From Trash to Villain Master of Card: With Harem of Evil women-Chapter 54: Innovation and Tradition (2)

Kaito laughed despite himself.

"Master Brennan is convinced his old furnace is perfect."

"And?"

"And I bet that the new furnace would produce better results in a week."

Aria raised an eyebrow.

"Risky."

"I know."

"And if you lose?"

Kaito took his tea.

"Then I learn that tradition sometimes has reasons that efficiency can’t surpass."

Aria smiled.

"You’re maturing."

Kaito looked at her.

"Is that a compliment?" 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"Mostly."

---

Southern Fields — One Week Later

The irrigation system had been installed.

Main channels carved following the exact specifications of the ancient scrolls. Secondary channels branching like an inverted tree. Wooden sluice gates to control the flow.

The farmers had watched the construction with skepticism bordering on hostility.

But now, a week later, they observed the results.

The crops in the test field had grown noticeably faster. The color was greener. The plants more robust.

An old farmer named Hendrik walked between the rows, touching the leaves with fingers that had known every plant in these fields for thirty years.

Oswin was there too, taking notes.

"Well?" he asked.

Hendrik didn’t respond immediately.

He kept examining.

Finally he spoke.

"It’s... different."

"Better?"

Hendrik straightened, looking at the entire field.

"Yes. Better."

His tone was that of someone admitting something they’d rather not have to admit.

"The water reaches more evenly. The plants don’t compete as much. And we use less total water."

He looked at Oswin.

"These new ways... maybe they have something."

Oswin noted that with satisfaction.

"I’ll tell the commander."

Hendrik stopped him.

"But slowly. I don’t want to see everything changed overnight just because one field did well."

Oswin nodded.

"Understood. Slowly."

---

Smithy — End of the Week

The competition had ended.

Brennan and his apprentice had produced using the traditional furnace: fifteen swords of acceptable quality. Two had to be discarded for minor defects.

The new furnace, operated by Ferrus under Kaito’s supervision, had produced: twenty-one swords of equal or superior quality. None discarded.

Forty percent more production.

Brennan examined the swords from the new furnace with an inscrutable expression.

He held them. Balanced them. Inspected them under light.

Finally he set them on the table.

"They’re good."

His voice held no particular emotion.

"Better than good," he added. "They’re excellent."

He looked at Kaito.

"You won."

Kaito approached.

"Master Brennan..."

"No."

Brennan raised his hand.

"I don’t need consolation. I made a bet. I lost."

But then, surprisingly, he smiled.

"Though I have to admit something, brat."

"What?"

"It’s not defeat. Your newer technology plus my experience equals better result."

Brennan touched one of the swords from the new furnace.

"My forty years of knowledge about how to forge the blade. Combined with your furnace that controls temperature better."

He looked at Kaito.

"That’s what made these swords superior. Not just the tool. The tool and the master together."

Kaito felt enormous relief.

"So... would you consider using the new furnace?"

Brennan considered it.

"Would consider training my apprentice in it. While I keep using the old one until I feel ready."

He paused.

"Maybe the brat knows something after all."

Kaito smiled.

"Just enough to know I need people like you to make it work."

Brennan grunted, but there was warmth in the sound.

"Flattery won’t save you from paying for the new furnace."

"I know."

"And I want it built exactly to specifications."

"Of course."

Brennan extended his hand.

"Then we have a deal, Commander."

Kaito shook it.

---

Government Hall — Two Weeks After Implementation

Gorman presented progress reports.

The room was full: Kaito, the four queens, Drake, senior captains, Oswin, other guild leaders.

"Food production increased thirty percent in fields with the new irrigation system."

Murmurs of approval.

"Iron production increased forty percent with the new furnaces."

More approval.

"The improved water mills are under construction. Estimate: operational in three weeks."

Adelheid, still in a wheelchair but clearly improving, spoke.

"And public morale?"

Gorman smiled.

"Improving significantly. Seeing tangible reconstruction results gives them hope."

Kaito nodded with satisfaction.

"Good. We’re on track."

He looked around.

"But let’s not get complacent. We still have the Council in two and a half months. And we need to be stronger by then."

Naporia spoke from where she leaned against the wall.

"The iron mines will be fully operational in four weeks. We’ll be able to equip two hundred additional soldiers."

Lilith added.

"And I have more information in the ruins to explore when the Guardian allows us to return."

Valeria simply nodded, needing to add nothing.

Kaito stood.

"Then we continue. Everyone has their assignments. Dismissed."

The meeting dispersed.

---

Balcony — That Night

Kaito was alone, looking at the kingdom.

Lights flickering in villages. Smoke from chimneys. Distant sounds of construction even at this hour.

Life.

Aria appeared beside him with two cups of hot tea.

"Found you."

Kaito accepted a cup.

"How did you know I’d be here?"

"Because you always come here when you need to think."

They drank in comfortable silence for several minutes.

Finally, Aria spoke.

"How did you know it would work? All of this. The ancient technology."

Kaito considered the question.

"In my world, I studied history. I saw how entire civilizations changed when they adopted new technologies."

He paused.

"Rome with its aqueducts. China with paper and gunpowder. The Industrial Revolution."

He looked at his cup.

"Every time, there was resistance at first. People saying the old ways were enough. But those who embraced change thrived. Those who didn’t... disappeared."

Aria studied him.

"Do you miss your world?"

The question caught Kaito off guard.

He was silent for a long time.

Aria didn’t pressure him.

Finally, Kaito spoke with a softer voice.

"Sometimes. I miss simple things. Internet. Electricity. Knowing that human knowledge is a click away."

He smiled sadly.

"I miss my parents. I wonder if they’re still looking for me. If they think I’m dead."

Aria touched his arm.

Kaito continued.

"But here... here I have purpose. In my world I was just an average student. No real direction. No importance."

He looked toward the kingdom.

"Here I build something. Protect people. I matter."

He turned to Aria.

"I don’t know if that makes up for everything I lost. But it’s something."

Aria smiled with understanding.

"And you have people who need you. Who believe in you."

Kaito laughed softly.

"People who bet against my furnaces and then admitted they were wrong."

"Exactly."

Both laughed.

The moment stretched, comfortable and warm despite the night cold.

Finally, Aria spoke again.

"For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re here. Even if the circumstances were terrible."

Kaito looked at her.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Because I think this world needed someone like you. Someone who sees things differently."

She paused.

"And because... I needed you too. As a friend. As a reminder that goodness is still possible."

Kaito felt warmth in his chest.

"Thank you, Aria."

She smiled.

"You’re welcome."

They remained there a while longer, two people from another world, finding home in an unexpected place.

And below, the kingdom continued breathing.

Growing.

Living.