Kays Translations

Chapter 282: Glass Pen

Rosalia made another glass pen, bringing the total to four. We decided to give the one Mira and I had made together to Nero, who wept with joy. His reaction seemed rather excessive, but a pen made with the help of a holy dragon was probably extraordinarily valuable. Not that I knew for certain.

Rosalia had made two glass pens and gave one of them to Lelie. Lelie leapt for joy, completely forgetting her usual apprentice training. I had suspected that Rosalia intended to give it to her, so I was glad that I had provided some beautifully coloured glass.

At Rosalia's suggestion, we exchanged the glass pens we had made for each other. I should have put more effort into mine from the beginning; its colour scheme was disappointing. Once the additional coloured glass arrived, I would make Rosalia a proper replacement.

"Making them was all very well, but we have not tested them yet. Let us put the glasswork aside for now and try writing with them."

"Lord Julius, I have prepared paper and ink."

"As expected of Nero. You work quickly."

"Thank you, my lord."

Paper and ink had somehow appeared on the large drafting table, with a set for each of us. Mira would undoubtedly want to try writing too, so I would guide their forepaws from behind.

"Mira, do not struggle. Ink will be difficult to clean if we spill it."

"Kyu."

Whether Mira understood me or not, they wore a solemn expression. Perhaps the next time Mira became dirty, I could put them in the washing machine. No, that would probably make them dizzy.

"Kyu."

Perhaps sensing my ominous thoughts, Mira regarded me with half-lidded eyes. Sharp as ever. Was this the power of a holy dragon? I lightly patted Mira's head and guided the glass pen across the paper.

Rosalia was already becoming a skilled craftsperson. The glass pen she had made glided across the paper as smoothly as a skate over ice. Unlike a quill or metal dip pen, it never caught on the page. It was excellent.

"The glass pen you made, Brother Julius, is wonderful! I can write so much without dipping it again!"

Rosalia drew a succession of shapes that looked more like patterns than letters, yet the ink showed no sign of running out. Was that supposed to be a flower?

"Rosalia, your glass pen is exceptionally smooth. Once someone becomes accustomed to this, they will never want to return to quills or metal dip pens."

"You are absolutely right, Lord Julius. It writes so smoothly, and the ink does not break at all."

"And it is so beautiful!"

Lelie gazed dreamily at the glass pen Rosalia had made for her, apparently reluctant even to dip it in ink. Its bright, dandelion-like colours suited her, and she clearly treasured it.

While we happily covered the paper with drawings, Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela arrived, perhaps drawn by the commotion. One look at us gathered around the table was enough for them to realise that something unusual had happened.

"Julius, have you already finished the glass pen?"

"Look! Brother Julius gave me this glass pen!"

Rosalia proudly raised the pen above her head. Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela were momentarily lost for words. I thought they should test it themselves, so I asked Nero and Lelie to prepare fresh paper and handed Brother Alex a glass pen.

"I see. The grooves hold the ink. It is a clever design. Now, let me try… It is so smooth!"

Brother Alex stared at the pen a second time, clearly astonished by its writing feel. Beside him, Sister-in-law Daniela's fingers twitched with impatience; she obviously wanted to try one as well.

We had only four completed glass pens. Nero and Lelie had already tucked theirs safely away, while Rosalia showed no sign of surrendering either of hers.

I would have to make another immediately. I hurriedly fashioned a glass pen for Sister-in-law Daniela in refreshing shades of blue.

She might be my future sister-in-law, but she was still a princess. I could not present her with anything carelessly made, so I worked as quickly and precisely as possible.

"Sister-in-law Daniela, this is for you."

"Oh! When did you make this?"

"Just now."

"It is remarkably ornate for something you made in an instant."

"I worked especially hard because it was for you, Sister-in-law Daniela."

I smiled at her. Sister-in-law Daniela's eyes immediately filled with tears of emotion. That did not seem like a good sign.

Just as I feared, she pulled me into a crushing embrace, burying my face against her chest. I-I could not breathe!

"What a wonderful child you are!"

This was bad. I was going to die. I repeatedly tapped Sister-in-law Daniela's arms, but she did not notice and showed no sign of loosening her grip.

"Princess Daniela! Lord Julius is going to suffocate!"

"Oh, forgive me. I was so delighted by a gift from my little brother-in-law that I squeezed rather too hard."

"Cough… N-no, I am fine."

Saved. As expected of Nero. I had nearly lost consciousness. I must not make Sister-in-law Daniela too happy, and I should avoid approaching her carelessly. It was an important lesson. Once she regained her composure, she immediately began testing the pen.

She looked utterly delighted.

Brother Alex, meanwhile, was concentrating so intently on the pen's writing feel that he had apparently noticed none of the commotion between Sister-in-law Daniela and me. Did he like it that much?

Or did he want the glass pen Rosalia had made for me? Even if he asked, I had no intention of giving it to him.

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