Published: August 2, 2025
Today, ten episodes are updated simultaneously.
This story is the fourth episode.
After dinner, we returned to the inn feeling comfortable.
I gave the ale I bought as a souvenir to the slime, and holding a cup in one hand, we continued our earlier conversation.
“It’s best to fully entrust the music box production.”
“That seems reasonable.”
I can’t handle it alone, and I lack the expertise. But then the question arises: who should we entrust it to? Even if sales are left to Mr. Serge and the Morgan Trading Company, what about the craftsman?
“There are many possibilities, but how about first reaching out to Mr. Dinorm? His skills are reliable, and he has knowledge and understanding of magic tools, having developed magic-powered vehicles. He also simply likes new things. If Lord Ryoma has met him before, he might feel less uneasy.”
“True... but wouldn’t that be a burden for him?”
“That depends on precautions, but it should be fine. Mr. Dinorm leads three apprentices. Plus, even I could understand the music box’s structure, so once it hits the market, similar products will emerge quickly.
To prevent that and protect the rights of the technology and product’s inventor, there’s the concept of a ‘patent’... We discussed this with the waterproof cloth, right?”
“Yes, I understand.”
I had been explained about patents before; they’re no different from those on Earth.
If you apply through the craftsman Guild and get approved, unauthorized use without permission can be cracked down on. However, to prevent unauthorized use, details of the product and technology are shared throughout the entire craftsman Guild. Since withholding information would hinder enforcement, you cannot refuse this information spread once you apply. Also, if you pay a usage fee and get permission, others can legally use the technology.
Whether to publish the patent or keep it secret and exclusive is up to the rights holder. In the case of the waterproof cloth, Mr. Serge secured sales channels, making secrecy preferable to easily maintain customers. If the method leaked, it would also bring hope and light to the slime.
“If the music box sells well, others will try to jump in. So it’s unlikely that Mr. Dinorm would be overwhelmed by too many orders.”
“That makes sense.”
Mr. Serge suggested applying for the patent this time...
“Is something bothering you?”
“It’s not exactly bothering me... but isn’t it true you must register with the craftsman Guild first before applying?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Registering only for the application... you probably know, but I’m also registered with the Tamer Guild. Yet, I have no jobs there. I feel a bit sorry belonging without working.”
Specialized people handle letter delivery for Limule Birds, and the slime doesn’t need to mention. Branch Chief Taylor is kind to me, but that only adds to my guilt.
So, if I register, I want to at least do some minimum work... but honestly, I’m busy enough with adventuring and the shop. I think I could do a bit more, but I’ve been warned by the Duke’s household not to overdo it. I have no intention to ignore that.
...I never thought I’d be thinking like this... In my previous life, I used to push myself and say, “If I can, I’ll finish it quickly!” Could this be growth?
“That’s right. If you’re going to entrust it anyway, could the final contractor apply for the patent? That would reduce your workload.”
“That’s... possible, but... hmm...”
Suddenly he held his head—was there a problem?
“There’s no problem with who applies. But if it’s Mr. Dinorm... he might refuse, saying something like ‘How could I steal someone else’s achievement!’ That’s a possibility.”
A matter of pride, then.
“Also, if someone acts as a proxy, after application, the rights won’t belong to Lord Ryoma. In the worst case, profits might disappear. What do you think about that?”
“It depends on what ‘worst case’ means...”
If you delve into rights, I actually have no right to receive profits. If anything, it belongs to some distant person from my past life. I just copied it here and made it; it’s just become a successful venture. It’s even more unexpected than with the cleaner slime.