The orphanage has gotten off to a smooth start.
After starting the cooking classes, I've been making soup several times now, and I'm getting used to it. The time it takes has gotten shorter, and the size of the chopped vegetables has become more consistent. Once in a while, a kid tries to throw in weird ingredients, but it's amusing watching the rest of them gang up to stop them.
Maybe it's because we're all getting our fill properly, but everyone's expression seems to have mellowed out.
After a while of making it a habit to work at the temple in the morning and clean the orphanage while making soup in the afternoon, a day came when Father and
"Benno! Please lend me Lutz for this day!"
"Fine, but you're lending me your whole day the next time."
"...Are you looking at me with ominous eyes, or is it just my imagination?"
"Probably just your imagination."
...It's definitely not my imagination.
I kept a slightly wary eye on the unblinking Benno, but I'd gotten permission to take Lutz out, so next was Tuuli and Father.
"Dad, Tuuli, please! I want you to take the orphanage children to the forest! If you're with us, we can get through the gate even with children the guards don't recognize from town, right?"
"...I don't mind, but are you even allowed to take orphans outside the city?"
"I already got permission from the High Priest, so it's fine."
Father looked like he couldn't quite accept that permission would be granted, but once he knew it existed, he agreed. Tuuli said she'd been planning to go to the forest anyway, so that worked out fine.
"You can take them, but what are you going to have them do?"
"I'm going to have Lutz teach them papermaking, and during the steaming intervals, I'd like you to teach them how forage in the forest. I've never been to the forest either, so..."
Tuuli, who had come to teach me how to make soup, already knew that the orphanage children lived in a world different from what she was used to. Having had to teach them from scratch how to hold knives and kitchen cutlery, she furrowed her brows slightly.
"If it's all kids who've never been to the forest before, shouldn't there be more chaperones?"
"You're right, but the papermaking process would be completely out in the open, so I'd rather keep it in the family if possible."
"Got it. I'll help you out,
"Yay! Thanks, Tuuli."
And so it was decided that Father and Tuuli would take the orphans—who were around apprentice age—to the forest. The adult priests wanted to come along, but this time they needed to stay behind and handle temple duties. We had to head to the forest in the morning; otherwise, there wouldn't be enough time for papermaking.
We brought baskets, knives, and billhook-like blades for cutting wood, along with a pot and a steamer.
The plan was for Lutz to teach the orphans how to gather fororin in the forest, steam them, and peel off the bark—just as he and I had done before my baptism. While the fororin steamed, Tuuli and Father would teach them how to forage.
However, to prevent information from leaking through the children's mouths, we'd tell them the characteristics of the trees we used but not their names. We'd also keep quiet about the ashes and the tororo for the time being. It wasn't that I was afraid someone would replicate the product—I was afraid someone would run afoul of a contract magic trap while trying to sell paper.
"Myne! I'll remember everything properly, I promise!"
"Make sure you remember both the papermaking and the forest foraging techniques really well."
On the surface it was a peaceful, tranquil routine, but my mind was a churning tempest. No, "fire and brimstone" would be more accurate.
I'd spent a huge amount of money setting up my room, the kitchen, and the orphanage. It had vanished at a terrifying rate. I had no idea what noble obligations I didn't know about might surface going forward, or how much money they'd demand, so I really wanted to generate some income.
"I already sold the hangers, and the cooking stuff should wait a bit—until the restaurant is up and running, at least. Isn't there anything else? Oh, right, that thing Lutz and I talked about before, the thing to commercialize? Hmm..."
"Myne, what have you been pondering so intently just now?"
"Just... brainstorming some money-making ideas..."
Around the time everyone would be coming back from their first trip to the forest, I went to greet them. I could hear cheerful voices from beyond the gate. And then, all at once, a flood of children came rushing in.
"Myne! We're back!"
"Welcome back, everyone. Did you manage to gather a lot?"
"We brought back tons of black bark!"
"I gathered the most!"
"Oh my, that's impressive. Well then, let's go hang the black bark to dry in the workshop. Lutz, you're in charge."
"You got it."
At Myne's Workshop, Lutz hung the black bark to dry while Father explained knife care and safety precautions, and Tuuli taught the gathered items' uses and how to prepare them for eating.
