Let’s Make a Gift for Enrollment
“Here is the estimated cost for the requested items. Please confirm,” the manager said, handing the estimate to my father.
“Aren’t the gemstone prices too low? No, I’m grateful they’re affordable, but...”
The manager gave a wry smile.
“These gemstones are actually offcuts produced during the cutting process.”
“Offcuts? Are there even smaller pieces?”
“Yes, most of them are smaller. Larger offcuts can still be used for accessories, but these are pieces too small to be useful otherwise.”
An idea popped into my head, so I borrowed some paper and a pen.
“What about designing a sword on the back of the nameplate, using sugilite and tanzanite for the blade? Or maybe drawing two swords, each with the gemstones making up the blade?”
Then, as another suggestion, I drew a circle with a clover inside.
“For example, you could create a small medal with flowers or leaves drawn on it and fill the gaps with small gemstones. Wouldn’t that be cute? For instance, a clover could be made with gemstones chosen based on their meanings. Since clovers have four petals, you could use a different gemstone for each one. You could attach it to the drawstring of a pouch, as an accent for a woman’s bag, or promote it as a personalized charm—something that’s unique to the owner. I think it would sell well.”
Father and the others stared at me in astonishment.
I thought decorating charms sounded nice… Oh!
“What if we attach them to the straps used by students to bind their textbooks and notebooks?” I imagined Brother Chris using it in his school life.
“Reinhardt, how do you come up with so many ideas one after another?” Father said in an exasperated tone.
“Young master Reinhardt, please explain in more detail. Dealing with offcuts has been a long-standing challenge for those of us in the gemstone industry,” the manager said, unable to contain his excitement.
I listed off every idea I could think of.
For the book band, I decided to have the centerpiece made of silver, with Brother Chris’s name decorated in peridot. Ideally, I’d use emeralds to match his eyes, but that would be too extravagant for a book band. Besides, I’m asking Father to pay for it.
The manager suggested applying for a patent, saying it could revolutionize the market. He assured me it would appeal to other shops, attract a broader customer base, and become a hit.
I left the complicated matters to Father—or maybe Mother would be better for this.
In any case, I asked them to rush the book band’s production so it would be ready before Brother Chris’s departure.
On the way back in the carriage, Father muttered, “What am I going to tell Vivi...”
Is there something to get scolded for?
When I looked at him curiously, he sighed heavily.
“We’re trying to keep Atre hidden, and yet you’re drawing attention to yourself.”
The jewelry shop incident? It didn’t seem like a big deal to me.
I figured the designs were more targeted at wealthy commoners rather than the nobility.
“When you apply for a patent and it becomes successful, people will inevitably investigate who owns it. The manager said dealing with gemstone offcuts was a long-standing issue, didn’t he? It’s clear this will gain popularity. Even I thought so when I heard about it. And if people learn you’ve contracted with a Silver Wolf pup, it’ll only increase interest in you. Worse, you might be flooded with marriage proposals.”
No way! That’s awful! I’m only seven!
I don’t want marriage proposals! Maybe Mother can do something about this?
Would making her a charm as a first gift win her over?
“I’ll consult your mother, but your brothers will need to know as well.”
“That’s fine. They’re probably wondering why we haven’t returned home yet, so it’s bound to come up anyway.”
“I’ll tell them, but let’s keep the book band a secret. I want to surprise Brother Chris with it.”
“Alright. I’ll quietly let Vivi know about the book band later.”
What do you think about this chapter?
