Even after we got to the Dining Hall, I kept replaying Big Brother Philip's words in my head.
I couldn't believe I'd missed something so simple...
If I just added one more thin iron plate, the size and weight would barely change.
I'd been so focused on making the Control Panel bigger, but I didn't need to change the outside—I just needed to change the inside.
As a Magic Tool maker, it stung to realize someone else thought of it first.
Mom glanced over with a raised eyebrow. "What's up with Finn?"
Mom looked back and forth between me and Big Brother Philip.
"He was stressing about something earlier, and it got solved way too easily, so now he's bummed. Finn's always been the type to tune everything out once he's locked in on something."
Big Brother Philip said that with a laugh.
"Yep. That's Finn for you."
Even Mom was joining in—was I really that easy to read?
"Don't mope so much. Eat your food. You're gonna hole up in the Workshop with Philip after this anyway, right?"
"I wanna hurry up and make the Cooling Function Magic Tool. Sounds like there isn't one in my room."
"That's because you never come home."
Big Brother Philip couldn't argue back and looked away in defeat.
"I wanna work on improving the Control Panel too, so I'll probably stay in the Workshop tonight."
"Don't overdo it."
Tiana leaned back, crossing her arms as she chimed in. "Philip and Finn are proper same."
"How so?" I asked.
"You're on different things, Magic Tools versus magic, but once you're locked in, you completely lose track of time. You both need to learn to chill out."
"..."
Big Brother Philip and I couldn't say anything back.
"Tiana's right."
Yeah, maybe Big Brother Philip and I really are alike.
While I was thinking that, something hit me.
"Speaking of which, Dad's late getting home today."
"Yeah, I told you earlier. He texted saying he can't make dinner."
I blinked. "...Did you?"
"See? You weren't even listening."
Tiana sighed like she couldn't believe me.
"I thought I heard it, but it just didn't stick."
"That's what I said? Finn just tunes everything out when it's about Magic Tools."
I hated that I couldn't argue, but Tiana was right.
After that, we kept chatting about nothing while dinner went by, lively as always.
"Alright, I'm heading back to the Workshop first."
"Got it. I'll come after I finish my tea."
With that, Big Brother Philip headed to the Workshop ahead of us.
Mom, Tiana, and I stayed and enjoyed our after-dinner tea.
"By the way, Finn, when's my Folding-Fan Magic Tool gonna be done? Mom's is proper nice, I've been dead excited for mine."
"Oh... I forgot."
My head was so full of Control Panel improvements.
"Noah. Tiana's Folding-Fan Magic Tool is on the desk in the Workshop. Bring it here."
Noah bowed respectfully before setting off. "At once, young master. It shall be done."
"Wait, mine's actually done already?!" Tiana gasped.
"Yeah. I was gonna give it to you at dinner, but I was so busy thinking about the Control Panel I forgot to bring it."
While we were talking, Noah brought over a light blue Folding-Fan Magic Tool.
"Here, this one's yours, Tiana."
"Thanks, Finn! Appreciate it!"
Tiana happily took the Folding-Fan Magic Tool and gave it a quick wave right away.
"Mad! Mom's light purple one was nice, but light blue is proper gorgeous! The Magic Circuit glows so softly, it's actually beautiful!"
"Yeah. The light blue Folding-Fan Magic Tool suits you really well, Tiana."
"Right?! So glad I picked my favorite fan. I'll proper look after it, Finn!"
I was glad she liked it.
"I'm bringing it to the Academy tomorrow! Now I can actually focus in class."
Tiana opened the light blue Folding-Fan Magic Tool and waved it over and over.
"Alright, I'm heading back to the Workshop too."
I finished my tea and left the Dining Hall.
Next time, for sure, I'm gonna work a Timer Function into the Control Panel.
Trivia:
- Philip's comment that he wants to make a Cooling Function Magic Tool because his room does not have one hints he spends so little time at home that his own room lacks basic comfort items.
- The parallel between Finn forgetting to bring Tiana's gift and Philip never coming home suggests both brothers share the same flaw of neglecting family for their craft, a quiet warning about their future relationships.
- Tiana choosing her favorite fan design before knowing it would be water-colored implies she picked the fan for personal attachment first, making the color match feel like a small gift of fate rather than chance.
Notes:
• Philip - Big Brother to Finn and knight. Loves magic and learned Magic Tool crafting from Grandpa. Serves in the Knight Order and often moves between his room and the Captain's office.
• Finn - Third son of a marquis family and a magical tool maker. Graduated from an academy and became a full magical tool maker after apprenticing. Currently staying at the family estate during summer. Working on a prototype magical tool that can cool the air, using a fan blower's magical circuit as a base. Has a tendency to forget meals when absorbed in work, though this has improved. Finds the dining room and hallways uncomfortably hot. Wears his shirt with two buttons undone at home. Knows Noah well since childhood. Third son of a marquis family living in the royal capital. Aspiring magical tool maker who retains memories of a past life. Currently working on creating a cooling magical device to deal with an unusually hot summer. Gets absorbed in work and loses track of time.
• Tiana - Younger sister who returns from the academy. Complains about the cold Workshop and worries about their mother. Curious about her brother's inventions.
• Noah - Finn's personal attendant. Has been by Finn's side since childhood. Knows Finn well.