Chapter 294: Of course, that’s the intention

While Nero was fascinated with the pencil case, I decided to make one more item. I told them to sharpen the pencil with a knife when the lead got short, but that wouldn’t be practical during work. So, a pencil sharpener would be much more useful. It’s easy to make by processing wood.

I made it box-shaped with a lid that could be opened to easily dispose of shavings. The blade part was made of iron. Rusting is a downside, but by the time the blade rusts, it would probably be time to replace it. It was completed in no time.

“Nero, this too.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a pencil sharpener. You use it like this.”

I demonstrated by sharpening a pencil with a smooth, rasping sound. The blade cut well, producing just the right sharpness. Not too sharp, not too thick. This should allow them to maintain the pencils in good condition easily and anytime.

Nero stood there, dumbfounded, but that’s fine. All that’s left is to go to bed.

“Julius-sama, I have a request.”

“Oh, Lelie should have the same thing, right? Tomorrow, I’ll teach Rosalia how to make it… no, I’ll hold off on that. Too many new products at once. Alright, I’ll make another one right now. Just keep it a secret from Lelie for now.”

“Understood.”

Since I still had plenty of materials, I quickly made another set. The second time around, I was even more efficient. No problems here. I’ll introduce the zipper more broadly another time.

I instructed Nero to take the pencil case, sharpener, and pencil cap to Lelie, and finally went to bed.

Today was exhausting in many ways. I should sleep soundly… or so I thought. As soon as I closed my eyes, Daniela’s ample bosom floated into my mind. This isn’t good. I tried hard not to think about it in the bath, and now it’s all I can think about.

I managed to drift off, hoping I wouldn’t wake up with any embarrassing issues the next morning.

The next morning at breakfast. Although I was scolded a little by my father and mother, thanks to sister-in-law Daniela’s enthusiasm, we somehow managed to settle the matter of the pencil with an eraser. It seems we settled on hiring not only the current craftsmen but also general people.

“Julius, is there anything else?”

“No, nothing at the moment.”

I looked straight into Alex-niisan’s probing eyes. If I looked away here, it would be suspicious.

Alex-niisan sighed. It seemed I somehow managed to deceive him.

I felt guilty for deceiving Alex-niisan, but this was all to prevent adding more work to his load. Once this recruitment settles down, I’ll consult with him then.

Today, I have to make my father’s fountain pen. Then, the colored glass I ordered should arrive soon, so I need to make glass pens as well. Before things get busy, I’ll visit the training ground in the morning. I haven’t exercised recently.

“Nero, we’re going to the knight’s division.”

“Understood. This morning, Cain-sama and Mika-sama are scheduled to inspect the territory.”

“I see, a date. I’m jealous. But that’s convenient. I’ll be able to move freely for the first time in a while.”

I’m starting to look forward to this. If Cain-niisan and the others are not around, there will be no problem sparring with Lionel. My body has been a bit out of shape lately, so it’s a perfect opportunity. I felt the urge to skip but decided against it.

“Well, well, good morning, Julius.”

“Good morning, Lionel. I heard Cain-niisan and the others are not here today?”

“You are well-informed. Apparently, they are going to inspect the territory. The other day, they were asking the knights about good dating spots.”

“Haha…”

He’s not even trying to hide it! But that’s what makes him great. That’s just like Cain-niisan. I love that unwavering attitude, even with his fiancée by his side.

In that case, no need to hold back.

“Today, I thought I’d focus on training for the first time in a while. Lionel, can you spar with me?”

The knights gathered around buzzed with excitement. It seems I am revered by the knights, and just showing up makes them gather around me, regardless of gender. 

I don’t feel bad about it, but it feels like I’ve become the leader of some strange cult, which isn’t exactly a good feeling either. In other words, my feelings are mixed.

“Understood. I will be your opponent.”

Lionel smiled, but there was an intensity in that smile. It was the aura one would direct toward a long-time rival. The blood drained from Nero’s face beside me.

Well, this is the first time I’ve seen Lionel like this, so it’s understandable. Some of the other knights were also taken aback.

So, I spent the morning playing with the knights at the training ground. Of course, I fought with Nero and other knights as well. My training seems to be very instructive for them, and for some reason, it is very well-received by everyone.

Until recently, I didn’t understand the reason, but there was one thing that came to mind with a “no way” thought.

In the game, I wanted to play with fluffy creatures. Based on that impure thought, I have some ‘Tamer’ skills.

Among those skills is one for training creatures that have become my companions—could that be affecting this? If so, it means that the knights have somehow become like my subordinates without me realizing it…

It’s okay, right? There has never been a “Do you want to make them your companion?” option.

“I am impressed. I never imagined that Julius-sama would be this strong. No one would doubt if you were called a sword saint.”

“Nero, please don’t tell anyone about this. Especially not in the royal capital.”

“Of course! I will never speak of it again!”

I mimicked Lionel’s intense smile at Nero. Nero turned pale. Maybe I scared him too much. It’s quite difficult to get the balance right.

So, I acquired a new skill called ‘Lionel’s Intensity.’ Ta-da!

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