Ascendance of a Bookworm

That evening, dinner was to be held at Gibe’s Mansion. It seemed Gibe Greschel had been buying recipe books for research because the soup had a proper savory flavor. As for whether it was delicious—of course, Hugo’s meals were overwhelmingly tastier.

...I wish I could have eaten with everyone in the annex too.

Even if I couldn’t easily chat with Gutenberg and the others, just hearing Lutz and the others talking happily would have let me enjoy a bit of the downtown atmosphere and a warm, friendly vibe.

The conversations here also centered on the printing industry in Haldenzel and Greschel, but joining the subtle probing talks among nobles was exhausting and required caution. At least during meals, I wanted to enjoy delicious food without thinking too hard.

After the probing meal concluded, a proper report on Greschel’s printing and papermaking industries was to be given.

Over tea after dinner, the civil official assigned to oversee printing, appointed by Gibe Greschel, reported while the officials who had come to inspect, including Gibe himself, listened and nodded.

“It appears Greschel’s printing industry is operating without major issues. I examined some sample printed books, and they were no different from those purchased at the castle.”

“If it operates without problems, then Greschel’s craftsmen must be quite skilled.”

Mother, knowing that no blacksmiths had passed certification in Haldenzel, was impressed, but the civil official’s report on Greschel differed greatly from the one I had heard from Gutenberg.

...Huh? Weren’t there quite a few problems?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Hartmut, sitting beside me, glanced down at his notes and let out a soft sigh.

“It seems quite different from the report we heard together from Gutenberg, Lady Rosemine…”

“What do you mean?”

Gibe Greschel’s expression grew suspicious as he looked between the civil official and Hartmut. Hartmut summarized Gutenberg’s report briefly while glancing at his notes.

“Like Haldenzel, no blacksmiths have been certified for metal movable type. Also, colored ink materials are not easily obtained nearby, requiring research with these local resources. Moreover, I’ve heard Greschel’s water quality is poor; while paper can be produced, the quality is subpar.”

Hearing that things were not going well, Gibe Greschel frowned in displeasure.

“Are Greschel’s commoners incompetent?”

...No, no, the incompetent one is clearly the civil official who gave such a haphazard report.

I immediately wanted to retort in my mind, but as the adopted daughter of the lord, if I said that aloud, the civil official’s career would instantly be doomed.

Now, how should I mediate between the nobles and commoners? If left as is, it’s certain everything will be blamed on the commoners.

“Gibe Greschel, Greschel’s commoners are not incompetent.”

The room’s attention snapped to me. Most of the gazes seemed to challenge, “Are you defending commoners?” and some warned me, “Don’t say unnecessary things.”

“There is potential; they simply lack time. During winter, there is an offer from my Gutenberg to bring blacksmiths to Ehrenfest for training. While Gibe Greschel will cover their lodging, with education over time, the blacksmith issue should be resolved.”

Gibe Greschel furrowed his brow deeply at my suggestion.

“Are we to spend even more money on commoners...?”

I, who had initiated the printing project and knew well how much it had cost, understood the reluctance not to pay more. Yet if we hesitated here, all prior investments would be wasted.

“Metal movable type wears out quickly, so without craftsmen able to make them, we’ll have to keep buying them. In the long run, it’s better if Greschel’s craftsmen can make them themselves, but that’s your decision, Gibe Greschel.”

Even if we didn’t train blacksmiths and continued buying metal type, printing could continue given the machines. By presenting options, I subtly removed the easy choice of crushing the craftsmen.