Chapter 353: Closing Device

I confirmed the operation with the model yesterday. There should be no issues.

Now, I need to install the device on the wooden door. I also have to come up with a name for this device. What would be good?

A device that automatically closes the door… If I call it a “door-opening device,” it would be a lie since it doesn’t open. How about a “closure device”?

While thinking about that, the installation was completed. As I hammered the nails into the door, my mother came over. Since we talked about it at last night’s dinner, there shouldn’t be any problem with me tinkering with the door.

“Is it finished?”

“Yes, I just finished the installation. Now we just need to test it.”

I said that while opening the door. Hmm, it opens without any issues. The resistance I was worried about doesn’t seem too bad either. With this, Mira should be able to open the door without any trouble.

When I let go, the door slowly closed on its own, and eventually, it made a clicking sound, closing tightly.

“It seems fine.”

“That’s amazing, big brother!”

“As expected of you.”

“Kyuu!”

Now, Mira opened the door. It seems that even with her small frame, she can open it easily. She let go of the door and happily watched as it closed on its own. Then Rosalia followed.

“I never thought you’d actually create a door that closes by itself.”

“Did you not believe it?”

“It’s not that. I just wanted to peek inside your mind. Where on earth do you come up with such ideas?”

My mother stared at me intently. Could it be that my brain is the target? Seeing my expression, my mother smiled.

“Alex was quite concerned about it, but now that I see it, he’d probably want one.”

“You’re not planning to sell it, are you? If you are, I’ll hand over the blueprints.”

“That might happen eventually. But for now, I think it’ll stay within the mansion.”

In that case, it seems I’ll be making several closure devices and installing them throughout the mansion. I should be glad that I don’t have to mass-produce them.

“Julius, this isn’t a magic tool, is it?”

“No, it’s not. It only uses the power of springs.”

“I see. If that’s the case, even the new workers we hire should be able to make it.”

After that, my mother muttered to herself. It seems that with Sister-in-law Daniela’s absence, my mother has temporarily stepped into her role. Since I wasn’t told about this, it seems they’ve decided to handle it discreetly.

This is probably a measure to avoid taking over Sister-in-law Daniela’s position. I understand that feeling. If I came back to the Heine family estate and had nowhere to belong, I’d probably cry.

“Now that the installation is complete, I’ll go see Oniisan.”

“Oh, if you’re busy, it’s fine. It didn’t seem like it was urgent anyway.”

“I’m also curious about the artisans at the merchant guild, so it’s no problem.”

Just to be sure, I asked Fabienne, and she nodded, indicating there were no issues. After pulling Rosalia and Mira away from the door, where they were playing by opening and closing it, I locked it securely.

Hmm, they look dissatisfied. Well, I guess I’ll install the device on the workshop door too.

“When I get back, I’ll make a closing device to attach to the workshop door. Maybe I’ll have Rosalia help me with it then?”

“Really? I’ll be waiting in the workshop!”

“Kyu!”

The two of them dashed off towards the workshop. Seeing this, my mother let out a sigh. It looks like Rosalia will get scolded later. “No running in the hallway, young lady.” I couldn’t help but notice how Lelie bowed apologetically before chasing after them.

It’s tough serving a troublemaker of a master. As I watched Lelie leave with that expression, Nero, with a slightly ambiguous look, was watching me. It seemed like he wanted to say, “You’re one of them too.” I guess I do feel some reflection.

I went to the merchant guild to check on things. It didn’t seem like there was any major chaos, but I felt like the number of merchants had increased. It might be a good idea to impose some restrictions on bulk purchases.

For now, it’s probably best to prioritize raising awareness. The merchant guild is still newly established. If we plan to open branches in the future, it would be beneficial for many merchants to handle our products and sell them in a wide area for the future.

“Oniisan, good work.”

“Julius, you’ve come? So, it seems like the device was successfully installed.”

“Yes, I came to report about that. I heard from Mother that you were concerned about it.”

My older brother smiled wryly. It seems that he was concerned about the closing device, but it doesn’t look like he specifically asked Mother to check on it. Perhaps Mother is a little overprotective.

Understanding the situation, I also smiled wryly. Fabienne and Nero were both frowning.

I talked with Fabienne and Nero about the closing device. They seemed surprised when they saw the door that closed by itself and spoke about it a bit excitedly. My older brother seemed very interested when he heard that.

“That’s interesting. So, when we get back, we’ll install it in the workshop too, right? Hmm, I wonder if it can be installed in my room as well.”

“That’s possible… but wouldn’t it be better to install it on the door that separates the storefront from the back? Sometimes it seems like someone forgets to close it and leaves it open.”

“That’s true. Since it’s a busy area, some people probably leave it open thinking the next person will pass through quickly. For security, I’d like them to make sure it’s properly closed… Can I count on you for that?”

“Of course.”

So, I took on a new task from my older brother and headed back to the mansion.

That was close. If I had installed a closing device in private rooms, it could have led to installing them in every single room. How many doors do you think the mansion has? Just thinking about it is terrifying.

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