Chapter 258 Magic Depletion Is Planned
As everyone settled comfortably at the tea table, Alicia, the alchemist girl, exchanged glances and said to the maid, "Please bring the item we talked about."
Then, a nearby maid brought a small wooden box from Alicia's lab.
"Take a look at this."
When Alicia opened the box, it contained ten rings of the same design and ten small medals made of thin metal.
"Rings and medals?"
Sara asked Alicia.
"They're magical tools to use up the magic power we've been discussing. To be precise, they're tools that 'suck out and extract' magic power."
"Wait, weren't we supposed to hover our hands over a magic circle made of paper?"
"If we did that, the magic circle would definitely degrade, so I engraved the magic circle onto a sturdy magic stone. It has a function that consumes part of the extracted magic power to repair the degradation, so theoretically, it should last semi-permanently, but I can't say the operational tests are perfect yet."
"So, you want us to test it out, right?"
"You figured it out, huh?"
Alicia chuckled.
"Can you teach me how to use it?"
"Well, you set the medal paired with the ring into an empty glass or bowl, then lie down on a bed or something and flow your magic power into the ring."
"Is that all?"
"Yes. It will automatically suck out the magic power until it's depleted, and once it detects depletion, it will stop working on its own. The extracted magic power will come out in liquid form from the medal."
"Once the magic power is restored, will it start sucking again?"
"Once it stops, it won't start automatically unless you intentionally flow magic power into it."
"Is there a chance it could overflow from the glass?"
"That's true. If you have a lot of magic power, that might happen. I couldn't even fill half a glass, but for Lady Sara, it might be better to prepare a big barrel."
Amelia explained about how to deal with children who run out of magic power.
"When someone runs out of magic power, most people lose consciousness. If things go badly, they might not wake up for several days, so we need to take action."
"What do people usually do when they run out of magic power?"
"Generally, we wait for them to wake up naturally."
"Isn't that bad?"
"The Grandchester family probably has a lot of magic power, so if they run out, there's a chance they won't wake up for several days. If that happens, it could be a health concern."
"I see."
Now that she thinks about it, when Sara ran out of magic power, she didn't wake up for about 3 days.
"So, please take this pill before you use your magic."
"What is this?"
"It's a slow-acting magic recovery medicine. About 3 hours after taking it, the active ingredients will dissolve in your stomach and speed up the recovery of your magic power. It's made from herbs found in the Secret Garden, so it's very effective."
"So, I start recovering my magic power after I've used it all up, right?"
"That's right. If you take this, you should be able to wake up the next morning."
'Hmm? Something about the way she said that bothers me.'
"Does that mean I can only wake up?"
"This medicine has a limit to how much magic power it can recover, so it won't fully restore you. Even if you wake up, you should still feel tired. So, I recommend drinking the herbal tea you have after you wake up."
"So, there was a reason I could take this herbal tea home."
"That's true, but even so, you might not be able to fully recover."
"Are you saying that it could be because of an enormous amount of magical power?"
"Yes. I don't know how much magical power everyone has at this stage, but if you experience magical depletion several times, there's a possibility that you won't be able to recover with just herbal tea."
"Blaze has an incredible amount of magical power from the start, so herbal tea might not be enough for him."
Then, Blaze opened his red eyes wide and asked a question to Amelia, the pharmacist girl.
"Does that mean I could have an incredible amount of magical power like Sara?"
"I can't say for sure since I don't have an accurate grasp of Lady Sara's magical power, but if this continues, it's certain that your magical power will increase dramatically as a backlash. Of course, there is a limit to growth, and there are significant individual differences. Also, since everyone except Sir Blaze is from the Grandchester family, I suspect that your amounts will likely increase quite a bit."
Sara calmly asked Amelia a question.
"What should we do if we have so much magical power that herbal tea can't keep up?"
"You will need to use this magical power recovery potion."
Amelia gently presented the same magical power recovery potion that Prince Andrew had taken the other day.
"Wait, we're using this? What if I faint from magical intoxication!?"
"That's right. If you use it, it's dangerous unless someone is nearby. If magical intoxication worsens, it could lead to magical berserk."
"What if I start showing symptoms of magical intoxication?"
"You can only absorb the magic again with the ring. However, you have to take off the ring before you deplete your magic, or you'll faint again."
Hearing this, Chloe made a blunt remark.
"Um, that means we're like tools that create magic power, right?"
"Chloe, that might be true. The liquid we absorb magic power into can be sold to the Sophia Merchant Guild, you know?"
"""""Really!?"""""
The kids all turned to Sara's words at once.
"That liquid is pure magic power. So it can be used as material for magic recovery potions and various other medicines. I was thinking the Sophia Merchant Guild might buy it for a high price, so how about selling some of your magic for pocket money?"
"You're going to buy our magic, Sara?"
"Y-yeah. Isn't it better than wasting it?"
"How much will you pay? Will it be enough for my dress?"
"I haven't decided on the buying price yet. More importantly, Chloe... you've changed. Noble ladies weren't supposed to talk about money, right?"
"Sara, considering you exposed my father's debt, don't you think it's a bit late for that? I can't do anything without money. You were the one who said golems are really expensive."
"That's true, but isn't it a bit too much of a change?"
"It's fine, I'll act modestly where it matters."
"Being able to hide behind a big cat, you're also a Grandchester, Chloe."
"If you're a noble lady, isn't that normal? I think 'ladies' are just a fantasy that men have."
Chloe's older brother and younger brother, who had been watching her, held their heads in despair.
"Chloe, I think it's better not to show that in front of family."
