Mushoku Tensei (WN) - Volume 11 - Chapter 104.5

Mushoku Tensei:Web Chapter 104.5 - Baka-Tsuki 
Around the time when Nanahoshi was troubled and Zanoba settled it, 
He actually explained one secret of the doll a while back. 

This happened about a week earlier, before Nanahoshi went berserk. 

"Shishou, take a look at this." 
That day. 
When he entered the research lab, Zanoba was happily carrying a box. 
His expression was many times more boastful than usual. 
"What's this?" 
"It's the arm of that doll from the other day." 
Zanoba put the box on the table and took out the contents wrapped in cloth. 
When the cloth was unwrapped, just like Zanoba said, there was an arm of a doll. 
However, it looked as if it was cut into round slices like sweet bean jelly. 

"I saw there was a joint on the portion where the paint wore off, so when I split it thinking that was the case, it became like this." 

Zanoba showed me the cross-section of the round slice of the arm. 
A pattern like a QR code was compactly written on there. 
It's a magic circle. 
It's completely different from what Nanahoshi draws. 
It's a mysterious pattern. 

That was, the cross-section parts. 
The back and the front. 
The patterns were slightly different. 
Even though they were split apart, they were not the same. 

"I see... the magic circle was compacted even at the arm. It's interesting that it differs at the surface joints." 

It's like seeing the cross-section of meat. 
Like a vivid view of a human body cut into round slices. 

"Still, I didn't realize there were joints to this." 

"That's because the coating wore off from the top. Even I wouldn't have realized this if the paint didn't come off." 
"I see." 

Zanoba seemed very excited at making this big discovery. 
I am rather calm myself. 
I knew that it wouldn't move without applying some special craft to it. 
"I see, with that many magic inscriptions written, it can only move so little." 
"Oh? Shishou, do you understand these magic inscriptions?" 
"Nope, not a clue." 
These magic circles, they were only meant to move the arm. 
Or rather, if those inscriptions weren't written on the arm, it couldn't be controlled? 
Or was it something else? 
I wouldn't know unless we researched it. 

In any case, this doll was loitering inside the house in the middle of the night, going around and cleaning. 
If it found enemies, it would go and eliminate them. 
Once it finished cleaning, it would return to the charging station to recharge. 
It had that sort of function. 
Even a Roomba didn't have that kind of efficiency. 
To have an ability like exterminating enemies, that's already like a Roach Motel. 
It’s not like the doll was completed merely by scribbling inscriptions on its head and body. 

I don't want to make a Roomba. 
I want to make a moving doll. 
I want to see one in action, 
and if I can make one, it will sell. 
I can probably sell it for a pretty high price. 
No, it's not like I want a large sum of money. 
I like money as much as anyone, but even if I have a lot of it, it's wasted on someone like me. 

Although it's a different story, if I was to make a doll that could restore the honor of the Supard Race... 
That was one of my dreams. 
A dream of having a maid robot. 

"There must be a magic circle to control the movement in the head or torso. If you locate it, please 'break' it carefully." 
"Yes, Shishou." 

Zanoba nodded and wrapped the pieces of the arm and placed it back into the box. 
Thus, with that kind of discovery, Zanoba came up with a plan. 
With that plan in mind, he finished making Nanahoshi's layered magic inscription. 
Even though she was about to give up, she had successfully summoned things from another world. 
I am sure I can complete my maid robot soon. 
That reality was not far away. 

When the time comes to it, I become motivated. 
Today, like any other day, I headed to Zanoba's laboratory. 
My strides were light. 

"Zanoba, I'm coming in." 

I knocked once, and then I entered into Zanoba's lab. 
There was a girl standing there acting as the gatekeeper. 
Although not a beautiful woman, it was a woman that pertained to me. 
"Ooh, Ginger-san, it's been a while." 
She had eyed me with suspicion, but when I greeted her, she bowed her head with a straight face. 
"If it isn't Sir Rudeus. It's been a while." 
A former knight of Shirone, and a bodyguard of the Third Prince Zanoba: 
Ginger York. 
How nostalgic. 

