Chapter 662_ End of Day 1

Jin explained how inefficient it would be to manipulate water with wind attribute magic.

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.

Here, Jins use of the term water molecules lacks accuracy. The size of one water molecule (HO) is not significantly different from oxygen or nitrogen molecules. If anything, its relatively light.

Materials with waterproof and moisture-permeable properties allow water vapor to pa.s.s but not liquid water. In the case of liquid water, water molecules are not in individual HO units but rather cl.u.s.tered together, forming the so-called cl.u.s.ter state. This functional difference is due to the apparent larger size of these cl.u.s.ters.

In essence, individual gaseous water molecules can pa.s.s through small holes, but water molecules in liquid form, which are cl.u.s.tered, cannot.

Water attribute magic works on these cl.u.s.ters, but wind attribute magic works on each water molecule individually. In other words, it is highly inefficient.

Even working on each molecule individually doesnt increase the power. Its simply a waste.

Leaving aside these technical details, Jin managed to convince those who lacked basic knowledge of atoms and molecules by using metaphors and examples.

Well, Lord Jin, thank you for the explanation. Honestly, there were parts I didnt 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.

Christoph expressed his grat.i.tude. The others, looking somewhat tired, also nodded.

The discussion was concluded as it was about time to wrap up the first day.

I apologize for the rearrangement of the itinerary, but accommodations have been prepared here.

Guided by Christoph, or rather, everyone walked in the same direction. They headed to a hotel by the lakeside, a quaint and pleasant establishment.

Weve reserved the entire hotel for your stay until the project is completed.

From the on-site director Christoph to the escort soldiers, everyone was supposed to stay at this hotel.

Each person had a private room. The rooms were on the second floor, arranged in the order of Reinhardt, Jin, and Elsa.

All rooms faced Lake Wa.s.s, providing a beautiful view.

Hmm, two rooms, a living room and a bedroom.

Jin placed his belongings in the room and looked around. Reiko was checking the interior.

Father, theres also a bathroom and a shower room.

Perhaps due to the abundant water from the lakeside location, the facilities seemed quite good. However, Jin preferred the communal bath.

Therefore, carrying spare underwear, he decided to go to the bath. Then, in the hallway, he ran into Reinhardt and Elsa.

Hey, Jin, are you going to the bath too?

Yeah, thats right.

Me too. Shall we go together? Elsa, you can join us until the entrance.

Mm.

Since the baths were separated by gender, Elsa could accompany them to the first floor, where the baths were located.

Oh, quite s.p.a.cious, isnt it?

The Southern part of the Shouro Empire has a bathing culture. Its not like hot springs, but its relaxing.

With no one else present, Jin and Reinhardt were in a private setting. The two stretched their limbs and leisurely soaked in the bath.

Hey, Rodrigo What do you think?

Taking advantage of the private setting, Jin spoke to Reinhardt.

Well, seems like a good person.

Not about that, though.

About Miss Marshas situation?

Marsha was Jins partner during the Golem Boat Race held in Potrok in the past.

I suspect she might be the father who went missing when she disappeared.

I think so too.

Reinhardt was also aware of Marshas circ.u.mstances.

What should we do?

It depends on what she thinks.

Lets observe a little longer.

Yeah, that might be a good idea.

At that moment, the sound of someone entering the changing room was heard, so they ended the conversation there.

On the other hand, there was a prior visitor in the womens bath.

Oh.

Oh, Elsa-san, right?

It was Clea Altman.

Good work today, Elsa-san.

Haha, indeed. Im tired on the first day.

Clea laughed while was.h.i.+ng herself. Elsa glanced at her from the side while rinsing her body.

Despite Cleas pet.i.te height, only reaching Elsas nose, she had a reasonably-sized chest that elicited a sense of unfairness.

Once in the hot water, Clea, who finished was.h.i.+ng, also entered.

Ah, s.p.a.cious baths are really nice.

In response to the casually muttered words, Elsa replied with a simple Yeah.

Are you knowledgeable about s.h.i.+ps, Elsa-san?

Huh? Yeah I partic.i.p.ated in the Golem Boat Race in Potrok.

Surprised, Clea responded, Wow! Thats amazing. Ive heard rumors. One of the top engineers in the Elias Kingdom gathers there, right?

Yeah, maybe. I teamed up with my cousin Rein well, my cousin Reinhardt, so.

Huh? Oh, I see. If you share the Randol surname, then youre cousins. So, what about you and Mr. Jin?

Jin-nii is

Elsa momentarily stumbled over her words. Just the other day, she felt that her feelings had been conveyed to Jinjust her feelings. Right after that, in a moment of crisis, Jin had embraced her, and she even received a ring.

However, she hadnt heard Jins feelings, the crucial part.

Hes my master, a sort of brother a sister by relation.

At the moment, she lacked the confidence for anything beyond that.

Wow, the top disciple! A MagiCraft Meister in magical engineering!

Clea immediately seized on the aspect of being the top disciple.

You were amazing today! The speed and precision of that Transformation Forming! And your knowledge is incredible. Truly, youre the only MagiCraft Meister in the world!

Clea showered Jin with praise, more as a display of admiration. While listening to her statements, Elsa felt a mix of happiness and frustration.

I need to wash my hair.

Trying to change the mood, Elsa got out of the bath. Clea followed suit.

Oh, if its your hair, I can wash it for you. Lets wash each others hair!

Huh?

Though Clea had a somewhat familiar and forward personality for someone she just met, Elsa wasnt particularly fond of her. But she couldnt say that directly.

Fine. Ill wash it myself.

Elsa said only that, but

Oh, no need to hold back. The hair shampoo here is pretty good. Let me do it.

Without waiting for a response, Clea moved behind Elsa, scooped hot water into a basin, and poured it over Elsas head.

Make sure to keep your eyes closed.

Saying that, she poured shampoo on Elsas head with surprisingly gentle and careful movements.

Any itchy spots?

Mm.

Helpless, Elsa let herself go with the flow.

You have beautiful blonde hair. Its straight and translucent. Im so envious. My hair is all frizzy red, so jealous!

While saying this, she continued was.h.i.+ng Elsas hair more gently and meticulously than Elsa had antic.i.p.ated.

Any itchy spots now?

Mm.

At this point, Elsa had no choice but to go with the flow.

Your hair is done. Now, let me rinse it with hot water. Dont open your eyes yet.

Saying so, Clea rinsed Elsas hair with hot water from the basin.

I can envy your smooth blonde hair, right? Mine is so wild and unruly.

Saying such things, Clea finished was.h.i.+ng Elsas 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 Cleas a.s.sistance.

S-So, now its my turn.

Oh, thank you.

With unaccustomed movements but reasonably skilled hands, Elsa washed Cleas head just as she had done.

Clea did have somewhat coa.r.s.e hair, but it was well-maintained, not dirty.

Ah, feels refres.h.i.+ng! Thanks!

After expressing her grat.i.tude to Elsa, Clea headed back to the bath. Elsa then washed herself and returned to the bath once again.

It seemed Clea liked to soak in the hot water, as she was still in the bath.

Hey, do you think guys prefer girls with blonde hair?

Huh?

Elsa was faced with quite a challenging question.

I mean, with my red hair, seeing a girl with blonde hair makes me jealous.

I know a woman with red hair who became a countess.

Thinking of a friend in the Egelea Kingdom, Elsa shared that information.

Eh? Really? Hmm, is it the chest after all? Or maybe the face?

Not much different from me.

Saying that, Elsa inexplicably felt a bit sad.

Hmm Maybe its the face after all

Completely unaware of Elsas inner thoughts, Clea innocently pondered the matter.