Chapter 147

Episode 147: The Power in the Box (4)

****

I still need to finish writing this letter.

– I’d like to visit the Imperial Palace first to demonstrate this technology. It will be a great help to the Empire.

Since I have a personal connection, I could force it through, but honestly, it doesn’t sound very convincing. I could already picture the Crown Prince sighing after reading this.

Well, can’t be helped.

– Here’s the thing.

– My colleagues and I have developed a way to instantly transmit information over long distances using just wires, without magic.

– Think of it as working on the same principle as lightning moving at incredible speeds.

– The current inside the wire moves faster than lightning, so it’s practically instantaneous.

What should I say to make the palace think this is it?

– This is a method to instantly send information. You can transmit data without restriction by simply extending the wire.

I can’t explain the entire telegraph principle in this short letter, but I also can’t leave it completely blank. I thought more about it.

“Amy, what should I write?”

“Just say that static electricity-like power flows through the wire.”

A simple explanation would be best.

– Simply put, we combined metal plates with an electrolyte to create a device where the corrosion of the metal generates current in the wire.

– Think of it as similar to lightning or static electricity. If the palace is interested, I can explain further.

– Thank you.

– Sincerely, Asterix

That’s enough. Done.

We’ll figure out the specifics if the palace sends funding for research. After finishing the letter, I put away the pen and folded the paper.

****

The Crown Prince was sitting in his office today without much to do. So tired… There was a banquet with knights from the north…

They drank endlessly. Out of politeness, I couldn’t refuse, and every time they set down their cups, I had to drink. The Crown Prince tried to ignore his headache.

Knock knock.

Someone knocked on the door of the Crown Prince’s office. He sighed first. Why are there so many visitors on such a tiring day?

“Greetings, noble lord.”

“What is it now?”

“Professor Asterix says he has discovered a way to trap the power of lightning in a box, enabling long-distance wired communication…”

The Crown Prince sighed again.

What nonsense is this? They must have made another astonishing discovery. Whether I like Asterix or not, it seems plausible somehow.

Whenever Asterix explains, it always sounds reasonable. Like when he made antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory painkillers.

This one will probably check out too if I take the time to ask. I used to think Mint picked the wrong person, but looking at this…

It doesn’t seem like that anymore. Asterix really does have undeniable talent—almost unreal.

“I suffered a lot yesterday because of those boorish northern knights. You saw it, right?”

David nodded vigorously.

“Yes. I heard there’s an epidemic in the northern provinces this late autumn, causing great concern. It seems the new medicine sent there has relieved some worries. Surely this is due to the palace’s grace.”

“Epidemic? Ah, I remember the knights mentioned it. Violet did too.”

“Your Highness, a few days ago, you ordered medicine to be sent to the suffering northern residents. Lady Violet was present then too.”

It was mainly Violet’s suggestion, but I do recall it. I just told them to help the small villages properly.

“You sent a new medicine to cure the epidemic in the north… Wasn’t it Professor Asterix’s medicine?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, let’s talk about something else.”

Back to Asterix again. The Crown Prince slowly shook his head.

“Master David.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Doesn’t this discovery sound absurd?”

“It does sound absurd.”

David agreed.

I read Asterix’s letter several times, and it did seem absurd. Can one person really discover all of this? But looking at the results, it checks out. Always has, and it probably will this time too—not just academically, but practically as well.

“If we call Professor Asterix and ask him, he’ll surely give us a detailed explanation, wondering why we don’t understand it.”

“Definitely.”

The Crown Prince rolled the pen in his hand. Today was already exhausting, and now it’s even worse.

To be honest, the Crown Prince wasn’t particularly interested in whatever new invention Asterix claimed to have made. When examined, it probably works fine, as always.

That wasn’t important.

The Crown Prince started writing a reply briefly. No need to go into detail. They’ll figure it out themselves. Just bring it, and we’ll be grateful.

– Stop talking nonsense and rest.

– Whether you come to the palace or not, just convince Mint. Come if you want.

– There’s no need for you to personally present this at the palace. Send a detailed report, and the palace officials and technicians will review it.

– Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince casually rolled up the letter he just wrote and handed it to David. The secretary carefully took the royal correspondence, tied it, and stamped it with the palace seal.

“Should I send this to the academy?”

“Uh.”

“Isn’t it too short?”

The Crown Prince frowned.

“Is it? Then you rewrite and send it.”

“Ah, understood.”

David nodded.

“Still, my lord, this technology Professor Asterix claims to have created seems different from before. I heard about it.”

The Crown Prince turned his gaze.

“What did you hear?”

“Apparently, he studied the structure and function of nerves that transmit signals within the human body, leading to this discovery.”

“Seems like you read it thoroughly… But why couldn’t anyone discover this before?”

This is likely what everyone is asking.

What makes Asterix so special that he keeps solving medical puzzles unsolved for a thousand years? It can’t just be explained by being smart.

“I don’t know. Maybe Professor Asterix surpasses ancient scholars?”

“David, study this new creation of Professor Asterix thoroughly and explain it to me later.”

“Ah, understood!”

“Now go.”

The Crown Prince sighed.

Anyway, objectively speaking, having a new technology to offer and sell to the empire is a good thing. Faster-than-lightning communication, huh?

****

I received a reply from the palace.

As usual, since it was a royal letter, it bore the palace emblem. I removed the seal and opened the letter.

– We’ve carefully reviewed Professor Asterix’s proposal. It’s very intriguing.

Did someone ghostwrite this? The Crown Prince wouldn’t speak like this, especially not to me.

– Once again, the professor has made an excellent discovery, according to our experts. Especially trapping lightning in a box without magic is impressive.

– The palace will always welcome Professor Asterix with open arms, but there’s no need to go through the trouble of coming here to explain this time.

– Through Professor Asterix’s company, we can provide funds. If you send us information about this discovery, I will personally assist in realizing your vision.

I closed the letter.

No need to analyze a letter not written by the Crown Prince himself. It says there’s no need to visit the palace; just sending the info will suffice.

Mint will be disappointed. If I ask the Imperial Princess, she’ll probably suggest visiting the palace anyway, regardless of promoting the telegraph system.

I should bring it up.

****

Mint came to the lab around evening when classes ended. The lab was fairly tidy today.

All the frog carcasses were cleared away.

The princess looked around as soon as she entered.

“Where did all the frogs go?”

“We’ve passed the stage where we needed frogs for research, so I cleaned them up.”

“Oh?”

Mint looked at me sitting behind the desk, and I lifted my head from what I was doing.

“I planned to visit the palace regarding the battery and wire, but they said it’s not necessary. What do you think, Miss Mint?”

Mint shook her head.

“No need to go there just to explain, right?”

“Still, let’s visit! We still have some time before winter, and there’s a lot to do at the palace during winter… like decorating for the Winter Solstice festival, preparations, or just hanging out.”

I nodded.

I vaguely remember the academy having winter break. Of course, for professors, it only matters whether undergraduates have classes or not.

“Got it. Let’s plan to visit the palace when you’re free in winter, separate from any tech demonstrations or other schedules.”

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