Chapter 10

I Messed Up
Today, two days before Brother Chris's departure, the manager of the jewelry store brought over the completed charm and book band. The book band had already been wrapped as a gift.

The entire family entered the reception room, causing the store manager to be quite surprised. Everyone was deeply interested. Sorry about that.

"Today, I have brought the sample charms and the nameplate that were suggested by Young master Reinhardt. Please take a look."

First, the nameplate was placed on the table in its jewel stand.

The nameplate was crafted in an oval shape. The front featured our family's crest, and the back displayed the name and gemstones. Before the name, I had a sword design engraved, with the blade decorated using my and Atre's gemstones. It was simple yet stylish.

After showing it to Atre, I placed it around his neck.

"I like it, thanks (Bark, bark)."

"It seems to be okay. Manager, thank you. It's well-made and looks great."

"I'm relieved to hear that you're pleased. Next, here are the sample charms." The manager brought out another jewel stand with three pieces.

One charm had a medal-like design decorated with flowers and butterflies using leftover gemstones. Another was in the shape of a four-leaf clover, with each leaf adorned with a different gemstone. The manager even demonstrated how they could be attached to bags or pouches.

"Rather than being purely accessories, they're more like small items used for accents. They could be fun as decorations on bags for tea parties instead of evening balls, allowing people to switch them out based on their mood," Mother said.

"It might be interesting to make them cute, like stuffed animals, and decorate them. Medal types or even three-dimensional ones could be fun too," I added.

"Young master Reinhardt, what do you mean by 'three-dimensional'?"

"Imagine a stuffed animal around four or five centimeters in size, small enough to avoid being heavy. The face would have gemstone eyes, and the belly could be extravagantly decorated."

"That sounds intriguing. I'll give it a try right away," the manager replied with a smile.

Realizing what I'd just said, I turned to my family. They all looked exasperated.
… Well, what's done is done.

"Manager, could you bring out the other item now?" I said, changing the subject.

"Ah, yes. Here it is." The manager handed over a wrapped package prepared as a gift.

"Brother Chris, this is for you. It's a congratulatory gift for your enrollment. Father paid for it, though..."

Brother Chris accepted it with surprise.

"This is... a book band? Wait, this medal has my name on it. And it's decorated, too—am I seeing that right?"

"Exactly. Hardt kept coming up with ideas, from the nameplate to the charm and finally the book band, which is why we got home so late," Father explained.

"Hardt, thank you. I'll treasure it," Brother Chris said, patting my head.

I'm glad he liked it.

"Hardt, my birthday is in two months. Make me something decorated too, alright? I'm looking forward to it.” Brother Gerald teased.

Please don’t raise the bar, Brother Gerald.

The manager left, promising to bring samples of the new charm designs I'd suggested once they were made.

I gave all the sample charms to Mother, who remarked, "It was the right call to establish a business."

The rest of my family nodded in agreement.

Although I felt dissatisfied, I didn’t argue and simply pursed my lips.

As for Brother Gerald’s "decorated" gift, I had no idea what to make.

Keychain... Would Brother Chris even have a reason to carry keys?
Wristwatch... I could use diamonds for the numbers, but this world uses pocket watches instead. It'd take time to find someone to craft smaller parts, and I don't have the funds to hire anyone.
Fountain pen... This world doesn't have those. Everyone uses quills.
Decorative knife... Perhaps a knife with an ornate scabbard, designed to be displayed in a room. Do they even have those in this world?

"Georges, does the academy have dormitories, or do students commute?" I asked while lying on the sofa in my room.

"Your posture is improper, Young master Hardt. Nobles from rural areas without mansions in the royal capital would stay in dormitories, but Young master Chrisford should be commuting from your family's estate."

"Do students carry keys on their own at the academy?"

"I’ve never attended the academy, so I wouldn't know for sure. Shall I investigate for you?"

"Please do. Also, do decorative knives exist?"

"By decorative knives, you mean?"

"They’re not functional as knives but have scabbards with ornate designs or blades engraved with patterns, intended to be displayed like artwork in a room."

"I've never heard of such things. Is this for Young master Gerald’s birthday?"

"Yeah, Brother Gerald is so mean. How could he pester his cute little brother like this?"

"Perhaps he felt envious after seeing the elegant book band you gave Young master Chrisford."

"That makes me happy to hear. I think leftover gemstones can be utilized for various small items. Maybe I'll make a decorative knife for Brother
Gerald."

Today is the day Brother Chris departs for the royal capital.

The entire family and servants gathered at the entrance to see him off.

"Chris, as the heir, you must not only focus on your studies but also forge trustworthy friendships. Building relationships with nobles in the royal capital and Margraves from the frontier is essential." Father advised.

"Enjoy your time at the academy. Take care of your health." Mother added.

"Write to me about life at the academy. I want to use it as a reference." I said.

"I'm looking forward to some royal capital souvenirs during summer vacation." Brother Gerald added.

"Well then, I’m off." Brother Chris said, boarding the carriage.

The carriage would take him to the regional capital, where he would then board a train to the royal capital. We wouldn’t see him again until summer.

Although we didn't play together often because of the age gap, it would take time to get used to not having such a kind and reliable brother nearby. It felt lonely already.