I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace (WN)

Chapter 2418 - Spreading Aftermath ⑲

The guilt of knowing I was the cause of all this still lingered, but when I offered to buy Marie-san some clothes, an idea that came to me on a whim, she was genuinely delighted, and that, in turn, put me at ease.

The accessories turned out to be more expensive than I’d expected, and I worried the high price might make her feel uncomfortable. But thankfully, that didn’t seem to be the case, she accepted them with pure joy.

For Marie-san, the fourth daughter of a Barony, shopping in stores like this or owning fine clothing was something she rarely experienced. When she spoke of how much she had longed for it, her expression overflowed with happiness, and I couldn’t help but suggest buying her another outfit as well. She was delighted by that too, of which I was truly glad to oblige.

[Ahh, excuse me. I’d like to have the clothes sent to my home, if possible……]

[Arehh? Marie-san, aren’t you going to put them in your Magic Box?]

This time, since the outfit didn’t need to be tailored precisely to her body like a party dress would, and since they already had her size in stock, there was no need for alterations. She could have just taken it home directly, but it seemed Marie-san preferred to have it sent to her Barony instead.

[I’m embarrassed to admit it, but the Magic Box I own only has the capacity of a small wardrobe. Considering what I already keep inside, there isn’t much room left. I thought I’d store only the accessories in it and have the clothes sent separately……]

[I see…… Ah, in that case, I actually have something that might help. Would you like to use this?]

Hearing Marie-san’s concern about her limited Magic Box capacity, I took out a deep green, square-shaped magic crystal, a Magic Box, from my own.

[A Magic Box…… and quite a fine one at that. Forgive me, but I’m a little surprised to see you with one that color, Kaito-sama. I had assumed all of yours would be made from black magic crystals.]

[Ahh, that’s because this one actually wasn’t something I bought…… Errr, are you familiar with the Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Festival’s Water Dragon Parade and its prize lottery?]

[Yes, if I remember right, the ticket numbers themselves are the lottery numbers, and the winners are announced later, correct?]

[Exactly. And this Magic Box was actually one of the prizes I won in that lottery.]

Yes, the Magic Box I’d won in the Sea Dragon Parade’s ticket lottery had a decent capacity, about the size of a small one-room apartment. If you were to buy one, it would probably cost around a white gold coin, making it a remarkably luxurious prize for what was essentially a bonus raffle attached to the tickets. Well, it was the grand prize, after all……

That said, to be honest, it was kind of an awkward item for me, a little difficult to make use of.

[As Marie-san said, I already own Magic Boxes with larger capacity. And if I were ever to buy another, I’d definitely choose a black one again. Besides, all my acquaintances already have ones even larger than this. So I never really found a use for it, it’s just been sitting untouched inside one of my other Magic Boxes ever since.]

A Magic Box’s capacity isn’t determined by the purity of its magic crystal, but by the magic formula inscribed within it. Of course, creating a complex formula that grants a large capacity requires a considerable amount of magic power, so in practice, a high-purity crystal is needed. Still, even with crystals of identical purity, the final size of the box can differ depending on the formula used.

That part depends on the skill of the craftsman. For example, even if two Magic Boxes are made from black crystals, the one crafted by Sechs-san and the one made by Kuro would differ greatly in capacity.

And that’s also where the problem lies. Even if I asked Tre-san to replace this deep green crystal with a black one, the inscribed formula wouldn’t change, meaning its capacity would stay the same.

On top of that, erasing and rewriting a magic formula once it’s been engraved into a crystal takes a lot of effort and time. At that point, it’s far easier to just buy a new crystal and make a new Magic Box from scratch.

What’s more, all of my acquaintances already own Magic Boxes larger than this one, so I couldn’t really give it away to anyone…… And as for me, if I ever needed more capacity, I’d just add another black one to my collection. So this one honestly had no purpose, and I’d been wondering what to do with it.

[……Anyway, since it’s just been gathering dust, I’d be happy if you used it instead, Marie-san. It’s better for someone to put it to good use than for it to sit forgotten in storage.]

[I’m truly happy to accept it…… but I feel bad, receiving so much from you. I’m very grateful for your kindness, Kaito-sama, but please, allow me to offer something in return……]

Though she looked a bit apologetic, Marie-san accepted the Magic Box without hesitation. Honestly, I preferred it that way, it really was something I didn’t know what to do with, so there was no need for her to feel guilty. But after thinking for a moment, she seemed to come up with an idea.

[……Ah, that’s right. Actually, my father gave me a little extra allowance today, saying that after buying clothes, I should treat myself to some sweets at a café. If it’s convenient for Kaito-sama, would you care to join me afterward? I didn’t end up spending the money I’d set aside for clothing, so please let me treat you, as a small token of thanks. I know it doesn’t come close to matching what you’ve given me, but……]

[That’s not true at all. In that case, I’ll gladly take you up on the offer.]

Indeed, after receiving two outfits, accessories, and even a Magic Box, it was only natural that Marie-san would want to repay me in some small way, and since I had no reason to refuse, I decided to graciously accept her kindness.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [……She’s actively stacking additional stomachache charges on herself…… Baron Ritch, your daughter’s speeding headfirst into a death zone, if you don’t realize it soon, things are going to get really bad for you too! And from Kaito’s side, it just looks like a calm, ordinary exchange, so there’s no way for him to notice…… When reality finally catches up later, her stomach is probably going to cease to exist……]