Chapter 494: The Unidentified Creature

Together with the rebooted Nero, I set about preparing tea. The servants in the room also came over to help. It seemed that, seeing Nero lending a hand, they judged that they could at least manage that much as well.

“Alex-niisan, I’ve already cleared away all the documents that were here, so could you check the ones inside this box? In exchange, I’ll tidy up the papers on your desk.”

“I thought it might be possible, but to think you’d actually finished it all…”

“That was incredible speed. Just how exactly are you doing these calculations?”

Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela looked at me as though I were some strange, unidentified creature. That stings a little. Or so I thought, but then I noticed Fabienne and Nero were wearing the same expression.

This isn’t good. At this rate, they’ll start treating me like some kind of rare animal. I’ll have to show them that it isn’t anything special.

It was a bit improper, but I borrowed some of the dried fruit that had been set out as tea sweets.

“In my head, I imagine it like this. These four, lined up vertically, represent the ones place, and the single piece set slightly apart above them counts for five. Next to that is the tens place, and beside that the hundreds place, and so on.”

“I see. And above each place, there’s a marker worth five of them, right?”

“Exactly. And then, depending on the number, you slide them upward. Like this.”

I demonstrated by moving the dried fruit. Of course, this really called for a proper tool. The movement wasn’t smooth, and it was a little hard to follow. I should probably make a real one and explain again.

“So that’s what you picture in your head when you calculate. If I practice, do you think I could calculate quickly too?”

“I’m sure you could, Sister-in-law Daniela. It might be a little hard until you get used to it, though. If you like, I could prepare a tool to help.”

“Yes, please.”

“I’d like one too, if possible.”

When I glanced at Fabienne and Nero, they were both looking at me with eyes that clearly said they wanted one as well. Thinking of the future, I suppose I should prepare sets for everyone.

“Then I’ll make four of them.”

After tea, we returned to work. Fabienne and Nero seemed to have gotten the hang of sorting documents, and their speed increased dramatically. That, in turn, boosted my own pace. Before I realized it, I had finished processing everything on Alex-niisan’s desk in under fifteen minutes.

“Sister-in-law Daniela, could you check these documents, please? While you do, I’ll tidy up those over there.”

“P-please do.”

Ah—her face just twitched. Could it be that I’ve put Sister-in-law Daniela off? That’s not fair… I was only trying to earn some praise.

A little dejected, I set about clearing the papers near her as well, finishing those too in under fifteen minutes.

“Alex-niisan, Sister-in-law Daniela, it’s about time for a break.”

“Y-yes, you’re right.”

“Y-yes, of course.”

This time, both of their faces stiffened. Definitely not a good sign. If I keep tearing through the work like this, they really will start treating me like some oddity. I’d better take my leave around here. Fabienne and Nero must be getting bored of doing the same task over and over too.

“We’ve gotten through most of the paperwork, so I’ll be heading back to the mansion now.”

“Thank you, Julius. You were a tremendous help. Honestly, I’d like you to come lend a hand again.”

“Alex is right. To think all those documents were finished in a single day… it’s like a dream.”

Sister-in-law Daniela narrowed her eyes and lowered her brows. She was definitely exasperated. Well, I’d been of use to her, but it seems I overdid it. Oh, woe is me. Why does it always end up like this?

“Julius, I’m looking forward to when the tool is ready.”

“Me too. You must promise to teach us your calculation method.”

“Of course. I’ll have it prepared right away.”

Both of them smiled. It seemed the idea of faster calculations was very appealing. Since they were both top of their class at the academy, I had no doubt they’d master the abacus in no time.

And once they did, they wouldn’t have to drown in paperwork like this again. Their free time would increase too. Nothing but benefits. Once I got back to the mansion, I’d get to work on making the abacus.

As for whether or not to teach Rosalia how to make one… I’d wait and see for now.

If Father and Mother wanted one too, I might make it public. Who knows—this could even become the Heine Trading Company’s next product.

As soon as I returned to the mansion, I headed for the workshop.

“Fabienne, what will you do?”

“I’d like to stay with you, Julius-sama.”

“I see. Then let’s make sure we take breaks while working. The material will just be wood.”

“So it’s woodworking. That means even someone other than a magic tool craftsman could make it, just like with pencils.”

I chose wood that looked sturdy and easy to work with, then began. Making all these little beads was the hardest part. Times like this made me wish I had a machine. Still, thanks to the Craft skill, I managed at a decent pace.

While I was wrestling with the wood, Fabienne sat at the table doing embroidery. Embroidery, huh. That had its charms too. Delicate lacework sounded fascinating. I only hoped Fabienne would awaken the Craft skill someday as well—but since the conditions for gaining it were a mystery, I couldn’t help her with that.

At last, the very first abacus was complete, and I tested it out. Having sanded it smooth with a file, the beads slid with ease. Anyone using it would surely smile. As I was experimenting, Nero, who had kept his distance so as not to interrupt, came closer.

“Julius-sama, is it already finished?”

“More or less. This is the tool I mentioned earlier. Its name is the abacus.”

“Abacus…”

“And how is it used?”

Curious, Fabienne also came over. Since it was as good a time as any, I decided to take a break and teach them both how to use it.