Chapter 282: Glass Pen

Rosalia made another glass pen, bringing the total to four. The one made with Mira was given as a gift to Nero, who wept with joy. His reaction might have been a bit over the top, but since a sacred dragon’s hand was involved in making the pen, it was likely of immense value. Not that I knew for sure.

Rosalia made two glass pens, gifting one to Lelie. Receiving the glass pen, Lelie jumped with joy, forgetting all about her usual training duties. Anticipating this, I had given Rosalia some pretty-colored glass to work with, which turned out to be a good decision.

Following Rosalia’s suggestion, we decided to exchange the glass pens we had made. In hindsight, I should have put more effort into making mine from the start; the color was a bit lacking. Once the additional colored glass arrives, I plan to make a more polished glass pen and gift it to Rosalia.

“It’s great that we made them, but we haven’t tested them yet. Let’s set aside glass pen making for now and do some test writing.”

“Julius-sama, I’ve prepared paper and ink here.”

“As expected of Nero. Always quick on the job.”

“Much obliged.”

Somehow, paper and ink were already set up on the large drafting table, and for each of us, too. Mira would likely want to try writing as well, so we’d do it together, two-person style.

“Mira, don’t get too wild. It’s hard to clean up if it gets messy.”

“Kyu.”

Whether she understood or not, Mira had a serious expression. If she gets dirty again, maybe I should try putting her in the washing machine? No, that might make her dizzy.

“Kyu.”

Sensing something ominous, Mira gave me a half-lidded look. Sharp as ever. This must be the power of the sacred dragon. I lightly patted her head and began writing on the paper with the glass pen.

Rosalia is already a skilled craftsman. The glass pen she made glided smoothly across the paper, like sliding on ice. Unlike quill pens or dip pens, it didn’t catch halfway through. It was amazing.

“The glass pen you made, Julius-niisan, is incredible! I can write so much with it!”

Rosalia was drawing what looked like a series of patterns or doodles, but the ink flow never seemed to stop. Was that a flower?

“Rosalia, the glass pen you made is wonderful to write with. Once you get used to this, you’ll never want to go back to quill or dip pens.”

“You’re absolutely right, Julius-sama. The smooth writing experience and uninterrupted ink flow are amazing.”

“And it’s so beautiful!”

Lelie was gazing at the glass pen Rosalia had made for her with admiration, seemingly reluctant to get it dirty even with ink. It’s a glass pen with a bright color, like a dandelion, so she must really like it.

As we were happily drawing, perhaps hearing some commotion somewhere, Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela arrived. They immediately sensed something unusual when they saw us drawing at the table.

“Could it be, Julius, that the glass pen is already finished?”

“Look! This is the glass pen that Julius-niisan gave me as a present!”

Rosalia proudly held up the glass pen. The siblings were at a loss for words. Thinking it was a good idea to let them try it out, I had Nero and Lelie prepare some new paper and handed over the glass pen.

“I see, this groove is designed to collect ink. Well thought out. Now, let’s try it… smooth!”

Oh, Alex-niisan is taking a second look at the glass pen. He seems quite surprised by how it writes. Next to him, Sister-in-law Daniela was eagerly fidgeting, as if she wanted to try writing herself.

There were four completed glass pens. Nero and Lelie had already hidden one somewhere. Rosalia seemed unwilling to part with her glass pen.

This means I need to hurry and make another one. I quickly made a refreshing blue glass pen for Sister-in-law Daniela.

Even though she’s my sister-in-law, she’s royalty. I couldn’t offer her something poorly made. I made the glass pen as quickly and carefully as possible.

“Here you go, Sister-in-law Daniela.”

“Oh, when did this happen?”

“I just made it now.”

“It seems quite ornate for something made just now.”

“I did my best for you, Sister-in-law Daniela.”

I smiled brightly at Sister-in-law Daniela. On the other hand, she seemed so moved that her eyes were welling up with tears. This felt like it might not be a good thing.

Just as I had feared, Sister-in-law Daniela hugged me tightly. My face was buried in her ample chest. I—I can’t breathe!

“What a good child you are!”

This is bad; I’m going to die. I tapped on Sister-in-law Daniela’s arms repeatedly, but she didn’t seem to notice at all. Her arms didn’t loosen their grip.

“Daniela-sama! Julius-sama is going to die!”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was so happy with the gift from my brother-in-law that I may have squeezed a bit too tightly.”

“Cough, y-yeah, I’m okay.”

I’m saved. Thanks, Nero. I was about to really pass out. I mustn’t make Sister-in-law Daniela too happy. And I shouldn’t get too close carelessly. It was a good lesson. Once Sister-in-law Daniela regained her composure, she immediately started writing on the paper with the pen.

Yeah, she really looks thrilled.

Alex-niisan… seems to be seriously testing the feel of the pen. He doesn’t seem to notice at all what’s happening between me and Sister-in-law Daniela. Does he like it that much?

Or perhaps, is he wanting the glass pen that Rosalia made for me? Of course, I won’t give it to him even if he asks.

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