Chapter 151: Without Compromise…

At the beginning of the third month, when the commotion of suspected spies turning themselves in had finally calmed down, a significant number of individuals had been apprehended within less than a month, leading to even tighter security measures.

Fortunately, the information they were about to report was all already public, so no confidential information had been leaked.

On this day, the day before the planned departure to visit three families in the western region, there were visitors at the lord’s mansion. They were Benedict, the high priest of Klaufendam, and Mimilia, a priestess from the same church. The presence of these two together clearly indicated their purpose: matters related to the sacred object of Orihime.

“Thank you for sparing some time. I understand you, Isamu-sama, and others will be away from the capital for a while starting tomorrow, so I wanted to report on the sacred object.” 

Benedict began with his usual archaic smile.

“Yes, we’re planning to visit several noble families in the west with whom we have good relations. But it’s perfect timing. We were supposed to bring the sacred onject to Marquis of Balsham, and now we can bring the latest version.”

“Oh, indeed. This must be divine will. Then, without further ado… Firstly, regarding the sacred object, we have been instructed by Lady Nicolette not to increase the number of forms for a while, so there are no new types.”

This was a decision Nicolette made when she first saw the trial variations, realizing that increasing the types could lead to various troubles.

“Our production capacity has increased significantly as we have started accepting orders not only in our territory but also in Count Bisseling’s territory. However, even with this increased capacity, the products are still sold out on the day of arrival, so we are considering further production increases.”

“I thought it might come to that… By the way, how many are you producing per month?”

Nicolette, with her arms crossed, asked.

“Approximately 250 life-sized, 350 medium-sized, and just under 3,000 small-sized units, including the production in the Bisseling territory.” 

Benedict answered while flipping through his documents.

“With those numbers, it still hasn’t reached everyone in Klaufendamm… I’ll ask Count Maraine if we can increase production a bit more.”

“Thank you very much. Next, regarding the household shrines. These are also being produced smoothly under the commission of Viscount Jansen’s territory. The small-sized shrines are particularly popular, so we are focusing on their production.”

“That’s as expected. How about the new furnishings?”

“I have heard that some trial pieces have been made. They will be sent for confirmation soon.”

“Anne and the others will be heading down the river again, right?”

“Yes, that’s the plan.”

“In that case, please stop by Duff’s place on the way and check the new pieces. If you two find them acceptable, they can be commercialized.”

“Understood. We will check them on the way.”

“So, if there are no issues, please start producing the new pieces gradually.”

“Understood. The sacred onjects and household shrines are already very well received by everyone, so we will continue to proceed steadily.”

“Yes, let’s be careful with the pace to avoid overproduction. Now, what are the future plans?”

“Yes, we have three points to discuss. The first point is about the proposal from Viscount Jansen’s wife regarding personal dolls. Please take a look at these.”

As Benedict spoke, he took out three dolls from his bag.

“Oh.”

“My.”

“Wow…”

Nicolette, Annemarie, and Isamu each reacted in surprise. The dolls were nearly 40 centimeters tall and clearly had a different texture from the typical wooden dolls common in Ethersia.

“Figurines…”

Isamu muttered under his breath. Anyone from 21st century Japan would likely have the same reaction.

 They were very elaborate figures of Nicolette, Annemarie, and Isamu. They were even dressed in clothes made from the same material as the real thing.

“We respectfully modeled these after you three, as only the popular Nicolette and Annemarie, and Matsumoto-dono, the master of Orihime, could serve as models…”

Isamu sighed, realizing he had indeed been the model. The resemblance was so striking that he had hoped it was just the clothes, but the creator’s words confirmed it.

“They’re quite well made.”

“Yes, the texture is soft and pleasant.”

Despite being nearly lifelike, the dolls had the quality of finely crafted figures. Nicolette and Annemarie, seeing their exact likenesses, accepted them without much thought.

“…They’re enhanced, though.”

“Nyaff~”

On the other hand, Isamu chuckled at the figure that made him look 50% more handsome. Orihime seemed to like it, sniffing it curiously and rubbing against it.

