Published: August 15, 2025
Today, two chapters are posted simultaneously.
This is the first chapter.
The next day.
"Well then, shall we go?"
Having officially assumed the position of engineer for the Duke's household last night, I accompanied Mr. Reinhardt and the others on their inspection tour of the city. Once I settled into the soft seat inside the prepared carriage, a servant gently closed the door from outside, and the carriage smoothly set off.
We exchanged light conversation during the ride, but the two were peering at the city from the left and right windows. Though they didn’t blatantly lean in to look, they maintained a graceful posture, constantly checking the surroundings and the atmosphere out of the corner of their eyes.
"Oh."
"Did something happen?"
At the madam’s voice, Mr. Reinhardt immediately reacted. However, she shook her head and said it was nothing.
"Just now, beyond that corner, there was a person dressed like a security company employee. But the people gathered around him all had very friendly expressions, so it caught my attention."
"Then, I think it was probably someone who played a role in the firefighting team."
"Ah, the ones who dealt with the fire in those fireproof outfits? That makes sense."
They have become celebrities in the city. When they walk around, they are frequently greeted, and if they go out for a drink, shopkeepers and other customers often offer them free drinks. Some were even asked if they would marry a daughter of marriageable age.
Although there are fireproof outfits imbued with magic, these people rushed into the flames themselves, risking danger to carry out rescue activities. It is no wonder that not only the victims but also the townspeople feel deep gratitude.
…To be honest, when I originally proposed the firefighting team and the fireproof gear, I did not consider rushing into the fire scene.
Naturally, I am a novice in firefighting. Regarding equipment, I referenced firefighting teams from my previous life. I was even forcibly recruited into a local youth group where an elderly man, who often said he was a former firefighter in a "ranger unit," provided disaster prevention guidance. But that was about it.
With only that level of knowledge and hastily made gear, and the fact that these people were originally security company staff with no real connection to the city, I couldn’t tell them to jump into the fire. And even if I did, I doubted anyone would actually do it.
However, unexpectedly—though perhaps it's disrespectful to say so—they volunteered themselves. When I explained the equipment’s effects and gave examples based on experiments and future goals, several, led by the muscular team captain, spoke up.
At first, I was the one trying to stop them, but as the equipment gained credibility through repeated experiments and improvements, more people wanted to try. The craftsmen producing the gear also became motivated… Eventually, entering the fire became one viable method. After the firefighting team's recent success, the craftsmen even proposed further improvements to the fireproof equipment.
Although I vaguely proposed the original idea based on my rough knowledge of Japanese firefighting teams, it was the craftsmen of this city and those who braved the fire who made it a reality. Looking at it that way, the current situation is the result of their effort and enthusiasm.
Of course, the city’s security forces, who had been protecting the city before, are properly recognized. Though adventurers were once met with suspicion, the honor of those who cooperated in defense was preserved. The Tamer Guild, Commercial Guild, and municipal office have mainly focused on post-incident support and have received gratitude from the townspeople.
"Hmm?"
"Oh? Did you notice something?"
"No, I just thought there seemed to be a strangely high number of catfolk around here. I wonder why?"
"Ah... There’s an inn nearby where many catfolk stay, so that might be why."
"Oh, judging by that expression, Ryoma-kun must be involved in that inn too."