Kays Translations

Chapter 318: Pencil Believers

The face of Father, after drinking the potion, became all scrunched up. He looked just like Rosalia. It really shows that they’re related.

As I was thinking that, Father’s face quickly became sharp and dignified.

“Well, it has a strong taste, but it’s drinkable. Julius, if you have any left, could you give me some for emergencies?”

“Father, you’re not reflecting on your actions, are you? Honestly, please be careful not to overeat or overdrink. I don’t want you to harm your health.”

“Of course. I won’t do anything to make my cute son sad. I promise.”

Is that really the case? It’s doubtful, but I handed Father a few bottles anyway. Despite my doubts, I’m still soft-hearted. With this attitude, he might repeat the same behavior at some party. If that’s the case, it would be better for his health to have some potions on hand.

Next time he asks, I think I’ll give him the “Disgustingly Bitter Mandragora’s Strength” potion. That should make even Father reflect on his actions.

In the afternoon, it’s study time. I need to make up for the delay caused by the snow mountain investigation. Although, I already have most of the knowledge, so what I need is just the history of this country. Since I’m at it, I decided to use paper and pencil instead of the usual blackboard. I need to try out the pencil for myself.

“Hmm, using pencils for studying is good after all. However, the eraser on the back of the pencil is insufficient, so it seems I’ll need to make a separate eraser.”

“Unlike a blackboard, you can leave notes on paper, and it looks like I can continue studying even after returning to the room.”

“That’s true, but it might reduce my free time, which I don’t like.”

While talking about such things with Nero and studying, the teacher became interested in the pencil with an eraser. I felt like the glasses he adjusted sparkled for a moment.

“Julius-sama, what you’ve been using is called a pencil, isn’t it? It’s the first time I’ve seen one. Where is it sold?”

“Oh, um, this pencil with an eraser is planned to be sold by the new trading company established by the Baron Heine. Of course, it’s still a secret.”

I smiled at the teacher as if to press upon him, “Don’t say a word, absolutely don’t say a word.” The teacher adjusted his glasses with a quick motion. Although I couldn’t see the color of his eyes, it seemed the message had been conveyed clearly.

“Of course, I won’t tell anyone. By the way, may I also use the pencil?”

“Certainly. Please let me know how it feels to use.”

I handed the pencil to the teacher and also promoted the pencil sharpener by mentioning that it makes sharpening pencils easy.

The teacher, with a serious expression, focused on the paper. Occasionally, he would erase with the eraser and nod in approval. It seemed he liked it. There was no sign of him letting go.

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

“Is that alright!? No, this pencil is truly wonderful. If I had to say, it would have been better if the writing could be erased a bit more thoroughly…”

“Is that so? The performance of the hastily made eraser isn’t great, after all.”

“Hm?” The teacher tilted his head. This is bad. The teacher might find out that I came up with this. Although I wasn’t told to keep it a secret, I personally want to keep it confidential. It would be troublesome if I received additional requests for stationery creation.

“I’ll suggest to Alex-niisan that a separate eraser be made and sold separately.”

“Yes, that would be better. That way, even if the pencil becomes too short to use, you can still use a separate eraser.”

The teacher nodded. Phew, it seems I managed to divert his attention. Nero, sitting next to me, had a dissatisfied look on his face, but I’ll pretend not to notice. Nero should keep quiet as well. Alright?

After that, the study time proceeded with the now cheerful teacher.

“Finally, the study time is over. It was intense today. I didn’t have a moment to rest.”

“Yes, the teacher was so enthusiastic with the pencil.”

Nero also gave a wry smile. I never expected things to turn out this way. The teacher seemed to be quite fond of it and said he would definitely buy it when it’s released. He was also determined to spread the pencil to his students.

It seems I’ve created a pencil enthusiast. How sinful of me. Anyway, there was something concerning in the teacher’s statement.

“It’s difficult to use when the pencil becomes short.”

“Yes. As you said, it becomes hard to use. It seems like it will end up being thrown away without being used up.”

Nero looked apologetic. It’s indeed a waste. In that case, I should develop a pencil extension tool to make short pencils usable when developing the eraser.

That should be easy with the ‘Craft’ skill. The problem is the eraser. I’ll need to find materials for that.

“It looks like we’ll have more new products, but it can’t be helped.”

“I think it can’t be helped, but have you already come up with an idea!?”

“Yeah.”

“……”

Nero was gaping. These are all products that were commonly sold in my previous world. Since it’s just a matter of imitation, it’s simple. I feel a bit guilty for deceiving Nero, but since I’ve come this far, there’s no turning back now.

If I don’t make it, someone else will eventually. It’s better to act now for the benefit of the Heine family. If there were other reincarnators, they would probably be disappointed.

When I went to the salon, no one was there. Everyone must be working. That makes sense since I hadn’t worked properly in the morning. The repercussions must be coming in.

But that works out well for me. I can think things through slowly.

The raw material for erasers in the modern world is vinyl chloride. However, that can’t be made in this world. So, I’ll have to improve the existing natural rubber by adding various materials.

What would be good? Adding powdered substances might be beneficial. Also, adding some oil could help. If the pencil shavings adhere better, it should erase more effectively.

After the break, I’ll try various things in the workshop. This is a matter of trial and error.

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