Kays Translations

Chapter 288: I Will Put My All into It

I plated the entire barrel of Sister-in-law Daniela's fountain pen with gold, keeping the surface smooth so that it would remain comfortable to hold. I added a subtle texture to the grip to prevent it from slipping.

For the cap, I combined gold and silver plating with elaborate decoration. I engraved a small flag of the Spencer Kingdom, then filled the remaining space with sweeping vines symbolising prosperity and a bird representing peace.

I had to admit that I was rather proud of the result.

Next came Mother's pen. I intended to finish both pens that day, but Mother's had to be only slightly less magnificent than Sister-in-law Daniela's. Achieving that balance was surprisingly difficult.

I replaced the royal flag with the crest of House Heine and used silver plating on the textured grip. I decorated the cap with lilies, Mother's birth flower. I hoped she would like it.

Even if I occasionally went overboard, I always took crafting seriously.

Mira watched the metalwork intently. I worried that they might be bored, but Nero and Lelie smiled when I asked them to keep Mira company.

By the time I finished Mother's fountain pen, Rosalia had completed the magic-stone burner. As expected of her, it worked perfectly when I tested it.

"Now we can make glass pens together. We can leave the additional magic-stone burners until later."

"Brother Julius, I would also like to try making a fountain pen."

"Very well. It requires great precision, so be prepared."

"Of course!"

Rosalia puffed out her chest confidently and began. We worked together on fountain-pen nibs until dinner. I took Mira for a walk partway through, so progress slowed slightly, but daily exercise was important. I did not want to become pudgy, and Rosalia should be careful as well.

I glanced at Rosalia's stomach. It looked perfectly normal, though she seemed puzzled by my inspection.

House Heine tried to eat dinner together whenever possible, including Father. Even when he took lunch in his office, he always came to the dining room in the evening.

When Rosalia and I arrived, only Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela were present. Perfect timing.

"Sister-in-law Daniela, your fountain pen is finished."

"Already? Thank you…"

Her voice trailed off when she saw it. Had I made it too luxurious? Brother Alex was also rendered speechless.

"Brother Alex, I am making a fountain pen as well. I will give it to you when it is finished."

"Really, Rosalia? I look forward to it!"

Brother Alex recovered and smiled. I was glad I had suggested in the workshop that Rosalia make his pen.

Sister-in-law Daniela, meanwhile, remained frozen in place.

"Um, Sister-in-law Daniela? If you dislike it, I can make another."

"That is not it! It is so magnificent that I was speechless. I have never seen decoration this intricate."

Oh no. I had gone too far. How could I have produced ornamentation unlike anything seen by the royal family? I glanced at Brother Alex, and he slowly nodded. I had definitely overdone it. What was I supposed to do with Mother's fountain pen now?

"Julius, did you make any others?"

"Yes… I also made one for Mother."

I had no choice but to show them. Once again, both were speechless. Rosalia could only exclaim, "It is absolutely wonderful, Brother!"

"This is…"

"Remarkable. Something of this quality would be welcomed by the royal family."

"Do you think I should refrain from giving it to Mother?"

The potential consequences made my knees weak. If Brother Alex or Sister-in-law Daniela said no, I was prepared to retreat at once.

"Oh? And where is mine?"

Mother arrived at the worst possible moment—and Father was beside her. I had hoped to keep the fountain pen secret from him a little longer. He was certainly going to scold me.

Our eyes met.

Mother's expression suggested that she understood everything. She walked directly towards us.

"You have finished the additional fountain pens. Surely one of them is for me?"

Her imposing presence drew closer. Overwhelmed by the pressure, I handed her the pen.

"This is yours, Mother. I have also given one to Sister-in-law Daniela."

Mother fell silent when she received it. Noticing the commotion, Father approached and asked, "A fountain pen?" Apparently, I had managed to keep the invention secret from him until now—or perhaps I had merely wanted to believe that I had.

"May I see Daniela's fountain pen as well?"

"Yes. Here it is…"

Mother held both ornate pens. One bore the flag of the Spencer Kingdom, while the other displayed the crest of House Heine, so there was no danger of confusing them.

"W-what is this?!"

Father peered over Mother's shoulder and shouted in astonishment. Disaster. Since I had not reported the fountain pen to him, everyone suddenly found the walls and ceiling fascinating. I knew nothing. No one had told me it was supposed to remain secret from Father.

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