Chapter 82
Chapter 82
The Garden Becomes a Farm, the Farm Becomes an Estate
“We may support the Vigen Lions, but club activities are a separate matter, aren’t they?
If we ever become strong enough to rival the Vigen Lions, wouldn’t that be something to celebrate?”
Lorenzo spoke indirectly, implying, “As if we’d ever reach their level.”
“Still…”
As his attendants hesitated, Fiona stepped forward.
“I will apply.”
“Lady Fiona, we sisters will apply as well.”
“Yes. We used to play Wizard Ball at the convent.”
The ones accompanying Fiona were Alisa and Esther, daughters of a provincial count, who always introduced themselves as apprentice nuns.
Dressed in white robes and deliberately keeping their eyes half-closed like real nuns, they claimed to have played Wizard Ball at the convent.
‘If it’s from a convent, then it must be the women’s version…
No bending the arm when pitching, and using a wide racket instead of a bat…
They’re all strongly influenced by the Papal State.’
Lorenzo then called Rex, the leader among his men.
“Rex. You should join as well.”
“Pardon? Understood, my lord. Though… my cousin plays for the Vigen Lions—”
“Join.”
“…Of course.”
Thus, from Notos, five joined: Lorenzo, Fiona, Alisa, Esther, and Rex.
‘Seems like everyone is thinking along similar lines.’
The crown prince Rudolf also stepped forward.
“I’ve heard Wizard Ball is an excellent way to develop a mage’s abilities.
Since honing magic is the duty of imperial nobility, I would like to learn as well.”
As Rudolf joined, Isolde raised her hand too.
“Though I am ashamed, I would like to apply as well.
Women are allowed to participate, of course… which must be why someone of Lady Idnia’s stature is forming this circle.
If a noble lady of such a prestigious ducal house—one that has even produced emperors—participates in a popular sport, the common people would surely be delighted…”
Her words carried a subtle jab:
A noble lady playing ball games in public?
But since Rudolf had applied, she had no choice but to follow.
“We will apply as well. Hohoho.”
“Lady Isolde is our role model.”
“Of course.”
“Even Nora, Kate, and Mina?”
Isolde smiled at the three girls accompanying her.
They were gentry-class girls who frequently attended social events with her—known for harassing those who displeased them until they broke down mentally.
All three had been trained in etiquette by Isolde’s mother since childhood.
Seizing the chance to get closer to the crown prince, they quickly submitted their applications—while subtly blocking others from approaching Idnia.
“By the way, Lady Idnia… while we are applying, I wonder—this is quite a physical sport. Would it not be improper if facilities like changing rooms aren’t prepared?”
Their tone mimicked concern, but it was clearly a veiled criticism.
At the same time, they physically blocked others from signing up.
Idnia observed this calmly.
‘If they intend something, they’ll find out soon enough… once they join, I’ll be the one in control.’
“Thank you for applying. Female members are, of course, welcome. I myself am a woman—do you think I wouldn’t prepare such considerations? Now then, could you step aside? I need space for others to apply.”
“…Of course. Hoho.”
Only then did they move aside.
Idnia turned to Marie.
“Marie, you should join as well.”
“Me? But I’m not good at Wizard Ball…”
“Neither am I. And besides—it’s not just about Wizard Ball. There’s the garden.”
“The garden…?”
“Yes. I need your help. Specifically yours.”
Marie hesitated.
‘Why me? I’m weak, untalented…
Though, if it’s farming, maybe…
Still, Lady Idnia chose me personally… I cannot refuse.’
“I will join.”
Idnia smiled inwardly.
‘Good. This will also give Marie a chance to gain recognition… and display her abilities as a saint.’
Encouraged, other students stepped forward.
“Lady Idnia, we’ll join too.”
From Euros, Christian, Athos, and Persiphaier joined alongside Marie.
After the meal, Idnia submitted the applications to Professor Buremhyde.
From Euros: Idnia, Marie, Christian, Athos, Persiphaier.
From Zephyros: Rudolf, Isolde, Nora, Kate, Mina.
From Notos: Lorenzo, Fiona, Alisa, Esther, Rex.
From Boreas: Karl, Eirik, Rivald, Olsongard, Durbin.
Twenty members in total.
“Incredible… I haven’t received this many applications in a century.”
“I limited it to five per dormitory so the garden wouldn’t be spread too thin.”
“Twenty?”
“Yes. Nine regulars, eleven rotation members.”
Unlike baseball, Wizard Ball required exactly nine players per match—but substitutions between matches were allowed.
Though ideally a larger roster was better, land constraints made that impractical.
“By the way, Professor… we’ll need a clubhouse.”
“A clubhouse? Buy one from your dormitory shop.”
“That won’t work. This team is made up of all dormitories.
If one dorm funds it, the others will protest.
If all dorms fund it, non-members will protest.
Given that… wouldn’t it be better for the club advisor—you—to provide it?”
“…You make a valid point.”
Buremhyde clicked his tongue.
“Fine. I’ll build one. Right now.”
At the garden, Lacias’s installations—mirrors, irrigation pipes, planters—were already in place.
Buremhyde sighed.
“If I build here, I won’t be able to complain about Lacias anymore… but it can’t be helped.”
He raised his staff.
With a rumble, aluminum, silicon, and iron rose from the ground—forming a structure.
Idnia stared in awe.
‘They can distinguish aluminum? On Earth, pure aluminum wasn’t properly isolated until the late 19th century… it used to be more valuable than gold.’
The building took shape with aluminum frames and oxide coatings—almost modern in design.
“Then let’s add glass windows and insulation.”
“Of course.”
Buremhyde quickly added both.
“This should suffice. Without insulation, buildings become unbearably hot in summer and freezing in winter—”
Idnia interrupted.
“…Wait. Is that insulation… asbestos?”
“It’s fibrous silicate. Excellent insulation.”
“So… asbestos.”
“…Yes?”
“No! You can’t use asbestos in living spaces!”
“…What?”
“Inhaling its particles causes permanent lung damage!”
Asbestos was rare and valuable in this world—
—but it was also known to kill miners with lung disease.
Idnia’s warning was entirely valid.
But the real question remained—
Why was she warning him?
Was she… planning to make him redo the entire construction?