Isamu was relieved not to be kicked away by her back legs.

“Wow, it’s an action figure…”

Isamu realized the doll’s arms and legs moved as he touched it.

“Yes. We used the prototype of the Cait Sith as a reference. The clothes can also be changed.”

Thus, an action figure model of himself, complete with changeable clothes, was born.

Further explanations revealed that the skin’s unique texture used the antennae of a high-level monster called a monster Snail. Compared to the Fire Snail used for Orihime’s sacred body’s paw pads, the monster Snail was much tougher.

While the Fire Snail was a pale pink, the monster Snail was a translucent white that absorbed dyes well, making it ideal for custom-colored items, though it was expensive.

“These will be custom-made for the nobility, so the cost is somewhat disregarded.”

The estimated price was high enough for a family of four commoners to live comfortably for a year—equivalent to the cost of a luxury car in Japanese yen.

“With this quality, they will sell at that price. Not only for personal use, but they’ll also likely become popular as substitutes for portrait exchanges before marriage.”

“Indeed, with this level of detail, it conveys much more accurately than a portrait.”

Annemarie nodded deeply at Nicolette’s comment. Without photographs or videos, realistic 3D figures were perfect.

However, Isamu found it unsettling, feeling it was oddly perverse to create such accurate representations of real people.

“But this isn’t something the church would distribute, right?”

This had been brought up before when the topic first arose. The church couldn’t handle dolls that weren’t of deities or apostles.

“Exactly. That’s why I wanted to consult with you.” 

Benedict replied. Priests couldn’t directly visit trade companies for negotiations.

“We could go with the Zambrotta Trading Company, but it might be easier to approach the Nashara Trading Company instead. We’ve started handling the Cait Sith prototypes there as well.”

The Nashara Trading Company was one they had encountered by chance when visiting the Innocenti border region. The founder, Wami Nashara, was a lost beastman who had been sponsored by the Innocenti family, and the company still employed many beastmen. Upon hearing about Cait Sith, a spirit resembling a cat that had been separated from Wami in their original world, Isamu had crafted a detailed prototype as a gift. Its cuteness became a topic of conversation, and it eventually became a product handled by the Nashara Trading Company.

“That sounds good. Zambrotta mainly deals with magic items. You’re going to the Innocenti territory during your expedition tomorrow, right? Could you bring it up with them then?”

“Understood.”

Annemarie agreed to Nicolette’s request.

“Then, Lady Annemarie, I’ll leave it to you. Now, onto the second point of our discussion.” Benedict said, pulling out a thin rectangular wooden box and a leather pouch from his bag.

“Here, I’ve created something inspired by the paper theatre Isamu-sama mentioned earlier, depicting Orihime-sama’s recent exploits. What do you think?”

When Benedict opened the wooden box, it contained several pieces of paper with drawings glued onto thin wooden boards.

They had previously discussed how to spread the word of Orihime’s heroics throughout the kingdom. Orihime was a local hero and mascot, mainly recognized by the residents of the Klaufeldt territory who had seen her in person. Benedict had been eager to spread her greatness more widely.

At that time, Isamu had casually mentioned paper theatre—Japanese paper theater. Initially considering picture books, he remembered it due to the lack of television, radio, magazines, and the rarity of books in this world.

For Isamu’s generation, paper theatre was something seen in nurseries or kindergartens, but before the widespread use of television, it had been a popular form of entertainment for children. Its influence had been significant, sometimes even leading to bans by the police and censorship by the post-war GHQ. It was also considered a precursor to manga, with notable artists like Shigeru Mizuki and Sanpei Shirato having drawn paper theatre before creating manga.

Remembering this, Benedict had turned Orihime’s heroics during the recent defense of the capital into a paper theatre. Nicolette, Annemarie, and even Isamu, as Orihime’s master, featured prominently in the story. A glorified version of Isamu was a key figure in the narrative, enhanced by about fifty percent in appearance.

