The God of Jesters
Chapter 401 - 7.04.1 What did you say?

Chapter 401: 7.04.1 What did you say?

With his intent being conveyed to Inaya, it didn’t take long before he earned an audience with Commander Faust, who allowed him to his abode, a personalized laboratory that was a tad bit emptier than Amir might have expected from someone of Faust’s acclaim.

Such a large place for one man alone?

And isn’t research a subject of bringing smart minds together to tackle a particular problem? Why is this man alone in this giant place with those giant metal skeleton tanks?

Something didn’t seem right. Or so thought Amir, who, although held some prejudice towards the laboratory, it was hard to hide his envy for such a place.

If he had access to a lab of this level, even with no one to support his research nor help from a fellow researcher. Amir believed that he would be able to achieve his dream in two years at most.

No, lesser considering he had found the answer to most of his questions, he just lacked the energy.

"I have seen Prince Amir." Bowed Faust with his usual emotionless face. Which stood out to Amir. But he was not the kind to be offended over something so simple. He just asked. "I have seen commander and my superior for the time I am here." Amir also bowed, showing that he was not the kind to be lost in honor.

Being in Site 32, he was nothing more than another worker and not Prince. That identity only held any value when he walked out of this place. It’s why he made such a display of respect to a commander-level figure like Wilhelm Faust, which had really startled Faust, who had some misconceptions from the way Inaya spoke about Amir before.

’He is not a fool.’ In a way, this was Amir’s way of saying that they both were on equal grounds.

On the site, Faust will be his superior, and out of the site, Amir holds a higher position. Making them somewhat equal in the office, which can act as a middle ground for both of them.

Here, they can talk as equals, and from the following discussion over their hobbies where Faust arrogantly spoke about the Mage armors and his accomplishments, without an ounce of emotions. While Amir just stayed silent, he was trying to understand what kind of person his future boss would be.

As for the armor itself? Faust never bothered to explain in detail how it worked or the theory behind his creation. He just treated Amir like a common Prince, who only came here to treat the armor as a Luxury Item.

Something a certain prince had done not so long ago. A prince made Faust a tad bit prejudiced against people of such background.

"But enough about the Armor, I wonder if Prince Amir didn’t like his workshop?" Asked Faust, coming directly to the core of the issue. But Amir just shook his head. "It’s a wonderful place, though smaller than this one and lacking some important amenities that I require for my particular experiments. Nothing about it dissatisfied me." Amir sang praises of the place, of the armor that Wilhelm had created, before coming to the main point.

"Though I wonder why did I gain such a bland welcome... " A petty complaint for someone like Amir. But this complaint had a purpose.

"I apologize, the recent request from the higher-ups had made it harder for me to divert my attention to anything besides my work."

"Is it the reason why this place is so dead? I see nothing in his workshop beside you."

"It’s a personal one, I come here when I have to think alone without the intrusion of ideas and thoughts of others."

The progress is made only when conflicting ideas come together and the best one is chosen from among them. It also ensures that one doesn’t walk astray unaware of their mistakes with constant questioning by fellow researchers.

But sometimes, the conflicting opinions are a drain on one’s imagination. It limits the mind and suppresses creativity as the fear of other’s opinions would impede you from going too far in your contemplations. Never daring to try something new.

Which is something that Wilhelm hated, it’s why he built his own laboratory. It’s the place where he usually thought of problems that couldn’t be solved by the collective.

Not to mention, that said collective is much worse than his own mind. So being alone was perfect for him.

"Oh is it? Then I envy you." To consider being alone good for his creativity, Amir can’t help but feel envious.

The main issue he suffered from was that he was always alone, causing his mind to stagnate. He can’t find the answer to his problem. No matter how long it goes, he needs a new perspective.

"I beg your pardon."

"Ignore it... Let’s get back to the main issue at hand." Not intending to drag it all any further, Amir said. "I wish to borrow some of your researchers on my project. Those specifically good at Material Engineering and electricity."

The request sounded absurd. He had already fulfilled General Vera’s request by granting this young prince a place of his own on Site 32, but now he is even daring to ask for researchers specifically working on the core issue he had been suffering from.

"Can I ask why those specific subjects?" So Faust got curious.

He understood that outright denying a prince wouldn’t look good on him. He needed an appropriate reason. So he chose to listen to this Prince’s drivel.

As for the project. He was well aware of it. An engine made up of a mortal technique and only built to be used in vehicles. He found it somewhat interesting at first, but he held no interest in it as there was nothing intersecting details between the Projects he helmed.

"I believe Commander should be aware of my project on Electrical engines?"

Faust nodded in response.

"Among all the issues I have faced, the hardest issue is the lack of torque being produced. My creations are weak... Unless I apply some magical techniques, it’s virtually useless...." Then Amir pointed out some of his experiments and multiple of his failures, saying how he is weak his motor was how magic always ended up being the answer, or how the materials got too expensive when it came to finding a good magnet, which was at the center of the Engine.

Considering this was created for civilian use, it’s impossible for civilians to ever afford an engine that runs on magical energy or expensive materials.

However, the issue with Materials would go away if a Transmutation Mage who excelled at material creation were to help him.

Who knows if he can create a cheap magnetic alloy with some research?

And if he does, many of his problems will be solved.

On the other hand, Wilhelm, who listened to the way Amir spoke about his experiments and his realizations, Faust understood that this man was not blowing air. He really did create something so wonderful. But for some reason, he limited himself to only using mortal materials and crafting methods.

Even the Material Expert he was looking for was there for research purposes. The moment the Expert came up with a good material, Amir planned to find a way to create the material through industrial methods.

Such grand ambition showed Wilhelm why this Amir was called a Prince. Blood really can’t lie. Or so Wilhelm believed.

Considering all things, Wilhelm thought that it wouldn’t be wrong to send some of those annoying guys to Amir, who can probably extract value out of them, instead of them with him and causing issues with his brainstorming process.

"As for a Researcher good at handling Electricity... I need them to help me finesse my battery project. Rechargeable batteries that can support my engine for long periods of time." Considering Amir intends to use it on vehicles, it was easy to see that these vehicles will go for a long time without charge. And it’s not like they can find new batteries at every stop.

So a rechargeable battery is needed. And one that could hold a higher amount of voltage than the ones used today.

"You... what do you mean Finesse your battery, have you created a prototype?"

******

More than a day has gone by, but since entering Site 32, Amir has never gotten out. While Sarlen, who promised to wait outside of Amir’s room also started to wonder if he had been made a fool by the prince.

But that can’t be happening. Amir didn’t seem like the kind to something so immoral and Sarlen should know, as he considered himself a good judge of character. It’s why he was chosen as the First Knight by Prince Ludwig.

As for strength alone, the Second Knight Perseus rivaled him equally in all aspects and when it came to bloodline, Knight Perseus even exceeded Sarlen by a long mile. This is a sign that Prince Ludwig appreciated his interpersonal skills more than his strengths itself.

’Did something happen?’ Sarlen looked around, and curious, he asked some soldiers who were walking by if something serious happened in the base.

But he got no worthwhile answer. Everyone just said that nothing special seemed to have happened, nor was there any new attack.

The base has been operating pretty peacefully for the past few days.

Which should have been a good thing in normal situations. But considering Sarlen had been waiting for Amir all this time. It appeared odd why Amir didn’t come back to his room.

Meaning that no matter what happens, he can’t move away from his position for now.