Chapter 70
The exterior of the Magic Tower Special Carriage was quite crude compared to 21st-century automobiles. It was only natural, as the Researchers had never even seen, let alone imagined, a car before.
Franz knew this, so he didn't have any particular complaints.
'This is excellent, considering.'
As expected of the Magic Tower's Researchers, they had almost perfectly recreated the drawing he had given them. It was a shame not to see the sleek, shiny paint job unique to a new car, but with a top-grade oil-based paint applied, it was quite presentable.
After admiring the exterior, Franz immediately opened the driver's side door.
'Wow...'
Franz let out an exclamation of admiration as the door opened without a single friction sound. Honestly, he had expected some flaws, but this was truly surprising. It seemed the Researchers had really put their minds to it.
It felt exactly like a Concept Car from a major corporation showcased at a motor show. The kind that shows off, 'We have this kind of technology too!' to build consumer anticipation.
Of course, a car was, first and foremost, a means of transportation. No matter how outstanding its exterior, it would be useless if it couldn't move.
Franz climbed into the car, filled with anticipation.
As he sat in the driver's seat, the ergonomically designed seat comfortably supported his body.
Driving for long periods would naturally cause back pain, but it would be incomparably better than riding in a regular carriage.
Moreover, the Countess who had sold him the robe had made breathable natural leather seats, which was truly the icing on the cake.
'Shall I try starting it, then?'
Franz pressed the ignition button with his hand. Mana stored in the magic stone began to flow along the designated circuits. From the four wheels to the convenience features, all circuits were operating normally.
However, he couldn't relax until he confirmed that all functions were working properly.
*Click-.*
When Franz pressed a button on the front, cool air flowed out. This was possible because magic stones imbued with Ice Magic and Wind Magic had been embedded. Honestly, at first, he just thought it needed to roll, but his mind changed later. After all, without air conditioning, it would be impossible to ride in the summer. Even if it wasn't summer, with the car sealed, if the sun beat down strongly, it would be like a steam pot.
'Everything's normal.'
After checking a few more convenience features, Franz gave his approval.
Now, only the driving test remained.
Franz rolled down the window and spoke to the tense researchers.
Then, I'll be back.
Yes…!
Franz pushed the gear stick, which was in neutral, forward into drive. As he slowly pressed the accelerator, the car began to move forward.
O-oh, wow!
The Researchers' reactions were, naturally, enthusiastic. Even if they knew it was theoretically possible, seeing it with their own eyes brought a different kind of emotion. Franz drove the carriage straight out of the Magic Tower grounds.
'The Differential is working well, thankfully.'
A Differential is a device that adjusts the rotation speed of the left and right wheels when a car turns. Without it, even if the front wheels turn, the rear wheels would rotate at the same speed, making turning difficult. Originally, a Differential was a mechanical device where gears mesh and move, but unfortunately, such precise gears are hard to expect in this world. So, the inventor had converted that theory into a magic formula and engraved it into a magic stone, and thankfully, it worked well.
While Franz was inspecting the car, a commotion broke out in the village.
Mom, what's that?
W-well, I don't know either. It's my first time seeing it.
Is it a carriage…? It seems like it, since the wheels are turning….
How could people who only ever saw carriages not be surprised to see a modern SUV? Naturally, everyone's gaze was fixed on the car.
Franz usually found being the center of attention quite uncomfortable, but for now, it didn't feel too bad. He wondered if this was how people who drove supercars felt as the car slowly made its way through the village.
Suddenly, armored figures blocked its path.
They were the guards patrolling the village.
Franz slowly applied the brakes and brought the car to a stop. He then stared intently at the guard. There was no tint on the glass, so they should have been able to recognize his face….
Sure enough, the guard squinted, then startled and bowed his head. It seemed he had recognized Franz's face. Franz rolled down the window and gestured for him to approach. The tense guard then came forward to the window.
You're working hard.
M-my apologies. I had no idea it was the Magic Tower Master. I just saw something suspicious rolling down the road, and the residents were making a commotion….
He immediately adopted a humble posture. It was a natural reaction, as he had blocked the path of the Magic Tower Master, who was also the Lord of Magic City Ester. If Franz had wanted to, he could have found various reasons to execute him on the spot.
Of course, that was merely an example; he had no intention of doing so. What wrong had the guard committed, after all, to warrant such an action? He had simply done his best in his duty as a guard.
I didn't call you over to scold you. I merely wanted to tell you that I'm inspecting a new carriage from the Magic Tower, so you don't need to worry.
Ah, so that was it. I made a hasty judgment. I apologize.
Yes, then I'll be going.
Franz rolled up the window and set off again. Having confirmed there were no issues with low-speed driving, Franz now needed to check high-speed driving. Having left the city, Franz soon pressed the accelerator firmly. The car's speed gradually increased, and the scenery rapidly blurred past his vision.
*'It's perfect.'*
While the lack of engine noise might detract a little from the romance, conversely, the car's quietness was absolutely overwhelming. Not only that, but despite the poor condition of the unpaved road, the impact transmitted to his body was minimal. This was thanks to the performance of the Magic-Controlled Suspension, which was no less effective than 21st-century electronically controlled suspensions.
Having satisfactorily completed all inspections, Franz drove the car back to the Magic Tower.
The Researchers' faces tensed again when they saw the car entering the Magic Tower.
But contrary to their worries,
*Clap, clap, clap-.*
Franz, stepping out of the car, immediately burst into applause.
It's perfect. You have perfectly recreated the carriage I envisioned.
R-really?!
Yes, really. Of course, we'll know for sure after a long-distance trip, but there seem to be no major issues with the circuits or structure.
It was the moment the Researchers' tense expressions transformed into joy.
'I should show this to His Majesty.'
No matter if he's the Emperor, he's still a man. Seeing something like this would surely make his heart race. If things went well, he might even receive an Imperial Medal. After all, this was an invention that would bring about a revolution in transportation.
'I wonder if Arian will like it?'
Honestly, he wasn't sure.
Few women were interested in cars. At the very least, she probably wouldn't dislike it….
Franz immediately shared the news with Arian.
Arian tilted her head.
You made a carriage…?
Yeah, to ride to the party.
I want to see it, too…!
Arian smiled brightly, a rare sight. So, Franz naturally thought she would like it even more after seeing it in person. But reality was not so easy.
"Ta-da!"
Franz proudly showed Arian the car parked in a corner of the Magic Tower.
He was as excited as a child.
However, Arian's expression slowly hardened, contrary to his own.
What is this…?
This is the carriage I was talking about.
There's no bed…?
Th-that… there isn't, is there…?
Even if it was a modified carriage, would people usually expect a bed inside? Franz couldn't understand Arian's thoughts, but he decided to let it go. Everyone's desires were different, after all.
Then where do we sleep?
At her question, Franz finally thought his chance had come. The chance to explain the advantages of this Magic Tower Special Carriage.
Well, there's no need to sleep. If we ride this, it won't even take a full day to reach Phrygia Dukedom. Isn't that amazing?
This was truly an innovation.
Surely Arian would take it well….
*'Huh...?'*
Shortening travel time was clearly a good thing, yet Arian's expression was filled with disappointment.
Then the day our Ludwin is born will be pushed back even further….
Arian muttered to herself in a low voice.
Who was Ludwin, and what was going to be born? He couldn't understand it at all, but one thing was certain: she disliked his car.
Arian, just get in.
Franz was convinced that Arian disliked the car only because she hadn't ridden in it yet. So, to show her how wonderful the car was, he had no choice but to take her for a ride.
Yes?
Open the door and get in the carriage. We'll go for a short spin.
She'll change her mind once she rides it. Definitely.