Satou's here. It's said that necessity is the mother of invention. I think there was a time when I endeavored greatly to devise a program to make things easier.
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"Igniter tool that doesn't use magic power?"
"Yes, a self-alleged inventor claimed that it could be lit easier than an Ignition Rod, and the trial-product that he brought was indeed comparatively easier to use when we tried it. One needs to learn a little bit of the knack, but it should be easier than using a flint."
Porina told me such story when I was visiting the workshop's office.
Some self-proclaimed inventors have been coming here while bringing various inventions, it seems they were inspired by the kickboard.
Although most of the tools are useless, I've told Porina to buy anything that's even a little bit usable.
We're buying an idea with the prototype blueprint in exchange of one silver coin. If Echigoya is going to sell the tool, the inventor will get 10% of the profit from the sales.
Porina brings a box written with "17" from the shelf.
Looks like she's divided them by number since distinguishing them will be hard otherwise.
The inside of the box is a lighter the size of a hair spray.
Leaving the prototype before establishing a contract like this, I think the inventor is quite careless.
It's the same kind as the oil lighter I know although this one is a bit rustic.
It's perfectly the same with the lighter structure written in the notebook that I've gotten in the dark auction back then.
There isn't anyone with cheat-like skills that reincarnated or teleported people would have so this someone must be a teleported person related to Princess Menea. It's probably a teleported person that should've been dead but is actually, [alive all along.]
"It may seem very convenient, but it has a fatal flaw."
Porina speaks about the problem hesitantly toward me who's looking at the lighter full of interest.
--It's the production cost.
Although it's an item that should be profitable in other cities, there's no meaning here in Royal Capital that's getting abundant supply of magic cores from the Labyrinth City.
The production cost for Ignition Rod is cheaper than the calculated cost of this Lighter even in Royal Capital, which isn't as cheap as in the Labyrinth City.
Of course, on top of being a business, the price we get from calculating the production cost and the profit margin is such that it won't be able to compete with the Ignition Rod.
Moreover, compared to the Ignition Rod that's the size of a long chopstick, the prototype lighter is heavier and bigger.
The Ignition Rod is superior even in the convenience aspect in kitchens.
It'll only end up as a collector item of eccentric people in its current state.
"Porina, do you have the contact information of the inventor?"
"Yes, I have inquired it. The other party said that, 『I can come anytime』, so I could contact him with date and time that Kuro-sama wants. Would the workshop's reception room be alright for the meeting place?"
"Yeah, please do."
She's really well prepared.
Porina was originally wise enough you wouldn't have thought that she was a former baggage carrier, but I think she's become refined ever since she became the workshop head.
She probably has accumulated various experiences too, her level has increased by three compared to the last time I met her.
After telling the date and time to Porina, she sends a messenger from the next room.
I didn't hear the name of the inventor I was going to meet.
Now that I've completed my business, I hand out the souvenirs. I guess I'll go back after seeing Nell after this.
It's lunchtime now, so she's probably in the lounge or the dining room.