Kays Translations

Chapter 280: Please Calm Down and Listen

When should I explain the ring's functions? Immediately. I told Lady Fabienne about the communication function, while carefully concealing the tracking function.

I intended to use the tracking function only in an emergency. Until then, it would remain secret.

"I never imagined those ancient characters possessed such a function."

"Neither did I. By extraordinary luck, the rings we bought happened to possess a communication function."

I smiled broadly and placed particular emphasis on the word luck. Nero had made himself inconspicuous, pretending that he had heard and seen nothing. I was also grateful that Rosalia and Mira were not present.

"Do you think these are the only rings with this communication function?"

"That is highly likely, although another ring might coincidentally possess a similar function."

I am sorry, Lady Fabienne. That was a lie. No other ring would possess those functions unless I added them. For now, the truth had to remain concealed.

"For that reason, we should avoid telling anyone. Someone might demand the rings for research."

A sharp intake of breath came through the ring. The warning had struck home. Matching rings were precious to Lady Fabienne, and she was probably clutching hers tightly.

"To use it, grip the ring and concentrate on the person you wish to contact. That should activate the communication function."

Another gasp came through the ring, followed by the sound of something soft being struck. She had realised that her thoughts of me must have activated the ring and was probably writhing in embarrassment. Adorable. I wished I could see her expression.

Unfortunately, there was one more important matter to discuss. It might overwhelm her, but delaying it would only make things worse.

"Lady Fabienne, please remain calm and listen."

"What is it?"

Her guarded voice came from the other side of the connection.

"I informed my parents and Brother Alex about our engagement. They raised no objections, so House Heine will soon send a formal proposal to House Ambert."

"Wh-what!? Wait, Lord Julius! I am not prepared!"

"The formal message will still take several days to arrive. Please prepare yourself before then."

"I understand. So you truly were serious."

Her answer sounded both embarrassed and relieved. She was probably blushing. Perhaps I should have added a function that transmitted images as well.

"What do you mean, Lady Fabienne? I am always serious."

She sighed in exasperation. Why did everyone behave as though I constantly said unreasonable things? That could not possibly be true… could it?

We ended the call after talking about the day's enjoyable moments. I had not expected the hidden communication function to be discovered so quickly, but everything had turned out well.

"Good. I was not sure how this would proceed, but matters appear to be progressing smoothly."

"That is wonderful news."

Nero appeared determined to pretend he had witnessed nothing. I drank the tea he prepared until a servant announced that dinner was ready.

The following morning, after breakfast, Brother Alex summoned me to the salon.

Was this about yesterday's engagement? Perhaps the family intended to announce it to the household, but that seemed premature. House Ambert had not even received the formal proposal yet.

"Julius, do you know why I called you here?"

"Um, no?"

Brother Alex was waiting with Mother, Sister-in-law Daniela and Rosalia. Mira rested in Rosalia's arms. I had no idea what this gathering concerned. Had I caused some new problem involving a young lady?

"Do you recognize this?"

Brother Alex handed me the sketch of a glass pen that I had drawn at the general store. Nero had apparently retrieved it before anyone else could take it and given it to him.

Did Nero now assume that every idea I left unattended would cause trouble? Perhaps the secret-ring incident had made him overly cautious. I did not create problems that easily.

"I thought a glass pen might serve as a third type of writing instrument alongside quill pens and metal dip pens, so I sketched the design."

I smiled as though to say that I had done nothing wrong. Brother Alex returned the smile, but his did not reach his eyes.

"I have never seen a shape like this. Can it truly be used for writing?"

"We will not know until we make one. At present, it is only an idea."

I raised both hands in a gesture of uncertainty. Naturally, that was a lie. Glass pens existed on Earth and worked extremely well, allowing many characters to be written after a single dip in ink.

"Only an idea, is it? Then make several for us at once."

"Brother, I want one too!"

Rosalia raised her hand, and Mira lifted one tiny forepaw in imitation. Mira might struggle to hold a pen, but they clearly wanted one.

"Very well. Shall I make one each for Brother Alex, Sister-in-law Daniela, Mother, Rosalia and Mira?"

"Make some for Father, Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka as well."

"Understood."

That meant making pens for the entire family. I would also need some for Lady Fabienne, Baron Ambert and Baroness Ambert. It was becoming a sizeable project, so I should vary the colours and designs.

I asked Nero to arrange additional coloured glass. We already had several pieces in the workshop, so I could begin by making a few samples.

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