Published: July 26, 2025
“This is……”
Muttering this, the Guild Master froze.
Tulli only used this hair ornament during the baptism ceremony. Something must have happened then. My heart skipped a beat as his previously carefree smile suddenly vanished, and I turned to Benno for help.
“The Guild Master has frozen—are you alright?”
Unlike my worry, Benno showed a brief expression like a carnivore licking its lips, then flashed a black smile.
“Isn’t this the hair ornament the Guild Master was looking for?”
“Are you going to sell this!?”
The Guild Master’s eyes snapped wide open, staring alternately at Benno and me. His expression, devoid of a smile and biting like a predator, was frightening enough to make me catch my breath.
...Lutz, that’s unfair! Hiding behind Benno!
I tried to sneak around behind Benno as well, but he grabbed my shoulder and firmly pushed me forward.
“Ah, this is supposed to be for winter’s handiwork.”
“Winter’s handiwork… then can you sell this immediately?”
The Guild Master reached for the hair ornament I was holding. Startled by his eyes shining fiercely as if he wouldn’t ever give it back if he took it, I hurriedly put the hair ornament back into my tote bag.
“No. I made this for Tulli. I can’t sell it.”
“Offer this much,” he said, holding up three fingers sharply. It was probably a sign indicating a price, but I had no idea what it meant.
Fumbling, I looked at Benno, who was smiling more broadly.
“Hmm, I see… If you add a bit more color, I might be able to make it a priority. What do you think, Myne?”
“Y-Yes, I agree with what Benno-san said.”
I couldn’t consider arguing. Wearing a forced smile, I followed Benno’s lead.
“If we start now, it’ll be just in time for your granddaughter’s winter baptism, right, Myne?”
“Yes, it’ll be fine.”
...Ah, I see. The granddaughter who saw Tulli’s hair ornament during the summer baptism wanted something similar.
Benno’s words finally clarified the situation.
Although as the Guild Master of the Merchant Guild he should have the best information on what’s circulating in this town, they couldn’t find any hair ornaments like this one.
My family made it only for Tulli; it’s not for sale, and there’s nothing similar on the market. The winter baptism is fast approaching, so they must have been at a loss.
“...There’s only about a month left, but can you make it?”
I recalled that mother said making the small flowers surprisingly required time and thread, so it was only feasible during winter when there was nothing else to do. This season was too busy. But since this would be paid work, focusing on it wouldn’t be a problem.
It would take some time to procure thread and hear the granddaughter’s preferences, but it would still be enough time for the winter baptism.
“Yes. Though this isn’t for sale, making new ones is no problem. Right, Lutz?”
“Yeah, I can do it.”
Lutz and I nodded firmly to accept the commission. Benno, who had been nodding beside me, grinned and added:
“However, since neither of you is registered yet, it’s regrettable that even if you make them, you won’t be able to sell or trade them…”
“Gah… Then let’s do a provisional registration first and place the order after...”
The match between Benno and the Guild Master seemed to have been quickly decided.
Without any major objections or having to produce paperwork, Benno was in a good mood for completing the provisional registration and was about to leave the Guild Master’s office.
“Well then, shall we head downstairs?”
“Wait. The children can wait here for their Guild Cards. I also want to place the order.”
At the Guild Master’s words, Benno clicked his tongue lightly but turned back with a smile.
“If I leave the kids alone, who knows what trouble they’ll cause, so I’ll wait here too.”
“No, you’re overestimating the children’s discipline. There should be no problem without Benno here, right?”
The Guild Master’s smile looked kind but had a scheming air that was scary. Feeling like I might be manipulated at any moment, I instinctively grasped Benno’s hand.