Chapter 671: Titanic
Jin decided to craft a disc-shaped compass with a 20-centimeter diameter, intending to let it float in oil.
He attached the compass to the back of a plastic disc created from threads obtained from the grand spider, using a thin resin from the underground spider tree known as GSP.
Given his lack of knowledge about the specific compasses used on ships, he decided to improvise.
For the container, he utilized quartz and crystal sourced from the material warehouse. The lower portion was crafted from white quartz, the upper portion from transparent crystal, and internally, he filled it with a mineral-based oil.
The choice of a mineral-based oil was crucial; without it, the oil would either solidify or become discolored. Of course, he discreetly brought it from Hourai Island. Once sealed, discerning the type of oil would be impossible.
“Alright, loading two of these should be enough.”
“Father, you seem quite invested in this.”
Reiko’s tone wasn’t precisely dissatisfied, but it was a rather slightly curious tone.
“Yeah. It’s our first ship, and I want it to be a success. Besides, since it’s a ship I’ve worked on, I’m determined to make it a success.”
His eagerness came from the fact that Jin, Elsa, and Reinhardt had all contributed to this ship. Reiko had no complaints about that.
“That’s true. Your name will be remembered as well. Its success is crucial, especially considering it received collaboration from the Magi Craft Meister.”
“Well, that’s true.”
And Jin, making use of his spare time, began to create notes.
“Father, what are you doing?”
“Yeah, even though I helped this time, I’ve come to realize that I won’t always be available to help. So, I’m writing down the insights I’ve gathered.”
Jin has carefully observed the ship. He focused on fixing the issues and weaknesses in this construction method. Therefore, when Jin summarized them, it wasn’t just logical but also held real importance.
“Alright, this should be enough.”
Jin collected his notes on parchment, bound them, added a cover, completing the compilation titled ‘New Ship Memo.’
“I suppose I can pass this on to the person in charge.”
Jin left the room carrying the ‘New Ship Memo’ and the compass.
Upon seeing the finished compass, those present once again wore expressions that acknowledged the greatness of the Magi Craft Meister.
Christoph eagerly received it, contemplating where to attach it.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo appeared as though he had something on his mind.
“Rodrigo, is there something on your mind?”
Sensing this, Jin called out to him, and Rodrigo responded somewhat flustered,
“Uh, well… no, it’s nothing…”
“Are you intrigued by the compass?”
Jin suspected it was likely related to that.
“Well, yeah…”
Following this, Jin intended to craft several compasses referred to as ‘dry types.’
In contrast to the wet type, which moves within oil, the dry type is easier to produce but comes with the drawback of the needle taking more time to stop swinging and becoming unusable when rusted.
This knowledge doesn’t quite fall under overtechnology, as it was also present in the
Führer previously gifted to the Shouro Empire.
Apart from Christoph, the Minister of Magi Technology, Degauss, should be well-acquainted with compasses.
Jin chose to pass the ‘New Ship Memo’ to Christoph.
“Oh, Jin, this is really useful. I’ll use it as a guide for the next one!”
Christoph gladly accepted the memo.
The ship’s gangway was expertly crafted, and by the day’s end, the new ship was nearly finished.
The next morning, a final check was planned, and if everything checked out, the launching ceremony was set for the following afternoon.
It was rumored that the Prime Minister would make an entrance at the launching ceremony in a hot air balloon.
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“We’re finally approaching the finish line.”
“It was quite fascinating.”
“Jin, you did an excellent job.”
“If you say that, Elsa did just as well.”
After taking a bath, Jin, Elsa, and Reinhardt were enjoying wine in the dining hall.
Reinhardt had developed a strong fondness for the local wines in this area. Both the Elrich region to the east and the Olsen region to the west of Lake Wass boasted numerous vineyards, contributing to a thriving wine production.
Today’s wine was from the Elrich region, the year 3456.
“It’s still a young wine, but it’s tastier than I expected.”
As Reinhardt uttered this, he wasn’t paying much attention to the food, and was consuming the wine at a brisk pace.
“Rein, you should slow down a bit.”
Elsa, expressing concern, intervened. Although Jin and Elsa had nearly completed their meals, Reinhardt had only eaten about half and was mainly drinking wine.
“I’ll tell Berthie when we get back.”
With just that sentence, Reinhardt’s hand came to a sudden stop.
“Ugh… fine.”
Reluctantly agreeing, Reinhardt eventually began eating. Jin sensed that, despite the pending final check, Reinhardt felt a sense of relief now that the ship was finished.
“Lord Jin, Lord Reinhardt, Miss Elsa, may I join you?”
Rodrigo approached their table.
“Yes, please. Would you like some wine, Rodrigo?” Reinhardt offered, but Rodrigo declined.
“No, I appreciate the offer. I’m just here for the company. As I mentioned earlier, my health hasn’t been great.”
Elsa, feeling uneasy hearing this, spoke up.
“Um, excuse me, but why is your health not well?”
“Yes, until recently, I drank too much.”
“If it’s alright, I’d like to examine you later.”
Elsa suggested.
“Huh?”
Seeing Rodrigo’s puzzled expression, Jin explained.
“Despite her appearance, Elsa was recently appointed by His Majesty as the ‘Royal Healing Arts Practitioner,’ so she’s quite skilled in the healing arts.”
For a moment, Rodrigo’s face showed a hint of joy upon hearing this, but in the next instant, it returned to its usual expression.
“No, it’s okay. More importantly, I have a proposal.”
“What is it? Please, have a seat.”
Reinhardt offered a chair.
“Thank you. Well, the thing is… it’s a bit awkward to say, but it’s about what happens if the ship sinks. Do we have any plans for that kind of situation?”
“If the ship sinks…?”
Even Reinhardt, renowned for his composure, frowned slightly.
Considering the launching ceremony had yet to happen, discussing what to do if the ship sank might seem premature. However, Jin had a different perspective.
“…Lifeboats, is that what you’re suggesting?”
Jin had also forgotten about it.
In the current world, ships on Earth are equipped with lifeboats for all crew members.
The tragedy of the Titanic occurred because there weren’t enough lifeboats. Even if there were lifeboats, the debate revolves around whether all of them could be launched in the short time before sinking and if the crew could be evacuated.
“You’re right. That’s what I mean.”
With Jin’s understanding, Rodrigo became more enthusiastic.
“Let’s discuss this in a meeting tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you for taking charge of it.”
Having heard Jin’s words, Rodrigo bowed and left.
“…”
Jin called Reinhardt and Elsa to his room.
Both seemed a bit upset after hearing about the sinking discussion.
“While this might not fall within your technical expertise,…”
Jin then shared his knowledge about the sinking of the Titanic.
“…So, prioritize women and children…”
“…”
“…………”
Both listened silently to the story.
“So, it’s true that it’s not an uplifting topic. But there’s no ship that’s guaranteed not to sink. So…”
“No, that’s enough. I understand, Jin.”
“Jin, I get it.”
Reinhardt and Elsa both nodded with seriousness.
“I believe we should also utilize some of those rubber boats crafted in the Klein Kingdom.”
To be more precise, they were crafted in the village of Kaina, not the Klein Kingdom, and both Jin and Elsa were the ones making them.
“…Ah, those could indeed be useful.”
“Not only for leisure but also for situations like this.”
“Exactly. Additionally, everyone on the ship’s crew should wear life jackets.”
Lifebuoys, rubber boats, life jackets – these were the topics the three planned to address in the discussion the following day.