Published: August 15, 2025
Since Ingo decided to incorporate metal in improving the printing press, I asked Benno to bring Johan and Zack along next time as well.
“...Are you sure about this, Ingo?”
“I only work with wood, so I have no idea how or what kind of metal to use. It’s best to ask someone specialized.”
Calling Johan and Zack seemed natural to me, but Benno said it was unthinkable.
Apparently, the blacksmith workshop normally doesn’t get involved from the design stage in orders placed with the woodworking workshop. The woodworking workshop handles the design and only requests necessary parts from the blacksmith workshop afterward.
Ingo said that if I, as the client, am satisfied, he’s willing to do this unprecedented collaboration across different trades and design the press together.
“...Isn’t exchanging opinions across trades normal?”
“We’ve ordered hinges and nails from the blacksmith workshop before when making furniture or doors, but at the design stage, there’s no discussion with other workshops, let alone different trades.”
Ingo explained it’s to clarify who took the order and who profits. I suspect that’s also why there’s a system assigning exclusive craftsmen.
“The noble head priest doesn’t understand craftsmen...”
Ingo sighed, resigned, while Benno glared at me, silently demanding why I didn’t understand.
...Even if you’re not a pure noble, you wouldn’t understand. Sorry.
My father is a soldier, and my mother and Tulli are simply employed at the workshop, so I’m unfamiliar with the intricacies of craftsmen who bear the workshop’s responsibility. Maybe it’s because I’ve been so absorbed in bookmaking that I never cared about such social structures.
“Well then, I’ll try to think of as many improvements as I can.”
“Thanks. I’m counting on you.”
After Ingo left, I tried to recall everything about the printing press and listed potential improvements. I can’t design, so it’s only words and sketches, but I hope it sparks ideas.
A few days later, Johan and Zack arrived, glancing around warily. Johan looked genuinely anxious, wondering what they’d be asked to do this time, while Zack’s face brimmed with curiosity, as if searching for something interesting in the head priest’s room.
“So, I want to use metal to improve the printing press, so I called you two. Please cooperate.”
After explaining the situation and asking for help, Johan immediately agreed with “Got it,” but Zack frowned and wrinkled his nose.
“Even if you say cooperate, the printing press is ordered from the woodworking workshop. Since it’s not from our workshop, it doesn’t benefit us.”
“Well, I do intend to pay, of course.”
I tilted my head, but Zack shook his.
“It’s not just about money. Helping with other workshops’ work doesn’t improve our reputation at the blacksmith association.”
Helping with others’ orders doesn’t lead to personal evaluation. That’s why Johan, despite his skills, has low reputation—few clients come to him, and he mostly assists others. Johan’s help improves the ordering craftsmen’s reputation and the workshop’s, but not his individual standing.
“If we order the metal parts from the blacksmith workshop, wouldn’t that contribute to your reputation, Johan and Zack? That’s what I heard.”
The printing press order goes to Ingo’s workshop; metal parts orders go to Zack’s and Johan’s respective workshops.
I thought that wouldn’t be much different from a normal order, but maybe I’m mistaken.
“...Johan is way better at detailed work.”
Zack muttered, pointing to the roller used to make waxed base paper sitting in the corner of the workshop. The machine Zack designed but Johan built was easier to use than the one Zack made himself.
I know Zack resented not being able to build what he designed and chewed his teeth in frustration. His irritation arose from understanding Johan’s superior technical skill.
“Parts go to Johan. It doesn’t help my standing at all.”