I Was a Dropout Who Couldn’t Use Magic for 16 Years, but Then I Remembered My Past Life as a Scientist and Became OP in Another World - Chapter 14

It had been three days since my room was relocated to the upper floor.

That day, after accompanying Fiolette and the others to the morning market, I parted ways with them to visit a few shops and carry out my original errand.

I had planned to use the funds I had just acquired for a particular commission—procuring tools essential for my future research activities.

While these items were quite familiar to me, they must have seemed peculiar or even inexplicable to the artisans I approached. Nevertheless, I had stacked the payment generously, ensuring my request would be prioritized. Although they couldn’t promise when it would be ready, I figured today was a good time to check on their progress.

It was around 10 a.m. now. I decided I would head into town later in the evening.

As I thought about this, I changed from my sleepwear into casual clothes.

—

Knock, click.
“Nii-sama.”

“You barely knocked before opening the door.”

“Oh, you’re already up.”

I turned to find Johann standing there, a mischievous smile on his face.

“How’s your condition?”

“Well, I still feel a little sluggish, but I’m fine.”

“I see.”

Johann had regained consciousness around the time I returned from town. The entire household had been bustling, with people running up and down the estate, so it was obvious even without anyone telling me.

Normally, I wouldn’t have intruded, but this time, I couldn’t not check on him.

When Johann woke up two days after his duel, he was initially groggy, though he gradually regained his memory and began answering Father and Mother’s questions bit by bit.

He admitted that it was his own selfishness that led him to request a rematch with Marduk, that he had used water magic during the match, and that the incident was ultimately his fault. Marduk, who had remained silent until then, finally agreed with Johann’s account.

Father had worn a grim expression but eventually seemed to accept it. The matter was settled with both parties agreeing to let it go. At Fiolette’s insistence, the Glastark family would cover the repair costs. No doubt she had her own reasons for wanting to maintain appearances.

As for Johann, the numbness in his limbs subsided after another day of rest, and now he was up and walking around again. The servants, of course, kept cautioning him not to overexert himself.

(I refrained from pointing out how starkly different their level of concern had been when I was bedridden.)

—

“Fiolette is leaving soon. Are you coming to see her off, Nii-sama?”

“I will. We had a chance to talk this time, so I should at least say goodbye.”

“She was talking about you, too, you know. She said she was happy to have become your friend.”

“Friend might be a bit of a stretch… but all the more reason to see her off.”

“Exactly! Let’s go.”

“Hold on. Let me get dressed first.”

I said as I turned toward the mirror to tidy myself up.

As I adjusted my hair, I noticed Johann murmuring something quietly behind me.

“Nii-sama, um… I’m sorry.”

“Hm? What’s this all of a sudden?”

“For making you move rooms. It’s my fault, isn’t it?”

He glanced around the newly furnished room, his gaze slightly downcast.

“I told you, don’t worry about it. I’ve already gotten something out of this situation, and both of us came out unscathed. That’s what matters.”

I looked around at the room that had already started to feel familiar. The bed was in place, there were bookshelves, a desk, and chairs. Nothing was lacking.

“But if you’d been in your room, you might’ve been hurt. And all the notes you’d written down were ruined…”

“Don’t worry about that. I was just summarizing the contents of books and adding my own predictions. Most of it is already stored up here.”

I tapped my forehead with a finger.

“The real research starts now—or maybe even today. In that sense, the timing couldn’t have been better.”

“…Today? Is something happening today?”

“I won’t know until I visit town, but if things went smoothly, then yes.”

“Wait, you’re going into town?”

Johann’s eyes lit up at the mention of “town.”

“Yeah, I was thinking of going in the evening.”

“Really?! I’m coming too! I want to go to town!”

“Well, I don’t mind, but… wait. Come to think of it, isn’t it unwise to take you out so soon after your recovery?”

“I’m fine! Look, I’m full of energy! See? Byuu! Byuu!”
(He said while punching the air.)

“You just said you felt sluggish.”

