Toma: Reincarnated as the Knight's Adopted Son

Chapter 48: Affelpop

Safely arriving in Axel Territory, I immediately went to greet my grandmother.
“Toma-chan! I’m so happy you came!”
Seeing her again after a month, I noticed her voice was stronger, and she appeared more youthful.

Then, I witnessed something wonderful—my grandmother stood up on her own, without anyone’s assistance. She wasn’t walking yet, but she was standing on her own two feet.
“Grandmother…”
“Thanks to you, Toma-chan, I’ve been able to stand again. Thank you.”

She embraced me, and I couldn’t help but shed tears. I thought I had run out of tears in my past life, after all the pain and sorrow. But in this world, I’ve learned what it feels like to cry from happiness.
Before the altar of Lord Deuro, I offered a prayer of gratitude. Someday, when I reach level 200, I’ll meet him in person and thank him directly.
 

“Toma, we’ve made progress on mass-producing the tires.”
“That’s amazing!”
After sending my grandmother her wheelchair tires, my grandfather had inquired about them.

When I shared the details about the wheelchair and wagon tires, my grandfather had suggested mass production.
I hadn’t thought it possible, given how challenging it was to make the wire reinforcements. However, my grandfather insisted it was worth the effort. I shared the designs for both the tires and the leaf spring structure, and the ducal family had been using its network and resources to push for mass production. I hadn’t expected results so quickly.
“We’re nearing the end of the durability tests, and there haven’t been any issues.”

“With tires and leaf springs combined, wagons can reduce vibrations even without magical devices. And if magical wagons are fitted with these tires, their comfort will improve even more.”
The tire technology has numerous other applications. In my previous life, rubber was used in countless industrial products. While the slime gel isn’t technically rubber, its properties are close enough to offer similar possibilities.
“Tch, that scum… How dare they?”

When I reported the ambush by Lightstar soldiers, my grandfather was furious.
Although the Lightstar Marquisate wouldn’t openly challenge the Bayerlein Dukedom, there was no telling what they might try. I asked my grandfather to stay vigilant.
“I suspected they were up to something, but I didn’t think it was this. Should we crush them?”
Those ominous words… Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that.

During my stay in Axel Territory, I mostly kept my grandmother company. I also visited the tire workshop. Using Information Conversion, I checked the tires’ quality—they were excellent. As expected from the duke’s master craftsmen.
“My mother plans to return to Ashud Territory soon.”
“Father has been missing her, but is Grandmother alright with it?”

“She’s strong enough to stand now, and her complexion is good. I’m sure she’ll be fine. Besides, it’s not far—I can visit anytime.”
My mother still hadn’t regained her childhood memories. I wondered how it felt to have no memories of your early years. While my own past was full of painful experiences, her parents—my grandparents—were unlikely to have mistreated her. Losing happy memories must be truly sad.
When my grandmother heard about my mother’s departure, she looked heartbroken.

“I suppose it can’t be helped. Hermina has her husband, Lord Roxfall, to return to.”
“I’ll come visit again.”
“By then, I’ll build up more strength so I can play with little Sieg.”

Her elegant smile couldn’t hide the sadness in her eyes.
On the return trip, my grandfather insisted on assigning fifty guards for our escort. Overprotective? Maybe. Excessive? Certainly. But I appreciated the gesture, and thanks to the security, we arrived safely in Ashud Territory.
Father hugged my mother and Siegvalt tightly, then gave me a hug too.

I hadn’t been away long enough to warrant it, but I didn’t mind.
From the temple, Lord Dardale came to visit.
“So, this is the Appo sake.”

Lord Dardale, Father, Suzanna, and the priest Otolso Daigo sampled the Appo sake.
“Oh, this is excellent. The fizzy sensation is exhilarating!”
The Appo sake contains carbonation, creating a stimulating sensation in the throat.

“It really does fizz! And it’s so fruity. This is a truly delicious drink,” said Lord Dardale, offering high praise.
“The fizz is stimulating, but it’s also smooth and easy to drink. May I have another glass?” Suzanna added enthusiastically.
“Oh, what a rich flavor! Truly a divine sake worthy of the gods!” exclaimed the priest, tears streaming down his face.

“What is this sake called?”
“I thought I’d let Lord Dardale name it, so I haven’t decided yet.”
“Me? It would be an honor, but I believe Master Toma should name it.”

“Are you sure? I can name it if you’d like.”
“Oh, no. Naming a divine sake is far beyond someone like me. Please, Master Toma, do the honor.”
“Alright… How about Affelpop?”

In German, "apple" is Affel, and in English, "carbonation" is soda or pop. I just combined the two. While it might sound like a carbonated apple drink, that’s hardly an issue in this world.
“Affelpop…”
“Affelpop! What a divine name for a divine sake!”

I only cobbled together knowledge from my previous life, but Lord Dardale looked utterly enchanted, like a maiden in love.
Apparently, the temple’s lack of unreasonable demands was thanks to Lord Dardale.
Suzanna, who had requested a refill of Affelpop, told me that the temple had been persistently pressuring him to bring me to the central sanctuary.

Depending on the circumstances, I might visit the central sanctuary someday. While I’d need to avoid being detained, scouting out the enemy's base could be worthwhile.