"Now then, let's express our gratitude to all the kind teachers who taught you so many things today."
I just wanted them to say "Thank you" politely and have it wrapped up neatly, but this was the temple. "Let us give thanks to our teachers!" was proclaimed, and the entire group immediately dropped into prostration.
Father and Tuuli shrank back in alarm.
"...Um, this is how people at the temple express gratitude, and, well, you're being thanked at a level reserved for the gods, so..."
"Ah, I understand. I understand, but... don't be so startled."
After quietly explaining to Father and Tuuli, I urged the children who had finished giving thanks to return to the orphanage.
"Remaining priests have been making soup for you. Please wash your hands before eating. And make sure to clean your bodies before bed tonight—it was hot, so you must have sweated quite a lot?"
"Okaaay."
After watching the children file back to the orphanage, I let out a long sigh.
"Sorry, everyone. Wait here. I'm going to change too."
I went back to my room with Fran and had
When I'd come to the temple in apprentice clothes because of a meeting at Benno's shop, I only had to take off the blue robe to go home. But today, like Tuuli and the others, I'd come in everyday clothes for the forest trip, so I had to peel off the blouse with its fluttery sleeves and swap into an entirely different outfit.
"Please have a few sets of the blue robe tailored for everyday use. I've gotten dusty from going down to the lower floors. I want to wash them, so please have replacements ready."
Delia gave me an earful. The blue robe was made of a high-quality fabric with a touch almost like silk. Having several tailored would certainly cost a pretty penny. I really needed to start thinking seriously about making some money.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
After changing and returning to the workshop, I locked up. I had Fran hold onto the keys, and today we'd all head home together.
"Master Lutz, I'd like to report on today's activities regarding Myne."
Fran, carrying a wooden tablet, relayed a report to Lutz about Myne's activities and physical condition for the day. It was a report he had to make every time, but outside, it was difficult to even crack open an inkwell and pull out a pen. Seeing Fran unable to take notes even if something happened, I was struck by a sudden realization.
...Wait, that might actually be useful to make.
With paper still expensive and notepads not yet widespread, there should be some demand for something of the sort. Perhaps they were already in circulation somewhere, but it would make a perfect gift for Fran and Lutz.
As I let my thoughts wander over how to go about making it and what materials I'd need, Father apparently picked me up, because the next thing I knew, we'd moved to a spot near the central plaza.
"Lutz! Lutz!"
Cradled in Father's arms, I called out to Lutz, who was walking alongside Tuuli below.
"What is it?"
"Does Benno happen to know anyone at a metalworking shop?"
"Sure, but... did you come up with something?"
"Yeah! I'd like to have the board processing done by
Even Lutz, who had clever hands, was no match for Ralph or Sieg when it came to woodwork. They'd honed their skills as craftsmen, and I'd seen that clearly enough when they'd helped me make the hangers. Besides, I wanted this particular project to be a gift for Lutz, so it would be better to commission someone else—Ralph or Sieg—rather than have him handle it.
"What, you're not going to ask Dad?"
"Dad already worked hard for me all day today. So, it's fine."
"I've still got steam left in the boiler!"
"Really? You won't just drink yourself into a stupor?"
I pouted slightly and peered up into Father's face. He'd led a group of complete beginners into the forest, so the moment he got home, he'd be sure to crack open a bottle and crash hard.
"...It'll be fine."
"Father's 'fine' is never reliable. He'll drink and pass out, guaranteed."
My inner voice and Tuuli's voice overlapped in perfect unison. Called out by Tuuli, Father furrowed his brows and his expression turned sour.
"If you can get it done before you start drinking, going to Lutz's place from now would be bad timing anyway, so I'll ask Dad this time, okay?"
"You should just do it first. Good grief—our daughters have turned into spitting images of their mother."
"...Uncle
Laughter broke out at Lutz, who merely shrugged.
I had Father measure Lutz's hand size, and then we headed home.
"So what are you going to make?"
After getting home, Father endured the urge to drink and finished dinner. Then he rummaged through the storehouse, pulling out various boards and tools.
"Hey, Dad. Which is easier: cutting a square hole in a thick board and pouring in wax, or nailing thin boards around the edges to create a rim and then pouring in wax?"
"Nailing the boards on, obviously."
