Chapter 142 – Establishing Barriers

“My apologies for the wait, Theodore-sama. Lady Marlene, it’s wonderful to see you looking well.”

Marlene happily approached Penelope as she entered the room. Penelope also smiled and gently stroked Marlene’s hair.

Penelope and Ophelia already knew that Marlene had regained her voice. Marlene had gone to greet them after becoming able to speak again.

Even though her throat had healed, Marlene rarely spoke, but they never complained about it. They were good understanding people who watched over her.

“My apologies for taking your time when you’re busy, Lady Penelope. I came today to discuss matters regarding the orphanage.”

“Not at all. I heard this is related to the Duoveris Cult. I assume it’s a matter requiring urgency.”

Though her expression was serious, she didn’t seem particularly surprised. It appeared information regarding the Duoveris Cult had naturally reached Penelope as well.

Since we had conducted experiments at the workshop and confirmed functionality, we decided to proceed with discussing the matter first.

Therefore, regarding installing a barrier around the orphanage, we decided to first consult with Penelope, the Head Shrine Maiden. Since the operating organization is the Moon Temple, it’s proper and efficient to discuss it with her to obtain permission.

“We anticipate that followers of the Duoveris Cult might target the orphanage. So, I thought about installing security equipment at the orphanage.”

After all, the orphanage is located in the Western District anyway. It’s not exactly the safest area.

“Security equipment?”

“Yes. I’ll skip the detailed magical explanations… but we plan to coordinate Contract Magic and Barrier Magic so that when an outsider enters the premises, an alarm will sound.”

“That’s… a wonderful Magic Tool. For the children’s safety. I’ll take responsibility, so please proceed with the discussion.”

“Thank you.”

Sheila and Irmhild bowed to Penelope.

“They are from the orphanage.”

“Oh, is that so?”

At their words, Penelope’s expression softened.

“Now, regarding the cost…”

The price. After discussing with Alfred, we determined this alarm device would be aimed at orders from noble families or major merchants.

Eventually, the barrier magic itself would likely be converted into a Magic Tool form. The estimated cost came to around 1000 kirig. However, since we’re still in the experimental stage—

“How about 500 kirig? The catalyst for barrier maintenance and the Magic Stones for power would be your responsibility.”

“That’s… rather inexpensive for equipment of this kind of Magic Tool.”

“It also serves as advertising and field testing.”

Considering it as an initial investment, it’s quite cheap. Actually, even at 500, we’re making a decent profit.

More importantly, the purpose this time is the orphanage’s defense. It would be extremely unpleasant if those who worship demons were to lay hands on something within our sight.

“Lastly, I’d like to request a letter of introduction to the orphanage. That is, I plan to act using a Disguise Ring.”

Penelope is also Albert and Marlene’s collaborator. Since she knows about the disguise, I decided to straightforwardly ask for cooperation.

“Ah. I see. In that case, that won’t be necessary. Instead, may I accompany you?”

“Lady Penelope?”

“Yes. I’d also like to greet Director Sandra.”

Penelope placed a hand on her chest and smiled. Well… that might make things easier.

“Then tomorrow, I’ll come to pick you up.”

“Looking forward to it.”

The next day. Since the Magic Tool was completed, I immediately put on the Disguise Ring, took on Mathius’s appearance, and headed to the orphanage with Penelope.

Sheila and Irmhilt said they’d endure for now and are staying behind.

“Lady Penelope!”

“It’s Lady Penelope!”

“My, my.”

When we got off the carriage, children from the orphanage’s courtyard gathered around. Their target seemed to be Penelope. Seeing how beloved she is by the children, she might visit the orphanage quite frequently.

“Lady Penelope. Welcome.”

Director Sandra of the orphanage emerged from the building slightly later than the children.

“Hello, Lady Sandra. I came today to discuss an important matter regarding the Duoveris Cult incident.”

“Duoveris…? W-well, please come inside.”

Guided by Sandra, we were shown to a room in the orphanage.

“This gentleman is Mathius-sama from the Brightwelt Workshop in the Eastern District. Mathius-sama, this is Director Sandra.”

“I’m Mathius. Pleased to meet you.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Sandra, the Director.”

Director Sandra and I are acquainted, but since I’m equipped with the Disguise Ring, we introduced ourselves as if meeting for the first time.

After we exchanged introductions, Penelope nodded and moved to the main topic.

“I believe you’ve heard about this since knights have been patrolling here as well.”

“Yes. I heard there was a commotion at the South Gate. And that the Otherworld Ambassador intervened with the Knight Order to have them watch over this orphanage.”

“That’s right. It’s most appreciated.”

Penelope glanced at me for a moment and smiled. Then she explained the alarm device to Sandra.

