Chapter 615: The Gramophone Debut Party 

After lunch, we immediately resumed work on the gramophones.

The first priority was completing the exterior casing of the gramophone that would be presented to His Majesty.

Using the sketch I had drawn earlier as a reference, I carefully carved Mira’s likeness into the surface, gradually bringing the image to life in raised relief. Every stroke demanded concentration. One careless movement could ruin hours of work.

Across from me, Rosalia was busy adding decorative patterns to another gramophone.

The workshop echoed with a pleasant rhythm of light tapping.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The cheerful sound of carving tools striking wood and metal filled the room, creating an atmosphere that was surprisingly relaxing.

We had been working for some time when a servant entered carrying a letter.

It was from Fabienne.

Taking the opportunity for a short break, I set down my tools and opened it.

After quickly scanning the contents, I blinked.

Fabienne wanted to come here starting tomorrow.

“She’s not pushing herself too hard, is she?”

“What is it?”

Nero looked up from his work.

“Here.”

I handed him the letter.

“Read this and tell me what you think.”

“Of course.”

Nero accepted it respectfully.

“Excuse me.”

While Nero read, I enjoyed a cup of tea he had prepared earlier.

Rosalia apparently decided that this was an excellent time for a break as well.

Lillie immediately began arranging tea and snacks for her mistress.

Watching the scene, I felt oddly reassured.

Lillie really had become a capable attendant.

Rosalia was in good hands.

After finishing the letter, Nero lowered it and fell into thought.

His expression grew serious.

I waited patiently.

“Well?”

“What do you think?”

“I believe it would be fine to accept Fabienne-sama’s request.”

Nero answered after a moment.

“She seems to understand that she’ll become increasingly busy in the future.”

He folded the letter neatly before continuing.

“And if she’s being escorted here and back every day, Baron and Baroness Amber will likely feel reassured as well.”

“I see.”

That made sense.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

Originally, I’d been hoping to spend some quiet time with my family after returning home.

But…

If Fabienne wanted to come, there was no reason to refuse.

“Could you bring me some stationery?”

“Immediately.”

Nero nodded.

It was best to reply right away.

If I put it off until later, there was always the risk that I’d forget.

That sort of thing happened more often than people liked to admit.

“Onii-sama, is Fabienne-neesan coming?”

Rosalia’s eyes sparkled instantly.

“That’s right.”

I nodded.

“She’ll probably start visiting tomorrow.”

“Though I’ll need to inform Father afterward.”

“Yay!”

Rosalia clapped her hands happily.

“I want to drink tea with Fabienne-neesan again!”

“Kyuu!”

Mira enthusiastically agreed.

“I’m sure Fabienne will be happy to hear that.”

The two of them clearly welcomed the news wholeheartedly.

Good.

I was relieved.

At least Fabienne wasn’t being secretly disliked.

That would’ve been awkward.

And if Fabienne came…

The workload would become much easier to manage.

We could divide responsibilities between magical tool crafting and potion production.

The only issue was the clover-gathering expedition.

Would it be alright to leave Fabienne behind while everyone else went?

That felt a little unfair.

I’d have to think about it.

That evening, during dinner, I officially obtained permission for Fabienne to begin visiting the mansion the following day.

Father and Mother’s response was surprisingly casual.

“She’s already part of the family.”

Father shrugged.

“Do as you like.”

“Indeed.”

Mother smiled.

“You don’t need to ask for permission every single time.”

And just like that, it was settled.

From now on, I could invite Fabienne to the mansion whenever I wished.

Somehow, that realization made our engagement feel even more real.

“Mother’s gramophone is finished.”

Rosalia announced proudly during dinner.

“I’ll show it to you after we’re done eating.”

“Oh my.”

Mother looked pleasantly surprised.

“Already?”

“You finished much faster than I expected.”

“I worked very hard!”

Rosalia puffed out her chest proudly.

And honestly, she had every right to.

She’d been working on it right up until dinner was served.

I’d seen the finished product myself.

It was magnificent.

There was no doubt Mother would love it.

In fact, I was already looking forward to seeing her reaction.

“Sister-in-law Daniela.”

I turned toward Daniela.

“The gramophone intended for His Majesty is finished as well.”

“Would you mind inspecting it with me afterward?”

“Of course.”

