Artisan Anny
What caught my eye was a butterfly hair ornament displayed at one of the stalls.
It was likely made of silverwork, and for some reason, it really drew my attention.
"Hey, miss. Are you interested in that?"
"Huh? Yeah, it just caught my eye. Could I see some of your other items too?"
"I don't mind, but I'd appreciate it if you bought something. You know, business is business."
As I listened to the lively girl's words, I examined the accessories displayed at the stall.
Hmm, they all seem a bit rough.
Could it be that she's making these accessories by self-teaching?
When I asked, she admitted that was indeed the case.
"Yeah, that's right. I left home to become an accessory artisan. I've had my share of struggles, but now I'm skilled enough to work with silver."
So, she is self-taught.
What a waste.
I’m also self-taught, in a way, but before my reincarnation, I was surrounded by numerous resources from which I honed my skills.
I didn't have anyone I could call a mentor, but with system assistance, I developed the skill to tailor dresses for nobility.
I wonder about this girl.
Would she flourish more with a proper mentor?
"... What’s wrong? Why are you peeking at my face like that?"
"No, I was just thinking it's a shame."
"A shame? What is?"
"You've managed to create pieces like this all on your own. If you found a proper mentor, your skills could improve even more."
"Ah, that. I haven't been fortunate enough to find a mentor. Every workshop I joined kicked me out in less than a month. My face is well-known in this town, so no workshop here would take me as an apprentice."
I see, that's really unfortunate.
What should I do?
"Lily, is this really something for you to worry about?"
"Plum?"
"Matters like this are better left to Alizée from the Trade Guild. Even if you fret, you won't find an answer."
Well, yeah, that's true.
Guess I'll have to rely on Alizée.
I asked the young artisan girl, who apparently goes by Anny, to close up her stall and come with me to the Trade Guild.
Since Anny seemed concerned about sales, I bought the butterfly hair ornament I had initially been interested in.
This should more than cover her stall fees for today.
Once we arrived at the Trade Guild, I immediately consulted with Alizée.
Anny seemed puzzled that I was so friendly with the guild's staff, but explanations could come later.
"I see, so every well-known artisan workshop in town has turned you down."
"Yes. So there's nowhere that would take me in..."
"Actually, I know of one place that might be willing to accept you."
"Really, Alizée?"
"It was originally a backup option we researched in case you couldn't find an accessory artisan. But I believe she might have a chance."
"Seriously? If they'd take me in, they must be quite the oddball!"
"Yes, they are indeed quite the oddball. Anyway, let's give it a try."
Since the workshop was a bit far, Alizée arranged for a magic carriage, and we all traveled together.
Anny grew more suspicious of the favorable treatment I was receiving, but when should I explain this?
I seem to have missed the timing to explain. Hopefully, there'll be a chance soon.
The magic carriage smoothly navigated through the artisans' district and stopped in front of a workshop located off the main street.
It seemed we had reached our destination.
"Lady Lily, this is the Sunderely Silverwork Workshop. The owner is a very stubborn artisan, so please be cautious. They are not the type to be swayed by status."
"Understood. I just need to show respect and have a proper conversation, right?"
"That's right. Well then, let's go."
A silverwork workshop in such a back alley, my heart's starting to race!
I wonder what kind of artisan we’ll meet here?
What do you think about this chapter?