"Won't the wax leak out?"
"It depends on the technique, but it'll be fine."
Since Father agreed to take it on, I poked through the scrap wood pile looking for the right sizes.
"I'd like boards of about this thickness, in my hand size and Lutz's hand size, two of each."
"How tall?"
"About as thick as my finger, with boards going all the way around the perimeter so the wax won't leak out. Oh, and leave space on one edge to drill a hole for threading a cord or ring through—leave that part open. This is what I want."
I sketched the design on a stone tablet while explaining, and Father scratched his stubbly chin in thought before nodding and getting to work.
While Father was busy, Tuuli and I took a bath. Real summer was fast approaching, so even doing paperwork left us sweaty, and since Tuuli had spent the whole day in the forest, she said she wanted to wash off the dirt.
"Hey, Myne, what's that going to be?"
She put me in the tub first and gave me a quick rinse with her homemade shower. As I blissfully enjoyed having my scalp massaged, I answered.
"A notepad."
"A notepad? Not that bundle of failed-paper scraps you've been collecting?"
"I'd like to bundle the non-failed sheets together, actually."
Chuckling softly, I dried my hair and body. When I finished, I swapped places with Tuuli and this time I washed her hair.
"It's technically called a 'writing tablet' or 'tablet book' or 'diptych,' but just think of it as a notepad that doesn't erase as easily as a stone tablet."
"You mentioned having someone at a metalworking shop do something?"
"I want to have a stylus made."
The next day, I had Lutz carry the boards Father had processed in a tote bag, and I went with Lutz to Benno's shop as usual. Since I'd had to give up Lutz for the day, there was a standing agreement that Benno would have me at his disposal for a full day in return—perfect timing.
"Good morning, Benno. Please tell me about a shop that sells wax and a workshop that does metalworking."
"What are you plotting this time?"
"That sounds awful... I was thinking of getting presents for Lutz and Fran, but I can't make them myself, so I wanted you to introduce me to a workshop."
"...For me?"
At my words, Lutz looked down at my tote bag. Seeing the tightly packed boards, he furrowed his brows.
"Right. You and Fran have both been working so hard, so this is a thank-you."
"What about Gil?"
"He can't write yet, so I think a stone tablet would suit Gil and Delia better."
"Hmm..."
Even so, Lutz couldn't help but crack a pleased smile. In response, Benno's mouth thinned into a hard line.
"Hey, Myne. Nothing for me?"
"...Benno, you should see the finished product first, and if you decide you want one, place a proper order through a woodworking shop. It wouldn't suit a man of your stature to carry around something with a handcrafted feel."
If Benno—the big-shot proprietor of a major trading company, surrounded by nothing but luxury goods—walked around with a handcrafted writing tablet, it would stick out like a sore thumb. Giving a thank-you gift was one thing, but I wanted him to have something made properly by a real craftsman, not something I'd cobbled together myself.
"The wax shop and the blacksmith, right? Let's go."
He took me to a shop that made and sold candles, where I had them pour melted wax into the frames Father had built.
I could see the workshop through the counter. The six boards Father had made were lined up, and smooth, melted wax was being poured into each one. The actual work took less than a minute. The time spent waiting for it to harden was far longer.
"From our end it's a simple job, but it's certainly a strange one. What's it used for?"
"Um, a 'writing tablet.'"
"What's that now?"
While we waited, I chatted with a man who came out to the counter. It was clear the product didn't quite click with him. Naturally, there was zero demand for something that let you write outside among people who didn't. Come to think of it, writing tablets might not be viable as a commercial product at all.
...I should probably brainstorm some other products too.
After waiting for the wax to set reasonably well, we headed to the blacksmith shop. Seeing how easily I could get exactly what I wanted, I truly understood how important financial resources and personal connections were. It was nothing like when I'd first become Myne, clumsily trying things out at home.
"I'm Benno from the
We headed to the workshop on Artisan Street, and Benno called inside as he pushed open the door.
A wave of heat billowed out from beyond the doorway—more stifling than the blazing summer sun outside. It was a metalworking shop, so a forge burning inside was to be expected, but the blast of heat was still staggering.
