episode_0020

A luxurious wooden box placed on the table.

Carefully opening it, there was a pen inside.

It wasn’t flashy in color, nor did it have any dazzling jewels embedded in it.

However, it was more beautiful than any pen seen before.

Elegance and comfort exuded from its simple color.

It seemed to resemble Luna perfectly.

I cautiously held the pen, afraid I might drop it.

Then, as if he had been waiting, words burst from Gaius’s mouth.

“This is an item I crafted with great care. Not only does it enhance mana efficiency, but it also absorbs natural mana and uses it as energy without burdening the user…”

“Is that so….”

Though Gaius explained, his words didn’t register in my ears.

I just looked at the gift for Luna, giving appropriate responses.

“I hope she doesn’t misunderstand.”

This is the second time I’m giving her a gift.

I worried she might think I’m trying to win her over with gifts.

Of course, I hope things go well.

I wish she would love me as much as I love her.

But I don’t want to win her heart through gifts.

She wouldn’t give her heart for mere gifts.

So, this gift is purely from the heart.

I hope she feels a little happy, a little more at ease.

If it’s my selfishness, I can’t say anything, but at least I hope she knows it’s not ill-intentioned.

I might feel a bit hurt if she misunderstands.

By the way,

“How does this pen work?”

“Oh! That’s a good question!”

Gaius finally smiled as if it was his turn to boast about his child.

“Isn’t there a small magic stone next to the pen? If you bring your finger there and just wave it in the air, like this! Isn’t the magic stone attached instead of the pen tip reacting to the ambient mana and leaving a trace?”

Listening to his explanation, I examined the pen and naturally gripped it.

Then my finger naturally touched the location where the magic stone was.

That’s how he designed it to be.

The magic stone attached instead of the pen tip began to shine blue, and at the same time, traces began to appear in the air.

Swoosh-.

A blue beam of light was drawn in the air.

It sparkled as if watching a galaxy.

“Wow….”

The moment I saw it, an exclamation escaped from my mouth.

I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

It’s okay to be fascinated.

I had heard various explanations from Gaius earlier, but seeing it in person was a different feeling.

Truly mysterious and astonishing.

Perhaps my reaction pleased him, as Gaius slowly nodded.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“You are truly amazing…. How did you make such a thing….”

Indeed, one might say he is a skilled craftsman.

I even felt awe at the fact that he could hear about something that didn’t exist and immediately create it.

As the engraved beam of light in the air gradually disappeared, I carefully put the pen back into the wooden box and closed the lid.

Having received the item and confirmed its performance, all that remained was negotiating the price.

“How much is it?”

“The payment is fine. Just take it.”

I cocked my head, wondering if I had misheard.

What I provided was merely the cost of materials and a down payment.

The compensation for the technology and knowledge he used to make the pen had not yet been paid.

Of course, no one dislikes free things, so his words of just taking it sounded quite enchanting to me as well.

However, that wouldn’t be right.

The fair compensation for labor should always be paid.

As a noble, it was a problem that couldn’t be easily overlooked.

Did he read my mind?

Gaius continued with a smile on his lips.

In fact, at first, I tried to accept everything. However, these three people are not saying that you are engaged this time, Master Kong. As people who serve the empire, it is impossible to go beyond such a boundary. Please think of it as a small gift and accept it.

Gift.

The way to pay for that one word disappeared.

If I refuse here and give him money, it would be ignoring his sincerity.

However, I couldn’t just stand by and take it.

I had realized his ability this time.

“I will gratefully accept the gift. It’s not much to call it a return, but I want to give you a small opportunity.”

“An opportunity?”

“Yes, I would like you to develop a magic tool under me.”

He was talented.

Surely, if given the opportunity, he could create a magic tool that would be remembered in history.

I wanted to keep him by my side.

Of course, it’s not an easy problem to solve.

Just like this “pen” I asked him for, developing a magic tool requires a considerable cost.

“I would like to see results about once a month. Even just a plan would be good, and if it’s a finished product, it would be even better.”

“But why are you making such a proposal to me with my limited abilities…?”

“Because I trust in your abilities.”

I believed without doubt.

If it was Gaius, he would surely bring great benefits to the family.

And this would undoubtedly be a clear opportunity for him.

Although his name is known, he is not at the peak but rather in a mediocre position as an artisan.

Didn’t he mention to me not long ago that he moved from the capital of the empire to the David Duchy due to decreasing customers?

His personality, which dislikes mass-producing ordinary magic tools, would surely play a significant role.

Anyway, that’s how it is.

This is an irresistible sweet temptation for him.

Like being fascinated when entering a pleasure district for the first time.

The answer to him was, of course,

“Please, I beg you. Let me work for Master Kong.” It was the day his eyes shone for the second time.

Furthermore, it was the day when Rohan Viscount, the pinnacle of future magic tool production, became my close aide.

* * * * *

Rustle-.

The paper is filled along the path the pen moves.

Writing a letter to Luna.

Now, it had become one of the things that had become all too familiar.

“At first, why was I so nervous.”

As with all hardships and trials, I wanted to think that it was nothing when I looked back, but in fact, I just wanted to restore the shattered pride of a man, even if it was late.

I still get nervous writing letters.

I read it over and over again, worried that something might be written wrong, or wondering if my handwriting is bad, I look at it from a distance.

Of course, many letters are discarded in the process.

Even now, there’s a pile of paper on one side of the desk.

Compared to the days when I wasted paper enough to fill the floor, it has relatively improved, but I had to admit that it was still not enough.

However, all of those processes were happiness for me, a series of excitement.

What should I tell you.

Perhaps you’re looking forward to the day when you receive this letter.

Maybe it’s not about recalling the day we held hands during our last meeting.

Of course, it’s just my imagination, just a wish.

But, it was so enjoyable that when I started writing letters, I found myself smiling without realizing it.

I hope someday you will feel the same way as I do.

Thinking that, I moved the pen.

The paper that was once full of blank space was now filled in my heart.

“And so, I will visit you again this time.”

With that sentence, the letter was complete.

I read it over just in case, but there were no awkward parts, and it seemed perfectly plain.

The handwriting wasn’t bad either. I couldn’t write as beautifully as Luna, but it was quite neat.

I fold the letter as neatly as possible and put it in the envelope.

I melt the red sealing wax onto the envelope and press it with the seal of the David family.

Looking at the neatly completed letter, I found myself smiling unintentionally.

If it’s something related to you, I might be happy no matter what.

* * * * *

The sky was clear, and the wind was just right.

It was the perfect day to meet Luna.

Actually, I would have had the same thoughts even if it rained, but anyway, good things are good, aren’t they?

The carriage is running.

Departing from David Viscount to Iris Viscount.

It was a little less surprising for the second visit.

Of course, my heart was still pounding with anticipation.

I held an elegant wooden box in my hand.

I thought about decorating it in my own way as a gift, but I decided not to.

For some reason, I couldn’t just leave it alone when I touched it.

Still, I tied a ribbon around it because leaving it as it was felt a bit lacking.

But even this ribbon was tied by Melina.

Strangely, when I tied the ribbon, it didn’t look pretty.

Well, as long as the inspector wields the black well, it should be fine.

It was at that moment when I was comforting myself with such thoughts.

The carriage came to a stop.

We had arrived at Iris Viscount’s estate.

As the door opened and I stepped out of the carriage, the person I had been longing to see stood before me.

Luna Iris.

As always, she stood there with an expressionless face.