Chapter Text
It was finally time for Cornelius’s guard shift. He exchanged positions with Matthias who was blushing as he left his station. A bit confused he looked at Laurenz for any explanation but only got a cheeky grin and a shake of the head. Whatever had shaken Matthias must not have been that important, probably Laurenz had made another cheeky comment about Gretia. Cornelius stood at attention looking for any dangerous signs when he heard rustling and soft grunting from inside the research workshop door. He enhanced his hearing and listened to what was going on beyond the door.
“Ferdinand, my arms and legs are getting sore in this position”
“Hold it there a bit longer Rozemyne, I’m almost done.”
“It’s been so long though… can you finish already?”
“Well if you want me to finish faster then move your cup a bit closer.”
“Like this?”
“Hmm up a bit more.”
“Are you sure the cup is wet enough? Should we put more lotion?”
“I think it should be fine. The sword is well coated.”
“That’s true. It is hitting a good spot in the cup.”
“A few more inserts and it should be done”
“Hurry up then because I don’t know how much longer I can last in this position”
With this Cornelius could not stand it anymore and burst through the workshop door in order to save his beloved sister only to find Ferdinand holding a new formed manablade covered in some white film.
“Oh Brother? Did you want to try it out too?” Rozemyne asked while tilting her head. She was holding a long but deep bowl similar to a goblet without the stem. Inside was filled with a thick creamy liquid.
“Cornelius either get out or shut the door. This experiment hasn’t been publicized yet.” scolded Ferdinand as he continued to dunk the manablade into what Rozemyne was holding.
“You said you were almost done!”
“And I am. That was the last coating. Now we can see if this new sword polish will actually work.”
Cornelius slowly closed the lab door behind him and finally looked around the room. Justus was standing in a corner holding his stomach trying not to laugh. Eckhart looked unphased as if whatever was going on was totally normal.
Hartmut and Clarissa were (thankfully) holding eavesdropping magic tools while excited. Clearly they must be extolling the virtues of the Incarnation of the Goddess through this experiment.
Roderick was flushed as he was taking notes on the experimental process that they were performing.
“I have another sword ready Rozemyne. We can coat that one while this one dries.”
“Ugh…”
“If you help me with this, I’ll give you my research notes on the washable ink Heidi discovered and on the new magic circles that would help the printing press make more books faster.”
“Yes! I’ll polish any sword you have Ferdinand!”
“Very good. Now make sure you are channeling your mana in a continuous manner. No more fluctuations like the first one.”
“That was just one time! And because you stabbed the sword too deep into the cup.”
Cornelius couldn’t take it anymore. He left the research lab and took his position outside the door once again.
Laurenz just smirked at him.
“Don’t say anything.” Cornelius returned with a glare. This time while guarding he chose to not enhance his hearing and continued paying attention to the empty hallway in case any possible dangers may arise.