"I had thought about greeting you at least once, but it's been a little hectic." 
"Not a problem. In fact, I apologize. I had not thanked you for guarding my sisters without compensation..." 
"Thanks to Aisha-dono, our trip was very quick. That is already my compensation." 

Ginger waved me in, and I entered the lab. 
Zanoba and Julie were working as usual. 
Zanoba was transcribing the magic circles, and Julie was chiseling a figure. 
In any case, Julie seemed to be nearly finished, so I went to take a look. 
"How is it?" 
"Yes, it's almost complete, Grandmaster. What do you think?" 
"Not bad, this Zanoba doll. But doesn't he look a bit too attractive?" 
"Master is cool." 

Yup. 
She's still unrefined, but she's got good taste. 
Once, I pointed out a small detailed part, but she has a good broadening of her senses. 
Zanoba was taking a bit more time. 
When I looked, Ginger was suddenly looking at me. 

"...What is it, Ginger-san?" 
"No, it's nothing... just that, you seem to have grown a lot." 

"The last time we met was about four years ago I think? Of course I would have grown." 

Recently, I felt that many people have said that I looked cool. 
It could be that my sex appeal was flowing out. 
If I hadn't married Sylphy, I would probably have had a harem by now. 
No, having a harem would be a disaster in its own way. 
It doesn't seem like I can casually aim at making babies in bed in that scenario. 

"Come to think of it, what will you do from now on, Ginger-san?" 
"I am thinking of staying by Zanoba's side." 
"So you mean to go back to being his guard?" 
"Yes, since I have completed my mission." 

The mission of guarding Lilia and Aisha. She was loyal in protecting the both of them, for a mission that spanned many years. 
What admirable loyalty. 
Zanoba should reward this lady more. 
A blessing and duty. 

"Zanoba, shouldn't you give her some kind of reward?" 
"No, Rudeus-dono, I am..." 
"Hmm. You're right. Ginger, is there anything that you want?" 

Zanoba asked that question. 
Ginger stared in puzzlement. 
Surely, she had not received anything from Zanoba up till now. 
She thought for a moment, then knelt on one knee with her head bowed down. 
Then, she spoke. 

"In that case, please allow me to educate Julie. While she is the disciple of Sir Rudeus, to have her work for Zanoba may be slightly rude." 
"Very well, I give you permission." 
"Yes! Thank you very much!" 

Permission to teach, huh. 
Different from what I expected. 
In the end, it's all for Zanoba's sake, no? 

No, it may be that slaves were not meant to receive higher-quality education. 
Humans ate the fruit of wisdom and were chased out from the Garden of Eden. 
Before obtaining wisdom, human beings were happy-go-lucky and did not have any doubts. 
To a ruler, it's good that people under them remained stupid. 
That's why slaves didn’t receive education. 
The risk of rebellion increases. 
Although in exchange, their development also decreases. 

Well, it's fine. 
It would be troubling if she were to demand a plot of land. 
I don't hate a loyal relationship where one doesn't ask for much. 

"Now, let's talk about the research. How's it going?" 
"I'm thinking of starting on the feet next." 

"I was just thinking that as well, but wouldn't it be better to research the inscriptions on the arms thoroughly before starting the feet? Once you break it apart, you can't put it back together." 
"Yeah, you're right." 
"If we show this to Cliff-senpai or Nanahoshi, they might know something." 

Zanoba and I started to disassemble the second arm. Suddenly, Ginger was standing next to me. Looking at her, she showed an expression of wanting to say something. 

"What is it?" 

"Rudeus-dono... Um, even if Zanoba may be twisted, he's Shirone royalty. No matter what kind of master-servant relationship you guys have, isn't it impolite to ask in that manner?" 
"Hmm?" 

Impolite. 
Come to think of it, I've been speaking to Zanoba in a casual manner today. 
Normally, I think of speaking using honorifics. 
But after speaking with Aisha a few days back, I might have relaxed my awareness a bit. 

As a retainer, to hear such impolite words directed at her master, she would probably feel irritated. 
It can't be helped, guess I'll use honorifics when I am in front of Ginger. 

"You're right, I apologize. I've been careless and spoiled by Zanoba's goodwill..." 