“I’m better now! Seriously, I’ve been stuck inside for three days. I’m going stir-crazy! Oh, and Nii-sama, didn’t you leave me behind and go to the shrine by yourself? Don’t you think you owe me for that?”

“I didn’t abandon you… but fine. You can come, but don’t blame me if you get scolded.”

“It’s fine as long as we don’t get caught!”

“You’re the one who ended up bedridden after sneaking out with Marduk, remember?”

My cold remark went completely over Johann’s head as he pulled me toward the doorway, his enthusiasm undeterred.

“Let’s leave right after seeing Fiolette off! We’ll still have time for shopping if we head out quickly. Right, right?”

“You should show a little more respect toward your fiancée, you know…”

But Johann was already dragging me toward the entrance, paying no attention to my words.

—

〇

“I must sincerely apologize once again for the trouble we’ve caused, Lord Dawson.”

Standing beside the carriage, Fiolette bowed deeply. Marduk followed suit.

“Fiolette-sama, as I’ve said, this incident was largely caused by Johann’s selfishness. If anything, we’re the ones who should apologize for troubling you. Please don’t let it weigh on you.”

“Even so, my father insists I convey his apologies as well. Our family will cover the repair costs, and we will find a way to repay this debt in some other form.”

“Come now, let’s not speak of debts. The Narazario and Glastark families should remain equals. Let us continue our relationship as it has always been.”

“Thank you. That is reassuring to hear.”

Fiolette smiled softly as she finally lifted her head.

Turning to Johann, she added, “Johann-sama, thank you for having me. Take care of your health. When you’ve fully recovered, please visit Glastark. I promise to give you the warmest welcome.”

“Got it. See you later. Oh, Marduk.”

Johann turned to Marduk with a grin.

“Yes, Johann-sama?”

“I’m sorry for dragging you into this. But I had fun. Let’s have a proper match again sometime.”

“Not at all. I, too, look forward to another bout.”

“And don’t forget our promise. I haven’t.”

Johann’s mischievous smile caught Marduk off guard for a moment, but then he returned it with a knowing look.

“Our promise… Indeed. It’s rare to look forward to a loss, but I find myself doing just that.”

Whatever understanding the two shared, it left Fiolette looking slightly excluded, while Mother’s face soured at Johann’s eagerness to arrange another duel. Father, meanwhile, shot Marduk a sharp glare but refrained from commenting.

Fiolette then turned her gaze to me.

“Ronnie-oniisama, you must come to Glastark with Johann-sama. You’ve never been, have you?”

“Now that you mention it, no, I haven’t.”

“You absolutely must visit! That’s a promise. After all, you too were inconvenienced by this incident. We owe you hospitality.”

“You helped me far more than I helped you, Fiolette-sama.”

“Oh, is that so? Then come so I can thank you properly.”

She giggled, her innocent smile infectious enough to bring a grin to my face.

After exchanging a few more words, she boarded the carriage with Marduk, who had clearly made peace with her.

As the group of servants and family members began returning to the mansion, Johann tugged on my sleeve with an eager smile, wordlessly urging me, “Let’s go to town.”

—

〇

At the shop, the bald-headed owner emerged from the back, his lips curling slightly into what could only be described as a smirk.

“So you finally came…”

The shop I had visited was a craftsman’s workshop located in a corner of town.

“How’s the progress?” I asked.

“Well, it’s done… but I can’t say I’m sure about it.”

“May I see it?”

“Come in and take a look for yourself.”

I followed the shopkeeper inside, with Johann trailing behind, his head tilted in curiosity.

“A workshop? Why would Nii-sama come to a place like this?”

Inside, the shelves were lined with plates, glass ornaments, and leather accessories. The craftsmanship was detailed and delicate, and though the shop was empty this early in the day, I could imagine these items appealing to young women. Not that I would know.

