Chapter 296: Full Power

In the afternoon, it’s time for studying. The tutor comes to the Heine Baron family’s estate to give individual lessons. I attend the lessons with Nero, which include subjects like languages, history, magic, and dance.

Since I’ve already mastered calculations, I’m somewhat exempt from that subject. So, Nero’s studying takes center stage. Nero, being quite intelligent, is absorbing knowledge rapidly. I hear Lelie is also working hard with Rosalia.

“Let’s wrap up for today.”

“Thank you, Sensei.”

“Yes. Julius-sama is very polite, so it’s a pleasure to teach him.”

The history teacher also tutors at other noble families’ homes. From the way he speaks, it seems that the students there aren’t easy to deal with. Teaching children can be quite a challenge.

After seeing the teacher off, the day’s lessons finally ended.

“I need to hurry back to the workshop and make sister-in-law Mika’s fountain pen. If I don’t, she might be upset.”

“She probably won’t be that childish.”

Nero smiled wryly, but sister-in-law Mika does have some childish aspects. Especially her defenselessness around that younger brother. Sister-in-law Daniela might think of me like a pet, but it’s quite likely sister-in-law Mika feels the same way.

If that’s the case, sister-in-law Mika might just barge into my bath next. I want to enjoy a leisurely bath.

The workshop was empty. It seems Rosalia is still studying, which is convenient.

“Alright, let’s hurry and make it. Right now, I can focus and make it without Rosalia noticing.”

“Why not? It wouldn’t be a problem if Rosalia-sama saw.”

“It’s fine if Rosalia is motivated by competition, but if she thinks she can’t keep up and stops trying, that would be problematic.”

“Is it that serious?”

Nero looked surprised and puzzled. Well, if I were to truly put my all into it, I’d have to use the ‘Laboratory’ skill, but I can’t do that in front of Nero.

I trust Nero. I just don’t want to burden him with extra responsibilities.

After gathering the materials, I used my ‘Craft’ skill to its full power and made two luxurious fountain pens—one for sister-in-law Mika and one for Rosalia. The design is almost identical to Mother’s fountain pen, but sister-in-law Mika’s has the Lanieni Viscount family crest added, and Rosalia’s has the Sacred Dragon Mira added.

“This should do it.”

“Y-you’re amazing, Julius-sama.”

Nero was completely taken aback by my full-power work. Well, it’s understandable. If I could produce a fountain pen in under five minutes that took an hour before, it’s no wonder he’s surprised. Plus, I didn’t skimp on the decorations. It’s truly a luxurious fountain pen from every angle.

Since there was still some time, I started working on a glass pen for Fabienne, when I received a notice that dinner was ready. It seems Rosalia had been studying intensely all afternoon.

When I arrived at the dining room, Cain-niisan and sister-in-law Mika were already there. They must have returned at some point. It seems they had quite an enjoyable date. It felt like their bond had grown even closer. I’m envious.

I went over to them.

“Sister-in-law Mika, here’s the fountain pen I promised.”

“It’s already done? Thank you, Julius-chan.”

She was clearly very excited. She had a big smile on her face. When I handed her the fountain pen, sister-in-law Mika’s movements suddenly stopped. Her expression also froze.

Hmm, so this is how it is, I thought, looking at Cain-niisan, who was also frozen. You too!

Father and Mother arrived just as the two were petrified. They quickly noticed the situation.

“What’s wrong with you two? Could it be…”

“It looks like it’s exactly that. It’s beautiful, too.”

Mother peered at  Mika’s hand and said this. Father nodded in agreement next to her. They then went to their seats.

Oh, um, isn’t someone going to snap them out of it?

Afterwards, Alex-niisan and sister-in-law Daniela arrived, and they finally came to their senses. Sister-in-law Daniela and sister-in-law Mika started showing off the fountain pens to each other, giggling and excited. They really do love this sort of thing.

And finally, Rosalia arrived, holding Mira. She looked like she was on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion. It seemed that she had been thoroughly drilled during the afternoon’s lessons. I was a bit curious about what happened.

Rosalia wobbled over to Cain-niisan.

“Cain-niisan, here’s the fountain pen I promised.”

“Oh, thank you, Rosalia. I’m really happy. Are you okay?”

“I’m not very okay.”

Cain-niisan’s smile faltered at her weak response. What could have happened? As I wondered about this, Mother spoke up.

“Rosalia, you shouldn’t just focus on making things. As a young lady, you need to also learn what you should.”

“Mother, what happened?”

Cain-niisan, also concerned, patted Rosalia’s head while asking. Mother sighed deeply.

“It’s nothing major. We just had a manners lesson and reviewed dance. …Though it seems she had forgotten quite a bit of both.”

That’s not good. Even though I’m focused on crafting, I haven’t forgotten manners or dance. In fact, I’m working hard on these precisely because I believe they’re essential for continuing as a noble.

It was understandable that Mother was exasperated, but after hearing this, Cain-niisan’s face visibly darkened. Could it be that Cain-niisan also forgot essential skills for being a gentleman?

And sister-in-law Mika… Oh no! Sister-in-law Mika’s face was also tense. Sister-in-law Mika, you too!

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