Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 575

The Magic Converter  is a brand-new magical tool that transforms the electrical energy stored in  Charging Magic Stones   into magical power.

In this world, there are various types of magic stones, but they are often said to have little practical use. The reason is simple: most magic stones contain only a small amount of magical energy, and once that energy is depleted, they become nothing more than ordinary rocks. While it’s not impossible for a mage to recharge them with their own magical power, it’s usually faster to just cast a spell directly. As a result, magic stones have always been considered of very low value.

However, with the successful development of Charging Magic Stones, and as I continued to study magic, I suddenly had an idea: “If a mage’s magical power can be used to cast lightning-based spells… then perhaps we can convert electrical energy into magical power and make better use of magic stones.”

Once the idea struck, I wasted no time. I combined my inspiration with knowledge from my past life to draft a simple concept. I then approached Ellen, Alex, and  Sandra with the idea. After hearing my explanation, the three of them immediately responded, “That sounds interesting. Let’s give it a try."

We all brainstormed together and concluded that the idea had potential. Based on the initial concept and everyone’s input, I presented a proposal to my father, who granted us development permission and a budget. That’s how we got to where we are today.

“Still, it was surprisingly quick to complete the prototype. I thought it would take a few more years.”

“Hehe, I’d like to say it’s thanks to my and Alex’s skills… but really, it’s all thanks to the cooperation of everyone here. And above all, it’s thanks to Lord Ridd’s knowledge and the workshop facilities.”

“My sister’s right. Plus, the fact that the Charging Magic Stones were already developed beforehand was a huge factor.”

“…? What do you mean?”

When I tilted my head and asked for clarification, Alex began explaining the process that led to the successful development.

Apparently, a special artificial magic stone is used in the part of the device that converts electrical energy into magical power. This artificial stone is created by crushing various existing magic stones into a fine powder, mixing them in specific ratios, and then solidifying them with a special solution developed by Sandra.

Additionally, the workshop has developed various “electric tools” using Charging Magic Stones and electric motors. A small-scale coal-fired power plant has also been built within the workshop grounds, so there’s no issue with power supply.

By the way, the new mansion still doesn’t have electricity installed. While I’d like to introduce it, we’ve prioritized workshop efficiency and research on magic stone utilization. Since daily life isn’t hindered by the lack of electricity, we’ve decided it can wait.

Still, knowing the convenience of electricity, I’d like to implement it in the new mansion as soon as possible.

The **electric tools** and processing machines were also instrumental in the development. Crushing various magic stones into powder and mixing them in specific ratios sounds simple, but finding the right ratios required numerous trials and errors.

To conduct these experiments, a large amount of powdered magic stones was needed, which would have been impossible to produce manually. So, Alex, Ellen, and Sandra first created an electric processing machine to crush the stones into powder. The children from the Second Knight Order’s Development Workshop  used this machine and other electric tools to successfully produce the large quantities of powdered magic stones needed for the experiments.

The various magic stones used as raw materials were gathered by  Chris from all over the empire and beyond, thanks to the budget my father allocated. This ensured we never ran out of materials.

Whenever we hit a snag in development, my suggestions based on memories from my past life turned out to be surprisingly helpful.

“…And that’s how it went. So, I believe it was only possible thanks to the cooperation of everyone here.”

“I see.”

My father, Chris, Ellen, Alex, and Sandra all played crucial roles. And by sharing knowledge from my past life, we were able to achieve an early completion.

As I marveled at this, Ellen, who had been listening with her arms crossed, nodded and said, “Yep, yep.”

“If Lord Rainer hadn’t approved a generous budget, and if Chris hadn’t procured high-quality magic stones in bulk at low prices, it would have taken much longer to complete. And without Sandra, we might not have been able to create the solution. Oh, I mean Countess Sandra. My apologies.”

“No, no. You can keep calling me as you always have. Being called ‘Countess’ makes me feel a bit awkward.”

As Sandra shook her head, Ellen scratched her cheek, looking pleased. “Oh, is that okay?”

“Still, this is truly an incredible invention.”

While everyone was chatting, Chris stood in front of the Magic Converter and the refrigerator. Her eyes gleamed with the light of a merchant.

“Electricity, the Magic Converter, and processed artificial magic stones… With these in place, the daily lives of commoners, nobles, royalty, and even the imperial family will undergo a complete transformation. The value of many things will change drastically. It’s like atechnological revolution. As a merchant, there’s nothing more thrilling than witnessing such a moment.”

“A technological revolution, huh? That might be the perfect way to describe it.”

“…? What do you mean?”

As I nodded in agreement with her words, my father tilted his head and asked.

“Oh, well, you see…”

I began to explain about a pivotal era in my past life.

