Chapter 286: Fountain Pen

While wandering around the room with Mira in my arms, Nero, sensing something was amiss, came over to ask.

“Julius-sama, what are you looking for? I can help if you need it.”

“Oh, it’s fine. It’s nothing major… Ah, found it!”

I discovered an alloy that might be useful for the pen point. This alloy is very hard and difficult to process, making it unsuitable for magical tool exteriors. However, its high durability should make it perfect for a pen point.

The metal used for the pen nib is an 18-carat gold alloy. It looks very luxurious. But since this gold alloy has flexibility, the writing feel should be excellent.

I placed the gathered materials on the workbench. I decided to use pine wood for the body and cap, as I had some on hand. It would have been nice to have lacquer, but unfortunately, I don’t. So, I decided to make the most of the natural wood grain.

The ink intake method will be a piston type. By turning a plug on the opposite end of the nib, ink will be drawn into the ink tank inside the body. To prevent ink from leaking, the interior of the ink tank will be double-layered and coated with blue slime’s mucus.

“Julius-sama, what are you making?”

“Kyuu?”

“Both of you, keep it a secret, okay? I’m planning to make a fountain pen.”

“A fountain pen?”

“Kyuu?”

The two of them tilted their heads, clearly not understanding what a fountain pen is. I figured it would be faster to make one and show them rather than explain, so I just told them to watch.

I quickly made the pen nib and tested the writing feel. It seemed to be good.

Next, I continued making the body. The “Craft” skill is really a cheat skill. I can work smoothly and exactly as I imagined.

The cap will be a screw-type. This way, the cap won’t accidentally open or spill ink if opened too forcefully. The ink volume adjustment comb seems to be working fine for now.

“It’s finished. Now, let’s do a test write.”

“So, this is a fountain pen…”

“Kyuu…”

Even Mira didn’t ask to make one herself, probably because it’s more complex than a glass pen. There are quite a few parts. While I’ve tried to make it mostly snap-fit, there are still parts that require adhesive.

I wrote smoothly on the paper that Nero had prepared. The writing feel was flawless, and there seemed to be no ink leakage. With a bit of pressure, the line width changed accordingly.

“It seems fine. I didn’t expect to create something decent on the first try. My own talent is a bit scary.”

“I find Julius-sama’s imagination to be scarier.”

“Kyuu.”

Since this isn’t my original idea, I feel quite complex about it. I wonder if all reincarnators feel this way. It’s probably the case. While I was testing the fountain pen’s writing feel, lunchtime arrived.

I managed to persuade Rosalia, who was engrossed in making the magic stone burner, to head to the dining hall. The weather was nice, so eating outside seemed like a good idea, but it’s winter. It was too cold, so I decided against it.

The dining hall we arrived at was empty.

“It looks like no one’s here.”

“In that case, let’s eat quickly and return right away!”

“Rosalia, you need to take proper breaks too.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at Rosalia, who looked like she would work on magical tools all day without a break. Even I take breaks during work, so it seems Rosalia is a true craftsman.

As a lady, this might be a bit of an issue. I need to make sure to teach her the importance of taking breaks.

“Nero, it seems like lunch is being taken in the salon.”

“I see. That place gets better sunlight, so it might be refreshing. Do you think we can join them?”

“Of course. I’ll bring lunch to that location right away.”

After parting ways with Nero, who went to arrange lunch, Lelie and I headed to the salon. As Nero said, there were Mother, Alex-niisan, and Sister-in-law Daniela. I guess Cain-nissan and Sister-in-law Mika are eating at the knights’ quarters, as usual.

Father is probably eating in his office. Being the head of the Heine barony seems like a tough job. I wouldn’t want to become like that.

“Oh, Julius, we were just talking about you!”

Mother smiled warmly, but there was an unsettling feeling to it. It was similar to the expression she has when she’s scolding me for something I messed up.

“R-Really? Rosalia and I decided to have lunch here too.”

“Well, that’s good to hear. I’d like to ask you something—what is this?”

Mother had the liquid glue in her hand. It seemed she was using it. I had hoped that she, being diligent about sending letters, would use it. Sister-in-law Daniela probably writes letters frequently too. I hope she finds it useful.

“It’s the liquid glue I made. With this, you can skip the sealing wax. How’s the usability?”

“It was excellent. It’s so good that sealing wax isn’t needed. Now I can send letters more easily!”

That’s a relief. I was expecting this to be a positive outcome. However, Alex-niisan and sister-in-law Daniela looked a bit troubled. I wondered what the issue could be.

“I’d like to give this to my friends as a gift. Could you help with that? I think it would sell well as a product too.”

She glanced briefly at Alex-niisan. I see, that’s why Alex-niisan and sister-in-law Daniela look troubled. More work for Alex—congratulations, Alex! Just when I thought we had made progress with the glass pens, now this. Maybe it’s best if I don’t mention fountain pens for a while.

“By the way, Julius, what’s that thing sticking out from your chest?”

“Huh, this? Um…”

Scary! Alex-niisan ’s smile is intimidating! And sister-in-law Daniela’s smile is strained! To make even the princess’s face tense up, how much of a troublemaker am I?

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