Episode 43: Got a God-Tier Illustrator!
Kazuma had done well to unveil the innovative technology that fused magic and science, but mass production was difficult because only he could do it, and his blood was indispensable.
However.
This time, the new Powered Suit being developed was completely custom-made, not a mass-produced model, so there were no problems.
“So, the energy problem is solved. While we’re at it, let’s all brainstorm some cool-looking equipment!”
At Kazuma’s word, the men, without a single thought for efficiency or cost, each created weapons in pursuit of their wildest dreams.
They were all impractical weapons, but their performance was astounding, surpassing existing armaments.
However, as mentioned earlier, they had ignored cost, efficiency, weight, usability, and the like, so they were extremely difficult to use, and most were things they had no idea how to operate.
“Whoooa! Awesome!”
“Fuhahahaha! How’s this! This is true passion!”
“Vrooom, vrooom!”
“It’s the ultimate creation!”
“Art is an explosion! People of old sure coined a great phrase…”
“An Omega Particle Cannon… To think the day would come when we could actually make one, I’m moved.”
“As expected, a drill. A drill is truly a man’s weapon…”
The weapons and armaments the workers had created were undoubtedly things that should never see the light of day.
But, that didn’t matter.
For this particular matter, Kazuma had been given full authority, so if he said OK, it was permitted.
Kazuma and the others had fused magic and science to create irreproducible weapons.
They were getting excited like young children, squealing with delight, and were about to continue development in pursuit of even more weapons.
Just then, the development team leader burst out of the laboratory and announced the completion of the Nanomachines.
“The Nanomachines are finally complete!”
“OOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!”
The workers cheered, knowing they could finally proceed to the next step.
At last, they could move on to the creation of the new Powered Suit.
The level of their excitement was extraordinary.
“Kazuma-kun, Kazuma-kun.”
Seiichi approached Kazuma, who was wildly celebrating with the workers.
“What’s the matter?”
“I managed to get in touch with the illustrator, but the Powered Suit development is a state secret, right? I was wondering how I should tell them.”
“Ah, I see. Can we negotiate directly?”
“I think so. Want to do a video call?”
“Do you know their address? I can use Teleportation to places I’ve been before, so let’s head over right away.”
“In that case, it’d be better to go to my house first. It’s closer from there.”
“Understood. I’ll go give some instructions, so please wait a bit.”
Hearing Seiichi’s words, Kazuma judged it would be faster to go directly and gave instructions to the workers.
Then, he summoned Sakura Hakanai, whom he had left unattended, and the three of them used Teleportation to Seiichi’s house.
“Alright. Well then, can you wait a moment? I’ll go get my work tools.”
“Like a laptop?”
“Yeah. It seems like I’ll need it this time.”
While Seiichi went to get his work tools, Kazuma was alone with Sakura Hakanai.
“Come to think of it, you’ve been quiet. I was expecting you to stir up some trouble.”
“Unfortunately for you, there were many things more captivating than me. For them, there are things they just can’t compromise on at times.”
“I see. So there was something more alluring than your beauty.”
“That’s right. But people like that are fun to watch.”
People who work earnestly are a pleasant sight.
Seeing them dripping with sweat, their faces lively despite what must be hardship, would make anyone want to try their best too.
“You really are a troublesome woman. I almost find myself letting my guard down around you.”
“Oh? It’s quite alright, you know. Even if you drown in me.”
“I have no intention of sinking into a bottomless swamp.”
“I won’t let you get bored.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
After Kazuma and Sakura Hakanai had been talking for a while, Seiichi came out with a bag containing his work tools.
Confirming that Seiichi was ready, the two of them stopped their conversation.
“Sorry! To keep you waiting.”
“We haven’t been waiting that long, so it’s fine. Well then, shall we go?”
“Yeah. I’ve already contacted them, so leave the directions to me.”
The two followed Seiichi’s lead, walking behind him.
Along the way, many passersby turned to look at the eye-catching Sakura Hakanai, then stared in a daze.
Seiichi, walking with them, glanced at Sakura Hakanai behind him and spoke to Kazuma.
“This might be a bit late to ask, but what’s your relationship with her? From the looks of it, she seems quite a bit older than you, Kazuma-kun…”
“She’s my subordinate. The government is trying to use a Honey Trap on me.”
“Eh!? Well, it’s true they’d be troubled if you went abroad, Kazuma-kun, but… to go that far?”
Kazuma lied coolly, but Seiichi, seeing Sakura Hakanai’s appearance, was convinced.
Just as Kazuma said, Sakura Hakanai was indeed very beautiful, enough to be sent as a Honey Trap.
It was no wonder that Seiichi, knowing nothing, believed Kazuma’s lie.
“Well, that was a lie, though.”
“It was a lie!? Eh, then, who is she really…?”
“Ah, the part about her being my subordinate is true. As you can see from her appearance, she’s skilled in negotiations.”
“I see… She’s certainly beautiful, though perhaps not as much as Kumiko-san.”
“…”
From Kazuma’s perspective, it was hard to say which was worse.
His mother who abandoned him, and a heinous criminal who shook the nation.
Both were women Kazuma didn’t have a very good impression of.
“Fufu, you two seem to get along well, don’t you?”
“Ahaha, well, it’s more like I’m just head over heels for her.”
