Chapter 66

Asulin guided me as we walked towards the central square of Dragoon City, and there was so much to see.

Dragon City was not just the second largest city compared to Sylvantrium, the capital, but it also had an old charm that was unique. Unlike Sylvantrium, which was newer despite being the capital, Dragon City boasted a harmonious blend of old and new.

Since its establishment about a thousand years ago, the ancient district had aged, but due to diligent management, it retained a quaint charm. The new district, established when Duke Carthas received the city along with his dukedom after achieving greatness in dragon slaying, showcased outstanding advancements in mado engineering, even surpassing Sylvantrium.

Snowflakes melted instantly upon touching the ground, thanks to the heat lines installed beneath the roads and sidewalks. Even heavy snowfall could be easily managed by the latest snow removal equipment scattered throughout the city.

The street lighting that illuminated both the old and new districts equally at night added to the charm. But what impressed me most were the cars that navigated the city at a suitable speed, designed in a practical style rather than the more fashionable designs from Sylvantrium.

Even though Dragon City was the second-largest city after Sylvantrium, it didn’t have as many wealthy individuals as the capital. Yet, the number of cars on the streets was impressive. Although most cars seemed to be operated by organizations similar to carriage guilds, rather than owned individually, the sheer volume of them still puzzled me.

The road infrastructure was wide and well-maintained, making it seem like the city center would be easy to navigate. However, I wondered how much it cost to purchase such cars and whether the supply of magic stones needed for maintenance was sufficient.

“As you know, Dragon City boasts a larger area than Sylvantrium when the old and new districts are combined,” Asulin said softly, reading my gaze as I looked curiously at the cars.

She continued, “Ever since a study at the Imperial Academy highlighted the efficiency of cars over carriages in such a large city, they have become a popular means of transportation, especially for moving around the city center at reasonable fares.”

“Indeed…”

“And even the miners have formed their own guild to set fares based on distance, ensuring a steady supply of drivers. They’ve even built facilities outside the city limits to issue permits, all approved by the Duke’s residence. You know about this, right? Initially, many carriage drivers opposed the introduction of cars, but now the transition rate to becoming car drivers is increasing daily.”

“It seems the job switch wasn’t as difficult as expected.”

“Of course. While the initial purchase cost is high, cars require minimal maintenance compared to horses, needing only a small magic stone once a year.”

Asulin’s continuous storytelling, fueled by my curiosity, helped alleviate much of my confusion. The price of processed magic stones has become stable and affordable, unlike in the past when I roamed Blood Haven aimlessly as a homeless youth.

Now, with the advancement in technology, magic stones for cars are circulated at a price slightly cheaper than a horse’s annual upkeep. The progress was remarkable, and the empire’s choice to prioritize mass adoption over profit was both daunting and impressive.

Unlike in Sylvantrium, where cars were primarily used by aristocrats and the wealthy for personal leisure, here, cars were operated for public benefit, which was quite impressive.

*Vroom*

The sound of a car passing nearby, not far from where Asulin and I were walking, was quieter than a carriage.

Though the ride quality couldn’t match a modern carriage, the speed and range of travel made up for the lack of comfort. Over time, as vehicle suspension technology improves, carriages might become relics used only for tourism.

“Look.”

My reverie was broken by Asulin’s voice, breaking the silence. In her hand was a purple magic stone no bigger than a fingernail.

Despite its size, this tiny magic stone could generate enough power for the entire city for a year.

“This one can no longer serve as a power source, but its unique purple glow still makes it valuable as a precious metal.”

Unluckily (or perhaps luckily), this magic stone had already exhausted its energy, leaving behind only a remnant with residual power.

“…To me, a freshly processed one and this depleted one don’t seem very different.”

“Do you feel the same? Hehe, I do too. When Claudia… no, Majesty casually tossed this to me as a souvenir, I was surprised she would treat such a pure magical essence so carelessly.”

Recalling the early days of magic stone production, when accidents often led to catastrophic explosions, it wasn’t surprising that Asulin was startled by the emperor’s casual action.

“You’re quite mischievous, aren’t you?”

“But I’m not like that with others, not even in front of my remaining family. Only those close to the late emperor and I would understand.”

Despite discussing the city’s development, our conversation seamlessly shifted to the core materials of mado engineering and eventually to the absent emperor. Yet, we kept talking non-stop, despite the difficulty in understanding the underlying mechanisms.

“Mado engineering is a complex field. So, when the emperor played such a prank on me, I couldn’t do anything but accept it.”

Asulin spoke calmly about the magic stone, without any signs of displeasure or difficulty.

“But if we consider the changes the empire has undergone while this depleted magic stone was in use, it’s important not to neglect efforts to understand, even if it’s challenging.”

Her dedication to understanding despite the difficulty impressed me greatly.

A thought came to mind. If I were in Asulin’s position, how would I react to the rapid changes brought by mado engineering?

While people’s lives improved through revolutionary inventions, those who didn’t fully embrace these changes found it hard to accept them.

Even now, despite witnessing the dazzling transformation in Sylvantrium and Dragon City, there are regions in the empire that resist change and cling to traditional ways of life.

Some reject it due to religious concerns, fearing the power of magic will overshadow faith. Others fear losing their privileges as industries transform drastically.

Criticism of those resisting change overlooks the initial chaos during the early stages of mado engineering’s development.

Perhaps they are waiting for mado engineering to evolve further before fully embracing it.

“The vast empire must evolve. Since the late emperor unified this continent under one order thirty years ago, the notion of a single nation has gradually taken hold. To lead this new order, we must always stay ahead.”

“That’s why we actively introduce the by-products of mado engineering across various sectors.”

“Exactly.”

Asulin was among those trying to change the mindset of those who were hesitant.

Seeing her determination, I resolved to support her fully.

“We’re almost there.”

As I turned my attention back to our destination, a towering statue in the new district caught my eye, standing out against the relatively modest surroundings of the city.

The statue was crafted from a massive amount of bronze, depicting a dragon with crimson scales lying wounded, while someone stood heroically above it, holding a glowing blue sword.

It was clear what the statue depicted without asking.

This statue commemorated Duke Carthas in his younger days, defeating the dragon Balmag, a threat to the empire.

“…My father mentioned that he was so exhausted he nearly collapsed, so they had to modify the depiction to avoid showing him in such a weakened state.”

Just as I was about to respond, an elderly man’s amplified voice echoed through the air.

“Ladies and gentlemen! The Spirit of Spirits Festival is here! Enjoy your day without the worries of the cold winter!”

I turned to look at Asulin, but she had already run off excitedly towards the festival, shouting, “Of course! At a festival, it’s all about the drinks!”

…Wait, wasn’t it a festival?

Isn’t it odd for a festival to revolve around alcohol?

But realizing there was no one to listen to my thoughts, I hurried after Asulin, hoping to catch up.