“Actually, on this occasion, there was a request from the workshop to conduct field testing of a new Magic Tool. Mathius-sama will provide the detailed explanation.”

“Then, let me explain—”

Since Sandra nodded, I explained about the Magic Tool. The item to be installed itself is something like a wooden box with whistles and megaphones attached to its four sides. According to Alfred, since it was a rush job, we didn’t have much time to worry about its appearance. Well, as long as the performance is genuine, it should be fine.

“I see… so it’s like a scare-clapper?”

“That’s right. The advantage would be its ability to identify intruders. We’ll install this box in a high place and cover the orphanage with a barrier. The moment someone without a pass crosses the barrier line, the box activates and sounds an alarm.”

The pass is a wooden tag with a Magic Stone embedded in it. It can be hung from the neck or similar by threading a cord through it. The wooden box and wooden tags are already linked through Contract Magic.

Considering convenience and efficiency, rather than covering the entire premises with a barrier for constant identification, it identifies the target when they cross the barrier line. Also, by drawing fixed lines, we have some flexibility in the barrier’s range and shape. We can adapt flexibly, such as setting up areas where outsiders are permitted to enter.

However, although it’s identification via barrier lines, a barrier is still a barrier. The effect generally extends throughout the enclosed area. So, if someone were to teleport inside the barrier, it’s designed to detect magical anomalies and react. Well, I don’t think that will be necessary, but it’s just a precaution.

“…That’s an amazing Magic Tool.”

Sandra was blinking her eyes.

“If there are no particular issues, please allow me to begin installation. I’ll lay the barrier to surround the area excluding from the gate to the reception room.”

“Please do.”

“Thank you for your understanding. Please keep this pass, Lady Sandra. It’s made slightly differently from the other passes.”

I handed her the director’s pass.

“Then I’ll proceed with the work. In the meantime, please explain about the wooden tags to everyone at the orphanage.”

“Understood. Please leave that to me.”

Since the discussion was settled, I left the room to begin work. Using Golems, I drew lines with catalyst and Magic Stone dissolved into paint for the barrier lines. Starting from the gateposts, following along the inside of the fence, going around the entire premises. I drew barrier lines while leaving space for visitors to walk from the gate to the courtyard—to the main entrance.

Then inside the building. By leaving the path from the entrance to the reception room, and laying lines to separate the reception room interior from other areas, it would be complete. Room corners, ceilings. I constructed barrier lines to leave three-dimensional space where outsiders could enter.

In the courtyard, staff and children with wooden tags hanging from their necks appeared, watching my work with interest. Their explanation must have finished.

After showing Sandra the barrier lines, I decided on the installation location for the main Magic Tool body. The installation spot was determined to be under the second-floor eaves, a place where sound would carry well. Replacing the Magic Stones shouldn’t be too difficult either, since it’s reachable from a nearby window.

I fixed the wooden box with Earth Magic. Then connected the barrier lines to the wooden box—. Preparation complete.

“Now, I’ll activate the barrier. Is the pass distribution alright?”

“Yes. There are no issues on our side.”

“Then…”

I touched the barrier line and activated the magic. Deploying a Magic Circle, I adjusted the Spell Formula according to Alfred’s documentation, coordinating the Magic Tool with the barrier. Light ran along the lines… I confirmed the barrier was operating.

“Now let’s test it.”

I handed the wooden tag I was wearing to a Golem and stepped across the barrier line.

And—at that moment, the wooden box emitted a shrill noise.

“Lady Sandra. Please place your hand over the wooden tag I gave you earlier and will for the wind to stop.”

“W-wind?”

“Yes.”

Sandra looked somewhat confused but did as told, placing her hand over the wooden tag.

After a moment’s delay, the noise stopped. I received the wooden tag from the Golem and stepped across the barrier line. This time it didn’t activate. It worked as set, and seeing expected performance confirmed so precisely feels quite satisfying.

“…Seems good. Please apply a small amount of blood to the pass. That will serve as proof of the main contract, preventing others from stealing or taking it to use.”

We made as many passes as possible in the limited time, but we couldn’t prepare enough for everyone yet. For the time being, we’ll have to reuse visitor passes that haven’t undergone the main contract for external visitors.

We’ll need to repeatedly emphasize how to manage the passes, especially those without owners. If these are stolen or lost, it would be serious. The passes have numbers assigned, allowing individual contract cancellations.

That said, if the secret isn’t revealed, they can’t be cautious or take countermeasures. If followers of the Duoveris Cult make a move, the first time will undoubtedly catch them completely off guard. After that, we’ll operate through coordination with the Knight Order.

Though… if there’s no need for it to activate, that might be peaceful and good in its own way.