A laugh came from behind me.
“Big words onii-san but magic models have been around for 500 years. It won’t be that easy.”
“Really? Then can you show me the best magic model?”
“….Ahh. As you’d expected, the best model in the world is not in this store. There is a great one here though. Some say it is the best but that’s subjective. Follow me.”
I followed a happy looking Melissa over to where a lot of models were displayed.
The store is larger than expected and full of people.
Magic models appear to be popular in Deiruheido.
“Through here is the magic model that’s counted in the top ten. Its creator is unknown though. It’s called the phantom gem and is supposed to have been made by a famous mazoku over the course of a decade.”
Melissa takes me further into the depths of the store where beautiful magic models are lined up.
I’m sure these are the expensive ones.
Further down a luxuriously decorated section comes into view with an elderly gentleman wearing a monocle standing there. Presumably, he’s looking at the magic models.
A man who seems to be a clerk is accompanying him.
“Aah, sorry that was careless of me. Can you wait a moment.”
Is only one person at a time allowed to look at these models?
If I don’t feel like waiting can’t I just peep anyway?
“Is that what I’m supposed to aim for? Shall we come back when it’s quiet?”
“Wait just a bit. That’s the famous appraiser-sensei Demir Grahate. Everyone in this neighbourhood knows him. He’s a legendary appraiser. If you are recognised by him you are called a first-class magic model maker. Well, it’s a little rude but let’s watch him.”
Is this special treatment?
Whatever I can see well from here anyway.
“….Hou. As expected of something called the phantom gem.” Demir says while looking at the model.
“It’s about the size of a little finger but it’s so precisely built and faithfully reproduced inside. This is old Deruzogedo. Are the rumours of it being hundreds of years old true? It’s splendid. There’s probably only 5 people in history who can use <Ibis> this well.”
I became slightly interested so I enhanced my eyes and looked at the magic model.
“Is that the magic model that’s counted as one of the best ten?”
“You can see it onii-san? That’s right. Isn’t it amazing? Are you regretting your remarks from a little while ago?”
Melissa starts teasing me.
“Regret? What are you saying? I could easily make that.”
“Demir who was eagerly looking at the magic model turned around and sent a sharp glance into the people around.
“Who was it? Who just profaned this splendid work?”
At his scolding tone, the lively shop falls silent.
“Good grief. If you don’t have the courage to come forward then don’t say such thoughtless remarks. To have no respect for such a great work and to look down on it with such a remark is deplorable for lovers of magic models.”
I called out to Demir who turned back to the model.
“It was me who said it.”
Demir turned to glare at me.
“I’m not diminishing that work at all. I’m just stating facts.”
Demir frowns at my remark.
Melissa who was standing next to me starts getting upset.
“Errm, onii-san…….? Let’s leave this area…….”
“It’ll be fine.”
“Be fine? Nee Misha-chan please stop him.”
Misha stared at Melissa.
“Be fine.”
“Ehhh……..be fine……..”
Demir takes step towards me.
“Are you a magic modeler?”
“No, but this level of <Ibis> is easy.”
Demir laughs at my words.
“Yare yare. A rank amateur. Listen up. Making a small model like this is harder than you think. If you can do it then go to the workshop and show me. Nn?”
“That’s unnecessary.”
Demir laughs.
“That’s it then. Be careful with your big mouth in the future. You should show more respect for great works and modelers.”
“You’ve misunderstood. I can make it here without going to the workshop.”
I hold out my hand and draw a formation.
The next moment a stone no smaller than a speck appeared in my hand.
“That’s………!”
Demir trembled and stared at the tiny pebble in my hand.
An upset Melissa rushed over and bowed her head.
“I’m sorry! This onii-san is an amateur that knows nothing about magic models. Please forgive him………”
Did she think Demir was angry?
Demir answers Melissa.
“What are you talking about?”
“Eh…..?”
Melissa’s face shows a blank expression.
“You’re the owner of a magic model shop but you’ve said nothing at all about this work. If you don’t understand the splendour of it then keep silent.”
Melissa is stunned at the transformation of Demir.
Demir stares at the tiny stone I’ve made.
Magic power fills the monocle and he activates his demon eyes.
“….Aah….as I thought……no, more than I thought……. It’s incredible……..if someone told me I wouldn’t believe it…….. What’s this……!? This tiny grain is Deruzogedo castle……! No, no it’s different. Not just Deruzogedo………is this the entire city? At 10,000 times magnification, no even a million and I still can’t see all the details……..”
“If you make it a billion times magnification you should be able to see it fine.”
“A billion! You built a billionth scale magic model!?”
“It was easy.”
Demir has an amazed expression on his face while his whole body shakes.
“I can’t believe it………. A billionth scale magic model, without using a restricted formation done in an instant……”
Demir uses even more power and desperately stares at the very small model.
The monocle enlarges whatever he’s looking at so it should be fine now.
“……..Wonderful……it’s too splendid…….!! What precision. How is such a thing even possible? You…..no…..! Sensei! Please tell me your name!”
“It’s Arnos Voldigod.”
“Arnos-sensei! I want to see more of your work! I’ll make sensei the worlds best magic model maker! Please. Will you show me your work in the future? I’ll pay any price you ask.”
Yare yare. Such an exaggerated thing.
Because Demir is being noisy a crowd has gathered and seems to be interested in whats going on.
Should I leave quickly?
“Sorry, but I don’t intend to be a magic modeler.”
“Wha………even with all this talent……why is that? Think of the wealth and fame!”
“Unfortunately, I’m not interested in that.”
“Not interested!?”
Demir’s voice is going wild now.
When I point at the model which is floating in the air it moves to my palm and drops down.
“Then sensei, would you at least sell this wonderful work? I’ll pay whatever you want!!”
“I’m sorry but I’ve still got a use for it.
“No way! Sensei! Arnos dai-sensei!”(1)
I turn around and talk to Misha.
“I’m sorry. I’ve caused a bit of a disturbance.”
Misha shakes her head.
“Done nothing wrong.”
“What about the uproar?”
“Arnos like thing to do.”
Fumu. Misha isn’t bothered.
“Should we move on?”
“Nn.”
Moving through the hustle and bustle of our surroundings we left the magic model shop.
(1) Dai-sensei = Great teacher/great master etc. Usually reserved for those at the top of their field.
Authors note: What’s with this date that’s not a date….?
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