As Louis and Mike discussed the plan to mass-produce armor, hurried footsteps broke through the lively atmosphere.
"My lord!" A young knight rushed into the main hall, his head covered in sweat. He stopped, caught his breath, and saluted.
"Lord Silco sent me to inform you that the prototype Demon Explosive Bombs you ordered are ready! He's waiting at the Alchemy Workshop for you to inspect and test them!"
Louis's lips curved slightly, his good mood plain to see. "Heh... today really is a good day."
He turned to Mike, sounding interested. "Bring a few of your key craftsmen along to take a look. I happen to have something else over there that needs a craftsman's touch."
Mike blinked. "Something at the Alchemy Workshop... that I can help with?"
Despite his confusion, he readily nodded. He never refused Louis's orders.
Surrounded by craftsmen and knights, Louis rode to the Alchemy Workshop outside Red Tide City.
Outside the Alchemy Workshop, the air still hung heavy with the lingering scent of potions.
The first thing they saw was Silco's face, lit up with an enormous smile.
He had personally waited at the entrance and hurried forward, barely able to contain his excitement.
"Lord Louis, perfect timing!" His eyebrows nearly climbed to the top of his forehead. "You absolutely have to see this for yourself. This is the crowning achievement of my alchemical career!"
Before Louis could reply, he impatiently turned toward a table in the corner of an inner room.
Thick layers of fireproof cloth covered the table, rising over an irregular shape beneath.
"Ta-da!"
He lifted the covering with both hands, unveiling what lay beneath as though presenting a priceless treasure.
A dark red, egg-shaped object rested on the table. Half an arm's length long, its shell gleamed with the