The shopkeeper, whose name was Runorga, was a bald, stern-faced man with little expression. Despite knowing I was the son of a count, he had been the only craftsman willing to accept my unusual commission. I had tried other workshops, but most had dismissed me outright, likely thinking, What nonsense has the useless Ronnie come up with now?

Runorga, however, agreed to the task—albeit with the condition of receiving extra compensation. I was grateful; had he refused, I would have had to search in another town.

The workshop at the back of the store was surprisingly spacious. The dirt-floored room housed a kiln at the far end, as well as cutting machines, workbenches, and other tools scattered throughout. Everything, from pottery to glasswork, was crafted here—by Runorga alone.

On one of the workbenches, I spotted what looked like a set of transparent glass containers.

“I followed the blueprints you gave me, but I made some adjustments to the glass thickness based on my own judgment. Let me know if there’s anything you’re not happy with.”

“Understood. Let me take a look.”

I nodded and began examining the items.

“What are these? I’ve never seen anything like them before. Did you order these, Nii-sama? What are they for?”

“Of course, for research.”

What I had requested were what you’d call experimental tools—beakers, flasks, test tubes, pipettes, Petri dishes, an hourglass, containers for alcohol lamps, metal tripods, tweezers, and more.

None of these existed in this world, but I figured they were within the range of what could be crafted given the available technology.

I picked up one of the test tubes and held it up to the light streaming through the window. It was strikingly similar to the ones I had used in my past life. The curves and dimensions matched the blueprints I had provided almost perfectly.

As I held the test tube, an inexplicable wave of emotion surged within me. It had been years—decades, even—since I had last held such a tool.

“People sometimes ask me to make plates with specific patterns or custom glass ornaments, but it’s rare to get a request this detailed, specifying exact lengths and diameters. Honestly, I had to redo some of them a few times.”

“Did the material costs suffice? If not, I can provide more.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. With what you gave me, I could close this shop for a month and still have enough left over. Now…”

Runorga glanced over the finished pieces on the workbench, arms crossed.

“Does this meet your expectations?”

“Yes, it’s perfect. I’m more than satisfied.”

“Good. Then take it and go. I’m exhausted from working on something so unfamiliar.”

Runorga let out a loud yawn, as if to emphasize his weariness. Judging by his expression, he might have worked late into the night to complete the order, which only deepened my gratitude.

“Thank you so much. Oh, one last request.”

“Hm? I thought the items were fine?”

“They are. This is more of a favor.”

“What is it?”

“If I need more items like this in the future, may I come to you again? To be honest, no one else was willing to take the job.”

“…Hmph. Is that all? What nonsense.”

Runorga let out an exasperated sigh.

“As long as you pay me fairly, I’ll take the job. I didn’t care about your reputation as a ‘useless son’ before, and I don’t care about it now.”

“Wait, my Nii-sama is not useless—!”

“Relax, Johann.”

I raised a hand to calm my overly reactive brother. It was true, after all, and I could tell Runorga wasn’t trying to insult me.

“Thank you, Runorga. I’ll be counting on you in the future.”

I bowed slightly, and he nodded back, his expression as neutral as ever. It was subtle, but I took it as a sign of agreement.

“By the way…”

“Yes?”

“Unless the request is highly complicated, I won’t charge you as much next time. I’ve gotten the hang of making these now.”

“That’s very considerate of you… though you could’ve kept that to yourself and made more money off me.”

“If I made this much every time, I’d lose my motivation to work.”

“Haha.”

With that, Runorga trudged upstairs, likely to catch up on sleep. I thought I caught a faint smile on his face as he ascended the steps, and I doubted it was my imagination.

Thinking back to Paté, the antique dealer, I couldn’t help but compare him to Runorga. One man had tried to swindle me with flattery; the other had delivered excellent work for a fair price. It didn’t take a genius to see which one was worth trusting.

This world demands a discerning eye for people.

For someone like Ronnie, who had previously been oblivious to such matters, this was a valuable experience.

With that thought, Johann and I carefully wrapped the experimental tools in cloth and left the shop, ready to head home.