Machinist of Mana

There were some things in this life that I never tired of, and one of those was spending time with grandpa Darksky. He was endlessly excitable, loved making things, and generally treated me less like a small child. The last was so important that it was painful as time went on and I had to relive education under tutors and teachers who really did view me as a troublesome youth.

“I can't believe it goes that well Percival my boy, and the design, odd, but inspiring,” grandfather commented as he watched my little toy zoom away.

“It's the wings, I told you a rudder shape to them would be better,” I answered.

“Indeed you did, indeed you did. Treating the air like a fluid is an interesting theory, why I don't even think I've seen any papers on this.” He leaned back, hand resting on his cane as he tapped his chin.

Grandfather also loved his papers. From what I gathered he got and read all the reports from the local scientific societies and journals, trying to keep ahead of the growing field of research. He himself was a wizard, a magus that used knowledge to do magic, and one of the few who was keeping up with the scientists.

“Then perhaps you should write one? I'm sure there is further to go then we have with this kind of thing,” I encouraged as we walked out to where my little glider toy had finally fallen.

“Yes, perhaps we could even make proper flying machines one day. There are legends of such things from Elazia, but they were huge constructs more like balloons than anything else.”

“Really?” I asked surprised. The technology of this world wasn't that advanced yet.

“Oh yes, a legendary king made them, flying fortresses armed with weapons that sound like they're from stories.”

The chances of there having been others like me skyrocketed in my mind. If someone had made devices like that then they'd almost certainly come from somewhere like my world. Not planes, but blimps, and not a bad choice if nobody else could fly.

“What happened to them?” I asked, wondering if I could perhaps see them somewhere.

“Oh that was thousands and thousands of years ago Percival. Sadly all that remains now is stories,” he said with a shake of his head. “But perhaps we can make something similar.”

Well, that put a damper on me ever meeting another reincarnated person, shame. Though I also needed to keep my grandpa from making something and killing himself with it right now.

“It'll take time and effort, not something to do quickly if we want to. Also grandfather, please let me test it, I'm quite a bit more durable than you.” That comment was met with a scoff, until I picked up the toy and showed him where the front had caved in slightly.

“Your mother would skin me alive should something happen to you Percival, but you are right on one thing. We clearly need to do more tests.”

“Rightly so!” I answered, getting a smile from him and causing my grandfather to draw up into his full height, smile blooming upon his lips.

“Well then, let's crack at it my boy, and make our way forwards unto a new day!” he said as we rushed back inside to redesign the glider.

Sadly we were soon pulled away for social engagements. This wasn't a one day project anyway, but rather something that we'd need to spend years on before a satisfactory result could be had. I'd never made a plane, and he hadn't either, so it would take time, time where others were always pulling us this way or that.

Much of my time was taken by the impending coming of 'The Season' once more. We were now only a week or two away, and mother was once more in a state. This year particularly she seemed stressed, worried that I would do something to ruin the whole endeavor. It was almost like she didn't trust me or something, which was really annoying because I almost never caused a scene.

“Percival, I mean it, if you ruin this I will find a way to punish you. Not sure what would be best, but I assure you that I will,” she emphasized one afternoon over tea.

“Mother please drop it,” I griped. “I have no plans of ruining your time. Why would I bother?”

“Because you have a long and storied history of going places you're not supposed to for your own amusement,” she said with a pointed finger.

Okay, that was fair. I did indeed like exploring the world around me, even when I wasn't supposed to do so, but it wasn't that bad, probably. Maybe I'd snuck into the servant areas of the house a few times, or run through the local forest once or twice. Perhaps there had been an incident in the nearby village with me sneaking through under cover of darkness to try and examine the shops. On second thought...

“You know, there is a solution that makes us both happy,” I began.

“Or the solution that makes me happy, as I am the parent here,” she said tapping the table with one sharpened fingernail.

“This year I'd like to see some of the city that isn't the inside of our home,” I said, ignoring her. “Some of the places you almost never let me go. Grandfather even spoke of one of the sections of the Royal Society there where they give lectures. Certainly that would be a good place for a young gentleman to go?”

Narrowed eyes and lips pulled into a thin line met my offer. After a time though mother did speak. “You're not completely wrong, so long as you behave. There are also a few youth fencing tournaments held which you should participate in, being that I've already signed you up.”

“You what?” I asked. “Why didn't you tell me about that?” I didn't mind going to those, but I did mind my time being taken without my consent.

“It was supposed to be a surprise, but if you're already planning your days you should know.” There wasn't even a hint of regret there. Though she briefly looked behind me as the door opened, I didn't turn, but I could hear steps approaching.

“Please tell me before signing me up in the future,” I said, staring her down. Her only response was a huff.

“Now dear, the boy isn't making an unreasonable request, and he needs a bit more independence does he not?” my father's voice intruded.

Father and I were distant, very distant, but he seemed to want well for me. We spoke little, shared few interests in earnest, and I still couldn't get over the fact that he'd knocked up a maid. That said he wasn't abusive, or unkind, and did every now and then make attempts like this.

“Very well,” she conceded. “In the future I will tell you about things I plan on signing you up for.” That was only half of what I wanted, and I didn't believe a word of it, but it was something.

“I saw that everything is well underway for our trip love, thank you for that,” father said as he joined us, and it was true, much of the packing was done. “Still trying to get those solutions mixed just right...”

Father worked with a form of alchemy. He made potions and inks, and other compounds used in magic, particularly magical crafting. While that would have normally been something I'd have loved to see he didn't like discussing it. I didn't know why, but for whatever reason he'd always rebuffed me when I showed interest, the complete opposite of grandpa. In the end I'd all but given up trying to reach him.

“Are you ready as well father? Certainly we'll be busy,” I asked.

“Hmm? Oh, yes Percival, all is well.”