In a certain era of my past life, the development of thesteam engine  led to the gradual mechanization of manual labor, and factory-based mechanical industry  began to take shape. Around the same time, inventions like railways and steamships revolutionized transportation networks. Over the course of about a hundred years, transportation, logistics, and the movement of people underwent massive changes.

In the later years of my past life, this era was referred to as the “First Industrial Revolution.”

The people living during that time likely had no idea they were part of an “industrial revolution.” They were simply trying to enrich their daily lives through the mechanization and efficiency brought by steam engines.

Similarly, I’m just working to develop  Baldia  into a richer and more prosperous place to avoid future condemnation. But as Chris said, what we’re doing now is akin to a **technological revolution**.

Thinking about it, the year the prototype of the Magic Converter was completed might mark the beginning of a major turning point in this world.

“…And that’s how it is. As Chris said, the moment this is unveiled to the world could mark a significant turning point. Reflecting on that, I feel a deep sense of emotion.”

“Hmm, an industrial revolution, huh? That’s fascinating history.”

My father pondered this, then turned his gaze to Ellen and Alex.

“The refrigerator must use ice-attribute magic stones. What happens when you connect magic stones of other attributes to the Magic Converter?”

“Ah, yes. The most obvious example is light-attribute magic stones. When magical power is passed through them, they emit a bright light. They could potentially replace candles and firelight.”

As Ellen answered, Alex explained the reactions they’ve observed so far.

“…That’s the gist of it. There’s still a lot more to investigate.”

“I see. If this is put into practical use and spreads throughout the world, it could indeed spark a kind of ‘revolution,’ as Chris and Ridd said.”

My father, stroking his chin thoughtfully, turned to Sandra.

“Do you know an appropriate term to describe the Magic Converter?”

“No, honestly, I don’t. My expertise in magicology is limited to the magic wielded by people. The idea of creating such ‘machinery’ is a bit different from magicology or magical tools.”

“I see.”

My father nodded at her response, then turned to me.

“Ridd. This is something you conceived and brought into this world. It’s best to position it as a new field. Think of a name for this field, considering its future.”

“Huh…⁉ A name for the field?”

“Yes. Eventually, this new technology will spread throughout the world. But to make it clear that it’s an entirely new field, it should be described with a new term. Go on, think of one.”

“Wha, what⁉ Right now? Wait, just give me a moment.”

I hadn’t expected things to take this turn.

Since this is indeed a new technology, establishing it as a new field might make it easier to develop further.

But naming a field on the spot? That’s quite a challenge.

As I pondered, a thought suddenly struck me.

“Ah, how about ‘Magical Engineering’? It’s the study of using magic and magical power in industry.”

“Hmm, ‘Magical Engineering,’ huh? What do you all think?”

My father looked around the room, and Ellen was the first to nod.

“I think it’s a good name.”

“I agree with my sister. ‘Magical Engineering’ sounds like it’s our field.”

Following Ellen and Alex, Sandra also voiced her approval.

“I agree as well. While I’ve heard of dwarves and fox-people using magic and magical power for individual craftsmanship, the idea of industrial application is entirely new. Lord Ridd, you truly are a ‘rule-breaker.’”

She said this with a broad smile.

I felt like she was really emphasizing the “rule-breaker” part.

Probably just my imagination, though.

When I glanced at Chris, she was muttering something rapidly under her breath, exuding an intense aura.

“Magical Engineering… It’s wonderful. A new academic field and a new technology. The Baldia family and the Christy Trading Company could monopolize a market with no competitors. Well, even if we monopolize the market, if the value of magic stones as raw materials is recognized and their prices rise, it’ll all be for naught. But if I act directly, it’ll raise suspicions, so I’ll create a new subsidiary company to buy mining rights. Then, at the right time, I’ll acquire the subsidiary along with its rights. That way, we can secure mining rights at a low cost. Yes, I’ll start moving on this right away. I’ll discuss the details with Emma. Then, I’ll quickly contact Father and the others to secure the western production areas, including Astoria…”

“Uh, Chris, are you okay?”

When I cautiously asked, she tilted her head and said, “Huh? Yes, what is it?”

But then she noticed everyone’s eyes on her and, with a red face, began to laugh nervously.

“Ahaha. My apologies. The name, right? Magical Engineering. Yes, Magical Engineering. I think it’s a wonderful name.”

“Oh, good. I’m glad.”

It seems Chris gets so absorbed in her thoughts that she loses awareness of her surroundings.

I felt like I’d seen a new side of her. Just then, my father cleared his throat to regain everyone’s attention.

“It’s decided, then. From now on, the field of developing devices using the Magic Converter, Charging Magic Stones, and processed artificial magic stones will be called 'Magical Engineering.’ Additionally, the tools used in this field will be called **‘Magical Tools,’** to distinguish them from traditional magical devices.”

“Understood.”

And so, at that moment, the new field of ‘Magical Engineering’—a fusion of magic, magical power, and engineering—was born in this world.