Kays Translations

Chapter 290: I Did Not Do Anything

Dinner ended peacefully. Only free time, bathing and bedtime remained. The household did not follow a fixed bathing schedule; everyone generally used the bath when it was available.

"Nero, could you tell me when the bath will be free?"

"At present, Madam and Lady Rosalia are using it. It should be available afterwards."

Nero checked a small notebook. Come to think of it, servants used pieces of graphite rather than pens when taking notes. Perhaps they needed fountain pens as well. No—pencils would probably be better because mistakes could be erased. I might try making one with an eraser.

"Then I will go afterwards. It has been helpful that Mother has recently taken Rosalia with her. Mira appears to join them as well."

"Yes. Lelie sometimes accompanies them."

"She must be practising how to assist with bathing. Lelie is working hard."

"She seems to find her duties rewarding. She told me that she enjoys every day."

Nero sounded cheerful. Perhaps Lelie was not the only one who felt that way. I hoped Nero was happy here as well.

Lelie had good reason to enjoy serving Rosalia. My sister was not arrogant, and she treated Lelie as part of the group whenever we shared snacks. I did not know how servants were treated in other noble households, but House Heine was probably rather lenient.

There was still a little time before the bath became free, so I used it to make a pencil with an eraser. I managed with materials already in my room. The eraser was not especially effective, but without anything like synthetic rubber, natural rubber would have to suffice.

I shaped two pieces of wood and cut several narrow grooves. Then I crushed graphite, mixed it with clay and fired the mixture into thin rods. I placed the rods in the grooves, added glue and joined the wooden halves together.

I shaved away the excess wood to create a hexagonal pencil, then attached an eraser to one end with a thin copper band. The process went smoothly because I had once watched pencils being made on television. Any gaps in my practical skill were covered by Craft. It truly was an unfair ability—and Rosalia could use it as well.

"I have finished, Nero."

"What have you made?"

"Ta-da! A pencil with an eraser."

Clap, clap, clap. Nero looked puzzled but applauded anyway. That reaction was understandable. I sharpened the pencil with a knife, and he finally seemed to grasp its purpose.

"This can replace a piece of graphite?"

"Exactly. Whenever the point becomes blunt, sharpen it with a knife as I just did."

I handed him the pencil. Nero compared it with his piece of graphite, then made several test marks in his notebook. His youthful face widened in surprise.

"Lord Julius?"

"Rub the eraser over the writing. It should remove most of it."

"What? I-it really does!"

Nero became so excited that he could barely remain still. It had been a long time since I had seen him react so openly. He was normally intensely focused on becoming a proper attendant. He could afford to relax occasionally. A few mistakes would never make me abandon him or Lelie.

"May I give one to Lelie as well?"

"Of course. Tell me whenever you need more. I can make them quickly."

"Yes!"

Nero answered brightly. He clearly liked the pencil. Pencils probably were better suited to servants, since notes and schedules often changed. Perhaps they should be distributed throughout the household.

I was pleased with the result. As I considered making more, Rosalia and the others entered my room after their bath.

"Brother Julius, what are you doing?"

"Hmm? Nothing. I was merely preparing to bathe after Mother and Rosalia finished."

Nero looked startled for a moment, then composed himself when he saw my expression. His face seemed to say that he had witnessed nothing. As expected, Nero understood the situation immediately.

If Rosalia learnt about the pencil, news of it might spread farther than expected. I had already caused enough trouble with writing instruments. One more mistake could be fatal.

"I see. We have just finished."

"Kyu!"

A half-dried Mira leapt into my arms. Mira's fur had grown considerably. Perhaps it was time for a trim, but cutting it during winter might leave them cold. On the other hand, holy-dragon fur sounded like a valuable crafting material. This could be an opportunity to obtain something new!

"Kyu."

Perhaps sensing danger, Mira immediately returned to Rosalia's arms. Rosalia tilted her head. Mira was remarkably perceptive.

"Brother, what is that? It is not an ordinary piece of graphite."

Lelie had noticed Nero writing in his notebook with an unfamiliar object. She probably spotted the difference immediately because she constantly observed the elder brother she admired.

"This is a pencil Lord Julius made earlier. It replaces a loose piece of graphite. It keeps your hands clean, produces fine writing and can even erase mistakes like this. I have one for you as well, Lelie."

As Nero prepared to hand a pencil to his sister, Rosalia cried out.

"W-what did you say? Brother Julius, did you not claim that you were doing nothing?"

Nero covered his mouth with both hands, suddenly realising his mistake. It had not been deliberate. He had been so eager to praise the pencil that the explanation slipped out, especially because he was speaking to his younger sister.

"Did I say that? Oh, yes—Nero, the bath! We must go before someone else uses it."

"Y-yes. We should hurry!"

Nero quickly prepared my change of clothes. I also tried to escape, but I was one step too slow. Rosalia seized one leg, and Mira apparently mistook the situation for a game and clung to the other.

"Brother Julius, you are not escaping!"

"Kyu!"

Oh no. At this rate Rosalia and Mira would follow me all the way to the bath. I would have to give up on bathing for the moment.

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