Heart pounding with curiosity about what kind of work they were doing, I peered inside. The hottest area turned out to be behind a firmly shut door at the back. The apprentice who'd been minding the front desk ducked behind the counter, and all I could see was a counter-table for taking orders and a simple round stool.
Scanning the bare shop with no products on display, a burly man came lumbering out from the back. His upper arms were thicker than my waist. He had a thick beard but thinning hair, and those wide, bulging eyes were a bit scary.
"Oh, Benno. What's it about? Buttons for the nobility again?"
"Not buttons this time. I wanted you to hear this one's order."
"This tiny little miss's? Go ahead, speak up."
"O-okay! First, I'd like rings to connect board to board like this..."
I drew a picture on the stone tablet showing boards linked together like a notepad, and the master said it would be no trouble at all.
"Then, I'd like a 'stylus.'"
"A what?"
"Something like this."
Erasing the previous drawing, I sketched the stylus I wanted.
It was shaped like a mechanical pencil with a narrow tip for inscribing letters into wax, and a flat, spatula-like end on the opposite side for erasing. If possible, I also wanted a clip so it could hook onto the ring that held the boards together.
"I'd like three of these, please."
"What is this? Pretty intricate stuff. ...Hey,
The master, who'd been craning his neck over the stone tablet, called toward the back behind the shut door. A teenage boy with bright orange curly hair tied back in a single ponytail came out.
"This is our apprentice Johann. He's still an apprentice, but he handles very detailed work. His skill is already on par with a full craftsman."
"I'm Johann. Nice to meet you. So, what's the order?"
I showed him the stone tablet and gave the same explanation I'd given the master. Johann pulled out a wooden tablet and started scratching out what looked like a technical drawing. It was much neater than anything I could manage. A true craftsman through and through.
"How thin do you want the tip?"
"As thin as a sewing needle, with a sharp point. But that would be hard to hold, so the grip should be about as thick as a regular pen..."
"That wouldn't be precise enough."
Johann let out a small sigh, set down his pen, disappeared to the back, and returned with a bundle of round rods in several different diameters. They were laid out on the counter, and he instructed me to hold each one.
"Which thickness feels most comfortable?"
"Um, this one for me. How about you, Lutz?"
"For me, if it's going to be a pen, this one fits my hand better."
Since Lutz and I had different hand sizes, the thickness and weight that felt right varied. I looked up at Benno.
"I also need one for Fran, so would you mind picking one out, Benno?"
"...This one. That makes two. Make one for me as well."
"But if you only have a 'stylus' and no writing tablet, you can't use it!"
"I'll have one made later. Metalwork takes time, so it's better to place the order early."
Nodding at Benno's words, I called out to Johann, "Four in total, please," and he gave a firm nod.
"Understood. Also, what about this spatula-like part? What's it used for? How wide should it be? What angle should this section be at? And what's this clip thing? It hooks onto the ring? Then I'll need to match the ring's width to the stylus, won't I? How long should it be?"
Questions came flying one after another, but as long as he was this meticulous, the finished product would surely turn out right. Growing excited, I answered every one.
Nearby, the master spoke quietly with Benno about Johann. He was described as a nervous, detail-obsessed craftsman type—flawless in his work, but correspondingly slow. He had a habit of asking the client so many questions that people often found him annoying. I personally appreciated having my orders heard in such detail, but apparently the world had more people who didn't.
"If Johann learned to compromise a bit, life would be a lot easier for him. But it's precisely because he doesn't compromise that he makes good things. I'm looking for a patron who can put his skills to use—Benno, anyone come to mind?"
Benno hesitated for a moment, then glanced briefly at me.
"A girl this small would be too small-time. You'd need someone who's at least an adult with money to spend freely before you could call them a proper patron."
"...Right."
Since Benno cut off the conversation there, I kept my mouth shut.
...I mean, technically, I am the head of my own workshop and I do have some money I can use as I please. That level of detail really impressed me, so once I see the finished product, I'd be quite happy to commission some metalwork from him. Yeah.
"Hey, Myne. Stop spacing out. If you're done with the order, we're heading to the woodworking shop next."
I was hoisted up in one swift motion, and Benno strode out of the blacksmith shop.
It looked like Benno was dead set on getting his own writing tablet made.
I tried making a tablet book.
Next time: placing an order at the woodworking shop.