Her eyes lit up with anticipation.

“I’ve been looking forward to seeing it.”

That reaction only made my stomach hurt.

I was fairly confident that I’d matched the king’s tastes.

But presenting something to royalty always carried pressure.

What if I had overlooked something?

What if it wasn’t good enough?

No matter how many times I reassured myself, the anxiety lingered.

The conversation eventually shifted to the planned clover-gathering trip.

Unfortunately, no date had been finalized yet.

“Since more participants have been added,” Father explained, “scheduling has become somewhat complicated.”

“Please wait a little longer.”

That was understandable.

Coordinating a larger group inevitably required more preparation.

Still…

When the subject came up, both Alex-niisama and Sister-in-law Daniela reacted immediately.

A little too immediately.

Wait.

Were they planning to come too?

I stared at them suspiciously.

Surely not.

Taking a princess into a monster-infested wilderness was a terrible idea.

There was no way that should be allowed.

Absolutely not.

Since the expedition was still some time away, I decided to focus on another project in the meantime.

The development of my new fertilizer.

Rapid Growth No.2

Thankfully, Fabienne would be arriving tomorrow.

With her help, progress would undoubtedly accelerate.

The only remaining question was classification.

Should Rapid Growth No.2 be registered as a fertilizer?

Or as a potion?

“Hmmm…”

I considered the issue carefully.

This time it would only be used in a limited area.

That being the case…

It was probably safer to classify it as a potion.

After all, a fertilizer that directly infused soil with magical power was unprecedented.

Trying to register something like that as ordinary fertilizer would probably cause endless headaches.

A potion designation would be much simpler.

The moment dinner ended, everyone gathered in the salon for an unveiling ceremony.

Rosalia proudly carried in the gramophone she had made for Mother.

And the instant Mother saw it—

Exactly as expected—

She let out a cry of delight.

“Rosalia!”

Mother’s eyes shone.

“It’s beautiful!”

She didn’t quite rub her cheek against it.

But she looked dangerously close to doing so.

“Thank you.”

Mother carefully held the gramophone as though it were a priceless treasure.

“This is the finest gift I’ve ever received.”

“It’ll become one of my greatest treasures.”

“I’m so glad you like it!”

Rosalia practically glowed with pride.

For a magical tool artisan, this was probably one of life’s greatest moments.

Seeing someone genuinely moved by your creation.

Watching your work bring happiness.

I could understand that feeling.

Sister-in-law Daniela had praised my gramophone as well.

There was a deep sense of accomplishment in knowing that all the effort had been worth it.

“This is wonderful.”

Sister-in-law Daniela examined the royal gramophone closely.

“I think His Majesty will be delighted.”

Then she smiled awkwardly.

“Though… if Mother sees this, she’ll absolutely want one too.”

Those words sounded alarmingly ominous.

I immediately pictured the queen demanding her own gramophone.

Yeah.

I’d better make one for Her Majesty as well.

Offending the queen seemed like a terrible life decision.

Music already flowed through the salon from one of the completed gramophones.

The gentle melody filled the room.

Everyone listened quietly.

Every face wore a satisfied expression.

The atmosphere was warm and peaceful.

For a moment, it felt like the perfect evening.

“Julius.”

Father suddenly called out.

“This is the sheet music I mentioned before.”

He handed over several pages.

“Do you think you can play it?”

“Let me take a look.”

I accepted the score and began reading.

Hmm.

I see.

Interesting.

Wait.

My eyes widened.

This song…!

It was the opening theme from a game I used to play in my previous life.

Why?!

My mind froze.

No.

Seriously.

Why was this here?

Could there really be some connection between that game and this world?

Countless possibilities raced through my head.

Perhaps there had been another reincarnated person long before me.

Someone who had been asked to spread music throughout this world, just as I had.

The timelines didn’t need to match.

There was no reason reincarnated individuals had to arrive in the same era.

The mystery only deepened.

If anything, I now had more questions than answers.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the time to get lost in speculation.

Father was still waiting for an answer.

I carefully composed myself.

Then I looked up.

“I think…”

I said slowly.

“I can probably play it.”

“So you can?”

Father’s eyes brightened.

“In that case… would you play it for us?”

“Well…”

I hesitated slightly.

“I don’t mind, but…”