Putting a Cooling Function on a folding fan turned out to be the right call.
At Lilien Trading Company, they've got a bunch of Blowers running. Even so, it doesn't seem like they can fully take the edge off the heat inside the shop.
I wave the fan-shaped Magic tool in my hand. A cool breeze flows out, and the heat slowly eases up.
While I'm waiting like that, the clerk from before comes back with the stuff I asked for.
"Will you be paying with your guild card?" the clerk asked.
"Yeah, here," I replied, handing it over.
I hand the clerk my card and take the Magic cores and materials.
In this world, paying with a guild card is pretty normal. I sell Magic tools sometimes, so I'm registered with the merchants' guild too.
Besides my noble ID, the merchants' guild card is way more handy for this kind of deal.
"Oh! If it isn't Finn. So you came by," Uncle Alex greeted me with a grin.
"Long time no see, Uncle Alex. I made a new Magic tool. The function works fine, but I figured it'd be better to leave the outer shell to you," I answered.
"You made another new Magic tool? That's our Finn. Can I see it right now?" he asked with interest.
"Yeah, it's in the carriage, but it'll be easier to explain if you come with me, so follow me," I offered, gesturing toward the door.
"Oh? Isn't it that fan-like Magic tool you're holding right now?" Uncle Alex pointed to my hand.
"Ah... this is a new Magic tool too, but I just made it, so today I'm checking how well it works. If I'm gonna sell it, I'd want to talk to you about it then, Uncle Alex," I explained.
"I see. I'm looking forward to it," he nodded.
After saying that, I led Uncle Alex to the carriage.
"Whoa... this is past cool, it's almost cold! What is this?!" Uncle Alex gasped as he stepped inside.
"I made a Magic tool based on the Blower that puts out cold air. It's been hot lately, right? I couldn't take it anymore..," I admitted with a slight laugh.
Inside the carriage, it was so cold it was hard to believe how hot it was outside.
"You can adjust the Cooling Function and the airflow to match the size of the spot where you put it. Right now I brought the one for my Workshop, so it's a bit too strong for a carriage," I continued, pointing to the device.
"I see... so you can adjust it to where it's set up," he murmured.
Uncle Alex stared at the Magic tool for a while and got lost in thought.
"This is... gonna sell. No, I want to start selling it right away. Also, can you make one for me too?" Uncle Alex declared enthusiastically.
"I can make yours right away, Uncle Alex, but... I'll give you the specifications, so I'd like to leave the rest to Lilien Trading Company's craftsmen," I clarified.
I still haven't gotten them set up all over the Mansion, so I want to prioritize the Mansion first.
"Ah, of course, leave it to me. What about the outer shell? If you don't have anything in mind, I can decide on this end?" he agreed readily.
"Yeah, I don't really have anything. But I think it'd be better to avoid decorating the feather part. I haven't tested it, but it might mess with the fanning motion," I advised.
"I see. So it's a Magic tool where performance matters more than looks," he summarized.
"Yeah. ...Oh, right. Grandpa's coming this month, right? I want him to see it then too," I added.
"You mean my father? I'm sure he'll love it," he chuckled.
"He'll probably say my Magical circuit still needs work, though," I pointed out.
"Heh, I can picture it," he laughed softly.
After laughing for a while about Grandpa, I got back to talking about the Magic tool.
"I think I can have yours done by tomorrow afternoon, so I'll deliver it with the specs."
"Got it. Are you bringing the specs yourself, Finn?"
"No, I'll have Noah deliver them."
If it's Uncle Alex, once I hand over the specs, he'll get it across to the craftsmen just fine.
Having someone I can trust to handle things without me explaining every little detail is a real blessing.
"Alright, I'm heading home soon," I said, bidding him farewell.
"Ah, thanks for showing me something good today. Get home safe," Uncle Alex waved.
I handed the Fan-shaped Cooling Magic Tool to the coachman and got into the carriage.
Oh, right, I forgot to ask about the Magic tool's name. Well, it can wait till next time--
"...Cold!!" I shivered instantly.
Trivia:
- Finn mentions his Magical circuit "still needs work" according to Grandpa, hinting at an ongoing skill gap he's aware of and possibly insecure about.
- The fact that Finn registered with the merchants' guild separately from his noble status shows he's building an independent commercial identity outside his family name.
- Finn forgot to ask about naming the Magic tool, which suggests he sees naming as something worth discussing with Alex, implying Alex may have a role in branding or that names carry weight in this world.
Notes:
• Alex - Owner of Lilien Trading Company. Called Uncle Alex by Finn. Experienced merchant with an eye for sellable goods and a close, familiar relationship with Finn's family. Practical about product development and eager to commercialize new magical tools.
• 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.
• Noah - Finn's personal attendant. Has been by Finn's side since childhood. Knows Finn well.