57 — Chapter 57

I discuss the necessary preparations with Prince Richard.

“For a simple experiment, I believe we just need something to scoop the seawater, a large pot, and something like a furnace or a stove to heat it over a fire.”

Prince Richard issues instructions to his valets with great efficiency. I had wondered if we’d even find a stove, but apparently, they often cook outdoors during hunts, so they have portable ones on hand.

I take Mary with me and follow Prince Richard and his men down to the shore.

“Milady, please use your parasol.”

The parasol that had been tattered and worn in the attic has been restored and looks brand new. Walking while holding a parasol makes me feel somewhat elegant, but with the sea breeze blowing, it isn’t nearly as easy as it looks.

“This spot should do,” Richard decides.

Couldn’t Prince Richard have done this on his own? He has the valets set up the stove and fill the large pot with seawater.

“Light the fire.”

Ah, I had assumed Prince Richard used fire magic like Prince Keith, but he has the valets light it manually. They seem to be struggling because of the sea breeze. He must have noticed my puzzled expression.

“It wouldn’t be much of an experiment if I turned the entire stove into charcoal with my magic, now would it?”

Ah, I see. Fire magic probably consists mostly of offensive spells.

“I use lifestyle magic, so allow me to light it.”

I light the fire in an instant. However, the seawater doesn’t evaporate very quickly. Do I have to watch it the whole time? Oh, look—I found a pretty seashell over there!

“You’re quite skilled at using lifestyle magic, Patience. If you’re bored, you may go gather shells.”

Did my boredom show on my face? My apologies.

“Mary, let’s gather some beautiful shells as souvenirs for my brothers.”

Mary’s eyes plead with a silent, Is that truly alright?

“Prince Richard gave us permission, after all.”

Even at a time like this, Mary is a useful maid. She pulls a small bag out of her handheld pouch and hands it to me.

I fill the small bag with pretty pink shells and spiral ones covered in white spikes.

“The water has decreased quite a bit.”

“True, but we’re not there yet. Even if we can make salt this way, the fuel and labor costs would be substantial.”

Well, in my previous life, there were salt pans and greenhouses for this.

“Could it not be achieved through magic?”

Prince Richard crosses his arms and thinks.

“It would likely require a great deal of magical control. Some nobles might be capable of it, but it would be difficult. We can hardly task the Royal Mages with making salt, after all.”

There is still water in the pot.

“Wait, perhaps the problem lies with the pot? Wouldn’t a flatter pan make the water evaporate faster?”

Prince Richard laughs. “You’re right!”

“I’ve made a mistake. But we shall continue the experiment with a flat pan this afternoon.”

I stop him as he tells the valets to clear away.

“Wait—the seawater in there is already quite concentrated. If we use that this afternoon, won’t it be finished much faster?”

Prince Richard is delighted. “Of course!”

“I was surprised when Keith told me you were interested in alchemy, Patience, but you seem quite useful indeed.”

I’m content with just making salt for my own household. I’d rather leave the rest to those “mad scientists.”

“Yes, I’m sure they will come up with a way to extract salt from seawater.”

Prince Richard notices that I’m trying to wiggle out of it. When he gives a charming smile, he looks just like Queen Victoria. It’s terrifying.

“No, I want you to cooperate, Patience. Besides, you can imagine what Mother would say if I invited them here.”

Ah, she definitely wouldn’t allow it.

“But I promised Lady Margaret that I would practice the lute with her this afternoon…”

I’m being dragged into Prince Richard’s business. I might as well make him persuade Princess Margaret.

“Leave that to me.”

I said, “I leave it to you,” but please don’t bring it up during lunch!

“Brother, I believe you promised to lend me Patience only for the morning. I spent my time on Mathematics and needlework, which I dislike. I’ve been looking forward to nothing but listening to music this afternoon!”

Oh dear, sibling squabbles during a meal are a bad idea. The Queen sets down her fork.

“Both of you, eat in silence.”

Prince Keith got caught in the crossfire. Also, Keith, you really shouldn’t leave your fish on the plate today. I signal him with my eyes, but he’s terrible at reading the room.

Queen Victoria’s mood went from slightly tilted to a steep nosedive. Honestly, it’s because Prince Keith left his fish.

As usual, everyone chooses fruit for dessert.

“Come to think of it, I hear Patience makes Julianne’s sweets for her brothers. I should like to try them sometime. Julianne was a schoolmate of mine, after all.”

With that, Queen Victoria looks satisfied, having effectively removed the source of the argument between Prince Richard and Princess Margaret.

“I understand. I shall give the recipe to the chef. It is easier to make using lifestyle magic, so if I may have permission to be present, I am certain there will be no failures.”

I received permission, of course, but the moment we left the dining hall, both Prince Richard and Princess Margaret grabbed my arms.

“Lady Margaret, I’ve thought of a piece to play using Hanon on two pianos. I’ll play a quick rendition, so I’d like you to handle the sheet music afterward.”

That satisfied the Princess. She’ll likely be obsessed with making the sheet music all afternoon.

“Prince Richard, please heat the concentrated seawater from this morning in a flat pan until all the water evaporates. We can think of other methods once the salt is actually made.”

I did my best to remember and played a “Sonata for Two Pianos” using Hanon.

“Oh, how wonderful! We could play this as a duet together.”

I feel like Prince Keith is watching with exasperation. Wait, Queen Victoria looks a bit exasperated too… Surely not.