Kays Translations

Chapter 283: Another Local Speciality! Hooray!

After testing the pen until he was satisfied, Brother Alex finally returned to his senses and carefully placed it on the table.

"Julius, how many glass pens could you make in a day?"

"If I remained in the workshop from morning until night, perhaps a hundred… but I would rather not."

"Yes, I suppose not."

Brother Alex was already considering how to sell them. In that case, it would be best to offer two varieties: an affordable version for commoners and a more elaborate one for nobles.

"Why not begin by selling them to nobles? If glass pens become fashionable among the nobility, that will provide excellent publicity. You would not need to produce so many at first, either."

"That sounds sensible. I would like everyone to have access to such a useful product, but we should proceed steadily, one step at a time."

Having reached that conclusion, Brother Alex immediately began discussing plans with Sister-in-law Daniela.

Um, Brother Alex? Could I have back the glass pen Rosalia had made for me?

Since he showed no sign of returning it, I hurriedly made Brother Alex a pen of his own. I fashioned it to the same high standard as Sister-in-law Daniela's, and he accepted it with obvious delight.

"Julius, you should make glass pens for every member of the family as soon as possible."

"I was thinking the same thing. Rosalia, will you help me?"

"Of course!"

Rosalia and I first made four pens: one each for Father, Mother, Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka. Lionel, Giles and Christopher were always helping us as well, so I decided to make pens for them too.

In the end, I spent the entire day making glass pens.

At dinner, Father and Mother praised the pens' smooth writing feel, although they also looked at me with some astonishment.

"I never imagined that you would create a special magic tool merely to manufacture glass pens. Julius, you truly never cease to surprise me."

"Ha-ha…"

A dry laugh was the only response I could manage, but Father seemed satisfied. Without the magic-stone burner, producing glass pens would be far more difficult. For the time being, that would allow House Heine to sell them as a regional speciality.

"Julius, I would like to present glass pens to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Will you make them?"

"Of course, Sister-in-law Daniela. Once the coloured glass we ordered arrives, I will begin immediately. I would appreciate your help choosing the designs."

"Gladly. I will help with anything you need."

She looked delighted. With Sister-in-law Daniela helping to design them, there was little danger of creating anything unsuitable for the royal family. We might even sell a special Royal Family Edition at a premium price. The possibilities continued to expand.

"Still, I had not realised that Rosalia possessed as much talent as you, Julius. I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes."

"Indeed. Rosalia, you must be careful not to imitate Julius's bad habits."

Mother had said something rather rude, but I could not deny it. Frustrating though it was, she was right: I sometimes went much too far.

Rosalia merely looked puzzled, unable to understand what could possibly be wrong with me. For her own sake, perhaps I should explain my faults properly.

"First, we must hire craftspeople and teach them the necessary skills. Ah, but before that, we need a workshop."

"That has already been arranged. I found and purchased a suitable property, and it is currently being renovated."

"Excellent. I would like sales to begin as soon as the snow melts."

Father murmured contentedly. Apparently, preparations had been advancing without my knowledge. I was hopeless with finances, so my role was simply to concentrate on making things. At least that was an area in which I could contribute.

Once the workshop was complete, I would need to teach the craftspeople how to make glass pens. I would also have to teach them how to manufacture magic tools. Producing potions there would be useful, but that required qualified magic pharmacists. The danger of an untrained worker accidentally creating poison was too great.

"Then we should prepare the workshop's magic tools in advance."

"Yes. Julius, Rosalia, may I leave that to the two of you? We have not recruited the workers yet, so there is no immediate hurry."

"Understood."

"Understood!"

Rosalia answered brightly, clearly delighted to have been entrusted with important work. I should avoid taking over and allow her to do as much as she reasonably could. This was not because I wanted less work. It was entirely for Rosalia's confidence. Entirely.

After asking Brother Alex to arrange the necessary materials, I returned to my room. It had been an unexpectedly busy day. As I reflected on it, the communication ring activated with a message from Lady Fabienne. Had something happened?

"Good evening, Lady Fabienne. Is anything wrong?"

I tried to sound calm, although my heart pounded. Only then did I realise how nerve-racking communication through the ring could be.

"Good evening, Lord Julius. A letter from House Heine arrived for my parents… It concerned making me your fiancée."

"That was fast… What did Baron Ambert and Baroness Ambert say?"

"They said that I am now formally your fiancée."

"That was an extraordinarily quick decision."

Such was the speed of the nobility. Once a decision had been made, matters advanced at an astonishing pace. The wishes of the people involved almost seemed secondary, even though Lady Fabienne and I had already agreed. This was how noble society worked, and I would have to become accustomed to it.

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