Ascendance of a Bookworm

After finishing the discussion about the Italian restaurant, I turned my gaze from Frieda to the members of the Plantin Trading Company. Probably, Hartmut and Filine, standing just behind me to the left, also looked over, as Benno, Lutz, and Mark straightened their backs.

“This is about the printing industry at the Plantin Trading Company. It seems preparations for printing are progressing well in Greschel.”

“Greschel, you say? I didn’t expect the preparations for printing to be ahead of those for the paper mill.”

Benno said, slightly widening his eyes. But when I explained, “Greschel seems to have a good relationship with Haldenzel and has received their cooperation,” he nodded several times in understanding.

“Unlike Haldenzel, Greschel is also planning a paper mill. So, not only the Printing Association but also preparations for establishing the Plant Paper Association are necessary,” I said.

Upon hearing this, Mark and Lutz began jotting notes on their writing tablets.

To give them time to write, I looked up at Gil, who was standing to my right.

“Since there will be a business trip to the paper mill, Gil, please decide who to send from the Rosemine Workshop and prepare accordingly.”

“The teams have already been divided as per Lady Rosemine’s instructions, so we’re ready for assembly at any time.”

“Oh my, as expected of my attendant, so reliable.”

I chuckled softly and praised Gil, who responded with a slight, proud smile. Normally, he would show more joy, but in this gathering with so many nobles, even that seemed difficult.

“After this, once the civil officials conduct a final check to confirm that Greschel has completed the necessary preparations, we will move the Gutenberg. Please inform Gutenberg so he is ready to move once summoned. The move is planned to be completed by the Harvest Festival this year.”

“Understood. How shall we proceed with the transportation this time?”

Benno glanced at me with his reddish-brown eyes. Having heard countless complaints about the difficulties of traveling by carriage, I knew he was probably hoping I’d say, “Use mounts as much as possible.” The longer the journey, the higher the costs for food and lodging. Since it’s my desire to expand the printing industry, I intend to cooperate as much as possible.

Brynhildr will accompany us to Greschel, so I will also be heading there. There’s no problem bringing Gutenberg along.

“We will travel using my mounts. Please prepare accordingly.”

“That is very helpful, thank you.”

Benno expressed his gratitude with relief. Then, looking back, he said, “...Lutz, please bring the prototype pins.”

Lutz nodded at Benno’s words, took out the safety pins wrapped in cloth from the box in his hands, and respectfully presented them to me.

“Lady Rosemine, here are the Safe Potions you ordered. They are the work of Danilo, a disciple of Johan. If you are satisfied with this prototype, he says he will prepare the number you ordered.”

I took the safety pin Lutz offered, examined it carefully while attaching and detaching it to test its movement. The safety pins were made with meticulous detail as ordered. The title of being Johan’s disciple was not just a formality.

“Well done. Please tell Danilo to prepare the full order exactly like this.”

When I murmured, “Should we give Danilo the Gutenberg title too?” Lutz slowly shook his head.

“Johan said that if Danilo were to earn the Gutenberg title as his disciple, he must at least be capable of producing metal movable type.”

“As expected of the original Gutenberg. He’s strict about work. Please tell Danilo I look forward to him passing soon.”

I smiled at Lutz, who narrowed his eyes and nodded.

“Understood. I will definitely tell him. Also, about the standardized paper currently being produced at the Rosemine Workshop — would it be alright to start using it in downtown first?”

This document standardization is to avoid confusion when merchants from other territories come. Gil had reported that the Plantin Trading Company was testing its usability. We must introduce it to the Merchant Guild as soon as possible so that the staff can get used to the format before merchants from other areas arrive.