Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 289: Still a Secret
Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka had not yet arrived in the dining room, so dinner had not been served. Mother seized the opportunity to dispel the awkward atmosphere.
"Since we are all here, let us try writing with them."
"Yes, let us, Mother!"
Sister-in-law Daniela immediately supported Mother's suggestion. At Brother Alex's request, the servants sensed the mood and quickly brought paper and ink. Apparently, Brother Alex wanted to move past the tension as well. Perhaps they were all covering for me. Surely that was it.
Father, however, was still frowning deeply. Being watched with that expression was unsettling.
"We must fill them with ink first, correct?"
"Yes. Dip the nib into the ink, then turn the knob at the back."
"Did Julius make these?"
"Y-yes."
Father continued smiling despite the crease in his brow. It was an impressively skilful expression. I might still be summoned to his office later. The atmosphere stiffened briefly, but everyone proceeded with the writing test as though nothing had happened.
"Wonderful. It writes even better than the one I tried at lunch."
"Indeed. This one fits my hand perfectly."
"Thank you. I put considerable effort into both of them."
Ink flowed smoothly across the paper. Father appeared to realise that this was an entirely new kind of writing instrument.
"Does this pen never run out of ink?"
"It lasts much longer between refills than an ordinary dip pen, but the reservoir inside the barrel must still be replenished."
"Even so, it is far more practical than the pens we have used until now. By the way, Julius, did you make one for me?"
Father's smile broadened. A wrong answer here would end me.
"Of course. Fountain pens are difficult to make and cannot be produced quickly, but I should have yours ready tomorrow."
"I see. I look forward to it."
Phew. Perhaps I would escape a reprimand after all. Brother Alex might be scolded instead for keeping the matter secret. His face had gone pale. Stay strong, Brother.
Before long, Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka arrived. They noticed everyone gathered around the table and immediately approached.
"What are you all enjoying so much? Has Julius made something strange again?"
"Strange? I assure you that it is practical."
"So he has made something again…"
Brother Cain had probably intended it as a joke, but sadly it was accurate. Intrigued, Sister-in-law Meeka leaned over the table.
"What is this… a pen? It has such an unusual shape, and it is beautiful. Wait—can it write without being dipped in ink?"
"What?"
Brother Cain moved closer after hearing her. He watched Mother and Sister-in-law Daniela use the pens. There was no longer any reason to conceal them, so I briefly explained the mechanism.
"What is this? No one told me. You would not have to worry about knocking over an inkwell while writing. Glass pens are impressive, but this is even more useful, is it not? No one told me."
It was clearly important to Brother Cain; he said it twice. He had realised that he and Sister-in-law Meeka were the only ones left uninformed, and he looked mildly offended. Sister-in-law Meeka did not notice. Her eyes remained fixed on the glittering fountain pens.
These were specially made, high-quality pens. Their jewellery-like decoration would undoubtedly appeal to ladies fond of beautiful accessories.
"Do not worry, Sister-in-law Meeka. I will make one for you as well."
"Thank you, Julius!"
Sister-in-law Meeka hugged me tightly with an alarming squishing sound. She appeared to have perfected the technique, because my face was trapped firmly against her chest and I could not breathe. I hurriedly tapped her arm until she released me.
That was close. There had been no time to appreciate anything; I had nearly died.
"Julius, I would like one as well, if possible."
"Of course, Brother Cain. Would you not prefer Rosalia to make yours?"
"What? Rosalia can make them too?"
"Of course! I will make Brother Cain's fountain pen."
Excellent. My brothers were exceedingly indulgent towards Rosalia, so she would enjoy making it for him. Father also looked as though he wanted Rosalia to make his, so I assigned that one to her as well. Fathers everywhere were soft on their daughters.
Dinner was served, and naturally the fountain pens dominated the conversation. I stressed that their construction was complicated and that no one should make unreasonable requests. Releasing them as a commercial product would take considerable time, so for the foreseeable future they would be made only to order.
The next question was how many people Mother would boast to. Surely it could not be a hundred. Sister-in-law Daniela was debating whether to tell His Majesty the King. She appeared to favour promoting the easily produced glass pens first and keeping the fountain pen hidden from potential competitors.
My instincts warned me to stop making lavish fountain pens for now. Lady Fabienne's gift would also have to be postponed. Keeping the invention quiet seemed safest. Mother probably understood that, but her unusually high spirits were frightening. I could only hope Brother Alex would give her a firm warning later.
I certainly did not have the courage to do it myself.