This world tends to be less developed in terms of science and technology. This may be because of the existence of magical power. This development would be that people tend to use magic power rather than scientific development.
Most of the Yurinova family’s microscopes were possessed by great-uncle Yurinova in the ducal estate, but there was one microscope in the imperial residence. After showing it to Toma and letting him use it, Ekaterina explained what she wanted.
“I would like you to make me a microscope with a mirror underneath, in this shape. I want to be able to place the object I want to magnify on this stand, and the mirror underneath could be angled so that I can shine the reflected light on the object I want to magnify for a brighter view.”
She then drew a simple picture.
The microscope in this world differed from its predecessor in shape. There was no stand on which to place the object to be magnified, and the object to be magnified was placed directly on a table-top or the like, making the examined material quite challenging to observe. So just making it the same shape as in her previous world would improve its functionality to some extent.
“And there’s something I’d like you to research for me.”
What she would eventually like to create would be achromatic lenses. It would prevent color blurring and blurred image centers, and be called a color canceling lens. The microscope could take shape by combining a convex lens and a concave lens with different refractive indices and dispersion. At least that was how it was supposed to be.
She learned about the history of microscopes as an afterthought in college. What is it about microscopes that distinguishes them from other types of lenses? The following was written in the history of the microscope. She had a vague recollection of it.
How could such a thing have stuck in her memory? The human memory was a mystery to her.
“Two kinds of lenses, huh? How could you come up with such an idea?”
Toma, the lens craftsman, said it as if he was surprised and realized it was a rude remark and shrugged his head – quite understandable.
Sorry. It wasn’t my idea, but my knowledge from my previous life.
“How about it?”
“I don’t know if I can do it, but I think it would be interesting. I’m a bit of an elaborate guy, so I’m looking forward to trying things out. …If this project puts food on my table, I’ll be happy.”
Toma finally laughed. He might be quite a brash character.
“As long as you make progress, you’ll be paid.”
It wouldn’t be immediately profitable, though.
1st Person POV (Ekaterina)
The erasable ballpoint pen was a big hit in my previous life. I heard that it took ten years to develop that ink. And while it was being designed, it was just an appealing ink that changed color with frictional heat, and the function of “making it transparent and erasable” was not envisioned. Sometimes it was necessary to spend money on developing something that may or may not turn out to be useful.
…I would say that the Yurinova family has ample funds to do so. I apologize. I’m sorry for being a burden.
“Let me prepare an employment contract for you. Please check the contents carefully and sign it if you like.”
“Thank you very much. I will do so.”
Aside from Toma, the Rev would hire other job applicants if they are up to Murano Workshop’s standards after assessing their skills. The necessary structure to develop the business is established.
