Kays Translations

Chapter 318: A Pencil Devotee

Father’s face scrunched up after he drank the potion. He looked exactly like Rosalia, proving once again that they were related.

A moment later, however, his expression became sharp and dignified again.

“It has a strong flavour, but it is drinkable. Julius, if you have any left, could you give me a few bottles for emergencies?”

“Father, you have not reflected at all, have you? Please be careful not to overeat or drink too much. I do not want you to damage your health.”

“Of course. I would never do anything that made my dear son sad. I promise.”

Could I really believe him? I had my doubts, but I handed Father several bottles anyway. I was too soft-hearted. He might repeat the same behaviour at another party, and if he did, having the potion available would at least be better for his health.

The next time he asked, however, I would give him an atrociously bitter batch of Mandragora’s Strength. That ought to make even Father reflect on his actions.

The afternoon was reserved for lessons. I needed to make up for the time lost during the mountain investigation. I already knew most of what my tutor taught me, apart from the history of this kingdom, but I still had to attend. Since I had the opportunity, I decided to use paper and a pencil instead of the usual blackboard so that I could test the pencil myself.

“Pencils really are convenient for studying. The eraser on the end is not very effective, though, so I will need to make a separate one.”

“Unlike writing on a blackboard, notes made on paper remain. I could continue studying after returning to my room.”

“That is true, but I do not like the thought of losing more of my free time.”

As Nero and I talked while studying, my tutor became interested in the pencil. For a moment, his spectacles seemed to flash as he adjusted them.

“Lord Julius, that object you are using is called a pencil, correct? I have never seen one before. Where can it be purchased?”

“The Heine Trading Company plans to sell pencils with attached erasers. The company has not opened yet, so please keep that secret.”

I gave my tutor a pointed smile that said, Do not tell anyone—under any circumstances. He briskly adjusted his spectacles. Although I could not see his eyes behind the lenses, my warning seemed to have reached him.

“Of course. I will tell no one. May I try the pencil as well?”

“Certainly. Please tell me what you think of it.”

I handed him the pencil and also demonstrated the pencil sharpener, explaining how easily it sharpened the point.

My tutor bent over the paper with a serious expression. Every so often, he erased something and nodded approvingly. He clearly liked the pencil and showed no sign of returning it.

“If you like it, I can give you a few more.”

“May I truly have them? This pencil is wonderful. My only criticism is that the writing could be erased more thoroughly.”

“I see. The makeshift eraser is not very effective.”

“Hmm?” My tutor tilted his head. This was bad. He might realise that I had devised the pencil myself. No one had ordered me to conceal that fact, but I preferred to keep it quiet. Otherwise, I might receive even more requests to invent stationery.

“I will suggest to Brother Alex that the company develop and sell a separate eraser.”

“Yes, that would be better. A separate eraser would remain useful even after a pencil became too short to hold.”

My tutor nodded. Phew. I had successfully diverted his attention. Nero looked dissatisfied beside me, but I pretended not to notice. He would keep quiet too. Right?

With my tutor in high spirits, the rest of the lesson proceeded at a relentless pace.

“At last, the lesson is over. That was intense. I did not have a moment to rest.”

“Yes. Our tutor was completely absorbed in the pencil.”

Nero gave a strained smile. I had not expected matters to develop this way. My tutor liked the pencil so much that he declared he would buy it as soon as it was released and introduce it to all his other pupils.

It seemed I had created a pencil devotee. How sinful of me. Still, one of his comments had raised a genuine concern.

“Pencils become difficult to use once they are short.”

“Yes. As you said, a short pencil is hard to hold. It would probably be discarded before it was completely used up.”

Nero looked regretful. That would indeed be wasteful. In that case, I should develop a pencil extender alongside the improved eraser.

The extender should be easy to make with Craft. The eraser was the real problem; I would have to find suitable materials.

“It appears we will have even more new products, but that cannot be helped.”

“I understand that, but have you already thought of something?”

“Yes.”

“……”

Nero stared at me with his mouth open. All these products had been commonplace in my previous world. I was merely copying them, so coming up with the ideas was simple. I felt slightly guilty for deceiving Nero, but there was no turning back now.

If I did not make them, someone else eventually would. Acting now would benefit House Heine. Any other reincarnators would probably be appalled by my hesitation.

The salon was empty when I entered. Everyone must have been working. That was only natural, since the adults had accomplished little that morning and were probably catching up now.

That suited me perfectly. I could think in peace.

Modern erasers were generally made from vinyl chloride, but I could not produce that in this world. I would therefore have to improve the natural rubber already available by mixing in other materials.

What should I add? A powdered substance might help, as might some kind of oil. If the rubber adhered to the graphite more effectively, it should erase the marks better.

After my break, I would experiment in the workshop. It would be a matter of trial and error.

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