When I said that. 
Zanoba moved. 

"GINGERRRRR!" 

Zanoba grabbed Ginger's neck. 
She was lifted up and pushed against the wall. 
It made a loud thudding noise. 
Julie was surprised and stopped moving her hands. 
"You bastard! Even though Shishou has opened his heart towards me! What are you saying?! Apologize! Apologize to Shishou right now!" 
"Guh... uughh...!" 
Ginger was in pain. 
...Hey. 
Hey, she's seriously being choked. 
This was overdoing it! 

"Zanoba! Zanoba! Let her go!" 

When I shouted, Zanoba released his hands. 
Ginger's neck showed Zanoba's grip marks very clearly. 
She tried grasping at her neck, and her pale face grimaced at the pain. 
She couldn't lift her hands. It seems when she was thrown at the wall, her shoulder bones had broken. 

I immediately chanted healing magic and healed her wounds. 
Ginger knelt in front of me and bowed her head. 

"Cough... Cough... Rudeus-dono, I apologize." 
She apologized to me. 
Even more so, having her neck strangled... 

"..." 
I couldn't endure this feeling. 
You're apologizing to me, isn't this wrong? 
Ginger shouldn't be blamed for this. 
I turned to Zanoba. 

"Zanoba! Are you an idiot?!" 
"Huh...? B-but Shishou, she selfishly said those things without any regard to our relationship..." 
"Even so, just words would have sufficed!" 
Ginger had served for a long time. 
She had protected my family for four years in foreign lands. 
She came all the way back here despite suffering hardships during those years. 
However, with just one word of impoliteness, her throat was crushed, and her shoulders were broken. 
This was too cruel. 

I treasure the fact that he and I get along. 
It even makes me very happy. 
However, he shouldn't make light of a woman who has remained faithful all this time. 

"No, Rudeus-dono, it's fine. Although I had not seen him for a while, Zanoba has grown up splendidly. I am not upset at all." 
Ginger said that with a straight face. 
...Huh? 
Was I wrong? 
I had thought she should have been rewarded more. 
Was I thoughtless in saying that? 

"...Zanoba." 
"Yes, Shishou." 
"I think that you're a great friend." 
When I said that, Zanoba's face lit up. 

"However, Ginger has protected my family. Ever since we had parted, for the past four years, she has always looked over them. She's someone I am indebted to. Please don't make light of that." 
"I understand Shishou. Ginger, I apologize." 
Zanoba made a meek face and nodded. However, Ginger spoke. 

"No, Sir Zanoba. Those words are unnecessary. As I've sworn allegiance to you with my entire being, I will not be discontent even if I were to die. I apologize for my impertinence." 
With Ginger's formal attitude, I can no longer say anything. So this is another form of a master-servant relationship. 
If Zanoba was wrong, should I give advice properly? 
No, it's fine. 
It's not something I should be worried about. 
As I don't know the common sense of Shirone's hierarchy, I would just be making a mess of things if I were to cut into this. 
Putting aside Ginger and Zanoba's relationship, the research on the automatic doll was going well. 

"Now, although I said to focus on the arms, you can proceed at your own discretion." 
"No, let's go with Shishou's plan. Rather than breaking it apart and reassembling it, it would be safer to recreate the same arm." 

Thus, it was decided that we analyse the arm. 
I should get Cliff and Nanahoshi to help out as well. 
Otherwise, Zanoba would probably proceed by himself. 
Although I wanted to meddle around a bit, it seems like he can handle it himself, so there's no need. 

"Please leave it to me. It seems that I am becoming quite talented at this." 
"Oh, is that so?" 
"Yes, even though I surprised myself, recently, I've been enlightened every day." 

Doing his favorite research all day long. 
Next to him is a doll making specialist. 
So to him, it must be his ideal everyday life. 

However, what will happen after he graduated? 
Will he be settling down here? 
Well, that's not for me to decide. 
Even if one of Zanoba's reasons to do so was me. 

"Well, keep it up, I'll come by again." 
"I'll be waiting for you." 
"Please treat Ginger gently." 
"Of course." 
With that exchange, I left the laboratory. 
--- 
Thus, the research on the doll continued.