The story had been slightly dramatized to make it more engaging, but it was a truthful and well-crafted tale. Benedict and Mimilia’s performance was almost professional, showcasing their skills as storytellers, common among religious figures. However, Isamu also noted the potential for such storytelling to be easily used for propaganda.

“This is quite well done. The story is true, and it’s very impressive.” 

“Thank you.”

“So, what will you do with this? You won’t be performing it yourself, will you?”

“Indeed. We plan to start by performing at churches and orphanages in Klaufendam. We will also create multiple copies to donate to nearby and affiliated churches for them to perform.” 

“We’ve included text along with the drawings for reading practice.”

Isamu was surprised by the inclusion of sound effects and brief explanations similar to those found in manga.

“For reproductions, the church will handle the line art, and we plan to commission the coloring to the orphanages as a form of work.”

Many churches in Ethersia had specialists in drawing religious art, and their skills were reputed to be quite high.

“I see. This will help spread the word. Involving the orphanages will also make it harder for anyone to criticize.”

“Yes, and for adults and nobles, we plan to use bards.”

Ethersia had bards who played simple harp-like instruments and recited stories. Isamu had seen them performing in the streets and taverns, providing a form of entertainment in this world where options were limited. As professionals in storytelling, they would likely pair well with paper theatres. Collaborating with multiple bards could create a more immersive experience with background music.

“You’ve come up with a clever idea… I understand. But we must review the story content beforehand. It would be a disaster if any strange tales spread.”

Such stories could lead to propaganda or cause trouble if they defame someone. The line between fiction and non-fiction can be blurred, so caution is necessary.

“Understood. We will ensure the content is reviewed.” 

Thus, the activity to increase recognition through paper theatre began. This method would be well-received, eventually becoming a significant industry with many followers—but that story comes later.

“And here’s the third item.” 

Benedict said, pulling out a champagne gold coin from the remaining leather pouch.

“This isn’t gold, is it?”

“No, it’s made from pale gold.”

“What a beautiful color… I see what you did there.” 

Isamu said with a wry smile as he examined the coin, which featured a profile of Orihime on one side and a paw print on the other.

“And you’ve engraved names and dates on it?”

Isamu looked at Benedict with a stern gaze.

“Ah, you’ve noticed? Yes. This is intended as a token for adventurers and travelers who find it difficult to carry a sacred object. We’ll engrave the name and date as a sign of gratitude for their donation.”

It was reminiscent of commemorative medals often found at tourist spots, complete with date engraving.

“Since sacred objects are hard to come by, we thought this would be a more producible alternative.” 

Benedict said with a smile that didn’t falter.

Indeed, with the mold, mass production would be much easier than with sacred objects, especially in this world of Ethersia where phonetic script made stamping simple.

“…Just don’t increase the variety too much. It could become chaotic. Do not create additional designs on your own.” 

“…Understood.”

Benedict agreed, but the brief pause was worrisome.

“Also, ensure that all designs are shown beforehand and let people choose the design they want.” 

Isamu added, anticipating the negative effects of random distribution akin to gacha or trading cards.

“Lastly, unlike the sacred objects that require skill, these coins could easily be counterfeited. They must be produced in this town, with serial numbers in my world’s script.”

“Indeed, they could be counterfeited… Benedict, follow what Isamu just said.” 

Nicolette instructed.

“Understood.”

Benedict bowed deeply. His business acumen was impressive for a priest.

“Then, we’ll proceed with the paper theatre and the tokens. Please take care of the dolls.”

“Understood. Make sure not to push too hard. Overdoing it won’t be beneficial.” 

Nicolette advised.

“I’m well aware. We will proceed cautiously. I’ll take my leave now. May the gods bless your journey tomorrow, Matsumoto-sama, Annemarie-sama.” 

Benedict said as he left with Mimilia.

“My goodness, there’s no letting our guard down. Is it alright to have someone like that as the high priest?” 

Nicolette sighed.

“Haha, Benedict is practically a businessman. We’ll keep an eye on things and apply the brakes when necessary.” 

Isamu said, laughing.

Thanks to Benedict, various Orihime merchandise would likely continue to emerge in the future.

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