"Yeah. Father would probably faint if he saw it, and Mother would have a fit if she found out."
"Adam and Chris, keep quiet!"
Sara patted Chloe on the shoulder.
"Chloe, make sure Prince Andrew never finds out!"
"That's true. If he finds out, I'll get fired!"
At this, Jane exclaimed with a sigh, and everyone around her nodded in agreement. If one looked closely, even the maids were nodding along.
"Um, Miss Jane, if you get fired from the Grandchester family, won't you become a teacher at the academy?"
"Hey, Sara! Don't talk like it's a given that Miss Jane will get fired!"
Chloe shouted in a high-pitched voice. But honestly, considering today's lesson, it felt like a waste to only have Chloe's governess handle it.
'It's not that Chloe's governess is bad or anything, but I think it's about time Chloe doesn't need a governess anymore. If she's really aiming to be a princess, I feel like my mother, who has actually been trained to be a queen, would be a better fit than Miss Jane.'
As Sara thought this, Cordelia, the female educator, quietly spoke up.
"Ms. Alicia, could it be that the remaining rings are not just backups?"
At this question, Alicia responded with a slightly troubled expression.
"Indeed, it seems that Miss Cordelia has noticed. I made a few extra in case there are commoners with magical abilities who might want to use them."
Amelia also added to Cordelia's question.
"However, unlike nobles, not all commoner children have good nutrition and health. Therefore, we must call the children to a properly managed environment and absorb their magical power while monitoring their progress. The same goes for recovering magical power. To be honest, it's hard to draw a line between this and human experimentation, and I can't say I don't feel ethical concerns."
While staring at the ring and medal, Cordelia let out a sigh.
"But, isn't it also a way for commoner children to increase their magical power while earning money themselves?"
Sara felt like she understood Cordelia's complicated feelings. So she asked her.
"Are you worried that the children will be exploited by adults because of their magical power, Miss Cordelia?"
"Yes. I can't help but be concerned. Of course, I fully understand that this is a valuable opportunity, but..."
"This matter may require careful consideration. There's no guarantee it can be realized immediately, but how about we think about establishing a magic department within the academy in the future? By making it a boarding school, we can regularly manage their health while absorbing magical power and systematically increasing their magical capacity, as well as studying magic, magic circles, alchemy, and pharmacology."
"Are you planning to oppose the academy?"
"No, that's not my intention. Some may use it as a preparatory school for the academy. However, since we will be asking for their magical power, tuition will be completely free. Additionally, we will consider paying a lump sum of money upon graduation based on the amount of magical power contributed."
"Why at graduation and not at each instance?"
"While there may be exceptions, I think most children have a clear idea of their future paths by the time they graduate. Of course, as a school, we do our best to support the children's futures. But isn't it possible to create a system that shows children their potential without being exploited by adults?"
Not just Cordelia, but Jane sitting next to her also looked surprised, her eyes wide.
"Miss Sara, you have quite a grand plan, don't you?"
"No, it's just a simple idea. However, I strongly wish for common children to have more opportunities."
"How very compassionate of you."
Jane said this with a tone of admiration. However, Sara denied Jane's opinion.
"It would be nice if I were truly a compassionate woman, but I know better than anyone that I'm not that kind of person."
Jane looked at Sara with a confused expression. Feeling Jane's gaze, Sara smiled gently at her.
"Even if I pretend to be a noble lady, I'm a merchant just like Sophia. After all, my parents were merchants."
"But your father is Sir Arthur, right?"
"My parents ran a business where they eloped. I had been keeping the books for the merchant family since I was even younger than I am now."
"I see, is that so?"
Sara nodded to Jane and began to speak slowly so that Cordelia could understand.
"Mother, or rather, Miss Rebecca, regardless of her feelings, my goal in creating the academy is an investment in 'people.' Originally, I was considering a private school to educate employees, teaching them reading, writing, math, and accounting. In my mind, I am simply expanding that idea. If we can nurture useful individuals, we can also recruit valuable talent for the Sophia Merchant Guild. Of course, some may find jobs outside of the Sophia Merchant Guild, but I hope that graduates of the academy will have few negative feelings towards it. If more talented individuals have a good impression of the Sophia Merchant Guild, that alone will be a significant benefit."
"I-I see."
It seems even Cordelia didn't have this perspective.
"And if we create a magic department, we might produce excellent talent that can work at the Maiden's Tower. One day, it may no longer be called the 'Maiden's' Tower, but it will definitely grow into a research institute for the Sophia Merchant Guild. Considering how much profit the current Maiden's Tower brings to the Sophia Merchant Guild, don't you think the academy plan is a very effective investment?"
Christopher also spoke up.
"If the Sophia Merchant Guild thrives and groundbreaking products are created, the taxes paid to the Grandchester territory will increase, and Grandchester's reputation will rise as well."
Chloe also smiled happily, beaming with joy.
"Not only Grandchester, but there's also a high chance that the guild could become a merchant guild that enriches all of Avalon. And since Sara is my cousin, that's a powerful connection!"
"Chloe... are you really thinking of using the Sophia Merchant Guild to marry into the royal family?"
"You're already at a disadvantage being 5 years younger, and compared to the Duke's daughters, you don't stand out much, so you should cooperate a little, Sara! If I become a princess, they will be on the Sophia Merchant Guild side!"
'Scary. This girl is not just in maiden mode! She's definitely a proper noble lady!'
Of course, Chloe's governess, Jane, let out a deep sigh, and Adam and Christopher ended up holding their heads in frustration.
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