“That damn bit— Ahem! Well, if you’re fine with it, Seiichi-san, I won’t say anything. If anything, she’s the lucky one.”
“I’m perfectly happy, so it’s alright, Kazuma-kun.”
After that, they continued their idle chatter as they headed towards the illustrator Seiichi had contacted.
They rode a train for about three stops, and after walking for a while from the station, Seiichi stopped, seemingly having reached their destination.
“This is it.”
What Seiichi pointed to was a not-so-large apartment building.
It was different from what Kazuma had expected, and he spoke to Seiichi.
“Aren’t meetings like this usually held at a coffee shop or something?”
“Sometimes, but what we need to discuss this time isn’t something we can do in public.”
“Ah, that’s right.”
“Well then, shall we go?”
Seiichi started walking, and the other two followed.
The apartment building had an auto-lock system, so they contacted the illustrator to be let in and went inside.
The illustrator was in a room on the third floor, so the three of them took the elevator up.
Arriving in front of the room they were told, Seiichi rang the intercom and greeted them.
“Excuse me~. It’s Kano Seiichi~.”
“Coming now.”
The door clicked open, and a man in rather unstylish clothes emerged.
“Please, come in.”
“Excuse us. Sorry to intrude.”
The three entered the room, were guided to the living room, and sat down in suitable spots.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you for going to the trouble, Shibusawa-san.”
The man called Shibusawa brought coffee for the three of them.
Seeing the coffee placed on the table, Seiichi bowed his head.
“Not at all, it’s only natural to offer hospitality to guests.”
“We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Well then, may we get straight to business?”
“Yes. Please do.”
“Alright then, first off, Kazuma-kun. Could I ask you to start?”
“Understood.”
The new Powered Suit was a matter of national security, so one couldn’t speak about it carelessly.
Except for Kazuma, that is.
Kazuma had full discretion, so he was free to speak or not speak as he pleased.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Satsuki Kazuma.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Shibusawa Eiji. I look forward to working with you today.”
“Likewise. This time, through Seiichi-san’s introduction, I heard about you, Shibusawa-san. I understand you specialize in mecha-style illustrations?”
“It might sound like boasting, but yes. I often receive requests for that kind of work.”
“If it’s alright, would it be possible to see some of your work?”
“Certainly. If it’s things I’ve drawn before, please feel free to look.”
Eiji stood up, left the room, and returned holding a large tablet.
Kazuma took the tablet from Eiji, turned his gaze to the screen, and looked through the displayed illustrations one by one.
“Oooh…! Awesome!”
Faced with the numerous beautiful illustrations, Kazuma inadvertently reverted to his casual way of speaking.
Eiji watched his reaction happily, a slight smile on his lips.
“Thank you very much.”
“No, not at all. So, what did you think?”
“I’d very much like to request your services, but…”
“Is there some kind of problem?”
“This particular job involves a very delicate matter.”
“I see. What kind of matter would that be?”
“It concerns national secrets, so we’d need you to promise not to disclose anything and sign a contract.”
“N-National secrets!? Um, does that mean there’s some kind of danger to myself?”
“As I just said, as long as you don’t speak of it, your safety will be guaranteed.”
“What if… I do talk?”
“Consider your life forfeit.”
“Hii…!”
“Please rest assured. If you keep the secret, you will be compensated, and your safety will be guaranteed.”
“……….H-How much would I be paid?”
Even while understanding that his life would be forfeit if he spoke, it was a job involving national secrets.
Therefore, he could expect a substantial reward.
Lured by curiosity and the appeal of the reward, Eiji asked Kazuma.
“What’s the going rate?”
“It depends on the scope, but in my case, I take on work starting from thirty thousand.”
“Hmm, hmm. By the way, what’s been your highest-paying job so far?”
“That would be a limited-edition character for a famous social game, I suppose. Including the background, character, a full illustration, weapon designs, and the like, I received around six hundred thousand.”
“Very well. This is a state secret, so how about ten million, hush money included?”
“Huh? Ten million? Uh, you’re not joking, are you?”
“I’ve seen your illustrations, and I believe they’re worth that much.”
“I’m incredibly happy to hear you say that, but… ten million is really…”
“Was that too low…? Right. Lives are on the line, after all. Then, how about three hundred million?”
“Th-Three hundred million?! W-Wait a minute! Can you actually pay that?”
“Of course, I can.”
Eiji was doubtful when Kazuma declared it so confidently, but he became convinced upon seeing Seiichi, who was beside him, shake his head.
“No way, really three hundred million?”
“I’ll pay.”
“B-But it’s just a drawing, you know?”
“And yet, it is a drawing. Even those paintings by the famous Van Gogh or Picasso, which amateurs don’t quite understand, are worth billions, aren’t they?”
“That may be so, but the difference between their value and my value is like heaven and earth!”
“Fool! Don’t measure my values with your own! I’m telling you that to me, your art is worth three hundred million! In fact, I’m willing to pay even more!”
His tone grew harsh, and that, combined with the atmosphere, made Eiji fall completely silent.
However, he was genuinely happy to be valued so highly.
“I… I’ll take it. I don’t want to die, but as long as I don’t talk about this particular job, I’ll be fine, right?”
“Yeah. You’ll be fine. I guarantee it.”
Saying that, Kazuma transformed into the Crimson Knight to reassure Eiji.