Kays Translations

Chapter 273: A Date in Town

At last, the day of my outing with Lady Fabienne had arrived. I was to collect her from the House Ambert estate.

I wore comfortable trousers that allowed me to walk freely through the town. Formal clothes for social events restricted movement and made me worry constantly about keeping them clean.

“I am counting on you today as well, Nero. Giles and Christopher, you too.”

“Leave it to us.”

Although regular escort knights would accompany us, I brought Nero, Giles and Christopher so that the four of us could strengthen our bond. We had spent a great deal of time together lately, and any lingering tension toward Nero seemed to have disappeared.

We left the House Heine estate in a six-seater carriage. Before our departure, Brother Alex had warned Nero and the others, “Keep a close eye on Julius.” He could have told me directly. Perhaps he thought that would be pointless. How depressing.

“Julius, have you finished the shrine?”

“Almost. I only need to make the spirit stone for the innermost chamber, and I am waiting for a larger crystal.”

The first household shrine I made had since been installed in a corner of the House Heine courtyard. Someone appeared to leave an offering every day, and the spirits collected them so promptly that I had no idea how much was being presented.

Giles apparently visited it occasionally to make offerings as well.

“The royal shrine is magnificent. I would like to see it when it is finished.”

“Do you really think so?”

Christopher seemed to like the royal family's shrine too. Admittedly, I might have put too much effort into it, but there was no turning back now.

I had no intention of making household shrines common in every home, so it should be fine. Probably.

“Julius, since you plan to visit a jeweller today, why not look for the crystal there?”

“Good idea. We can try if there is time.”

The main plan was to have lunch with Lady Fabienne and find her a gift at the jeweller's. I had considered giving her a magic tool, but those were practical things everyone used. They would not feel like a personal gift.

We reached the House Ambert estate without incident. Lady Fabienne and her parents were waiting at the entrance. Her dress was designed for easy movement and looked soft and warm, rather like a rabbit's fur.

“I am sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“Not at all. You arrived exactly on time.”

“That outfit suits you very well, Lady Fabienne. You look like an adorable rabbit.”

Lady Fabienne blushed and lowered her gaze. “Th-thank you.” After greeting her parents, we set out for the town.

“Do you often visit the town, Lady Fabienne?”

“Yes. I enjoy walking around it, usually dressed like an ordinary town girl.”

“I would like to see that someday. Perhaps I should try going out in commoners' clothes too.”

“Lord Julius…”

“I-I was only joking.”

Nero gave me a suspicious look. If I ever tried it, I would have to change after travelling from House Heine to House Ambert. Walking through town in ordinary clothes with Lady Fabienne sounded wonderful. Perhaps even Nero would forgive me then.

“We have some time before lunch, so let us browse the shops.”

“I am looking forward to it.”

We decided to save the main jeweller's shop for last; beginning with the highlight would leave little to anticipate. Our first destination was an upscale general store for nobles. It had a distinctly refined atmosphere.

I asked Giles and Christopher to stand guard at the entrance before Nero, Lady Fabienne and I went inside.

“I did not know the territorial capital had shops like this. Have you visited before, Lady Fabienne?”

“This is my first time. I usually visit more… ordinary general stores.”

Oh no. I might have made her uncomfortable. I decided not to dwell on the difference and simply enjoy our visit.

“Then shall we ask the staff to show us around? I am curious about which goods are popular.”

“Are you searching for ideas that could help the territory?”

Lady Fabienne tilted her head. She had not yet been placed in a position where she was expected to invent new products, so she probably had never considered developing original magic potions or magic tools.

“Exactly. The things ordinary people need can inspire new magic potions and tools. If we turn those needs into useful products, life throughout our territory will improve, and eventually the whole Spencer Kingdom may prosper.”

“So you have been considering matters on such a broad scale, Lord Julius.”

Lady Fabienne clapped happily. She understood my intentions and appeared to support them.

Nobles tended to be conservative. They watched new developments carefully and sometimes tried to suppress them.

Father, as Margrave Heine, had introduced horse racing and created a major new industry. Opposition from conservative nobles was probably one reason similar projects had not succeeded elsewhere.

Father sometimes joked, “Their opposition simply lets us keep the monopoly a little longer. Heh heh.”

“This is a beautiful feather pen.”

“The feather comes from a bird of paradise. The colours are lovely.”

“Feather pens are attractive, but they are not especially convenient to use.”

“Not convenient?”

“They simply have a few practical shortcomings.”

Lady Fabienne and Nero looked puzzled. Of course they did. Feather pens were the accepted standard in this world, so few people imagined that something better could exist.

Fountain pens existed, but their quality was poor. They ran dry quickly, and worn or deteriorating nibs could scratch the paper. I could probably make a better one, but I had resisted the temptation. I did not want to deprive craftsmen of their livelihoods.

A ballpoint pen would be going too far, but perhaps a good fountain pen would be acceptable. Then another thought struck me: glass pens did not exist here either. If I carefully chose the colour of the glass, one could make a wonderful gift.

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