”
“But the people become so absorbed in gathering them that they fail to notice monsters approaching. There’s no end to the number of residents who are attacked.”
“Goodness. It seems berry picking is a life-or-death undertaking.”
“It is. Although… perhaps that wasn’t an appropriate subject for such an enjoyable occasion?”
“Not at all. Please tell me more about the Limburg Margraviate.”
When I said that, Lord Hartwig smiled happily.
