Chapter 422

Industrializing the Kimono
“If it holds that much value, then wouldn’t producing it have meaning in and of itself? Marquis Vardmoi, why not promote the furisode as an industry?”

“Industrializing the furisode, huh? Lily, what do you think?”

They’re throwing it to me now?
Well, I suppose I’m the one who has to answer. I’m the only one who knows how to make them, and I’m the one who introduced them here.
And from the Marquis of Vardmoi’s point of view, I get the feeling I’m not someone he wants to upset.
What should I say...

“I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but I suppose the real issue would be cloth production. When it comes to vibrant fabrics for dresses, silk is probably the most desirable, but the production volume is limited. That’s where we’d have to start solving things.”

“I see. In Vardmoi, the cheapest option is the Spider Silk you make, Lily. But most of that goes out as a trade good. If we want to consume it within Vardmoi, we’d have to increase production.”

“Increasing Spider Silk production isn’t that difficult. But even if we clear that hurdle, the next step would be training artisans to dye the silk, embroider it, and apply color. That’s likely the biggest bottleneck.”

Textile dyeing in this world really is a bit plain—there’s a stark contrast in shades.
Subtle color gradations don’t seem to come through well, which is probably just how things are here. But that difference in expression alone makes a big impact.
Especially when it comes to furisode, which are known for their painting-like patterns that cover even the sleeves.
To apply embroidery or dye in such a way that the design stays aligned across the sleeves requires real skill—it’s not something you can pick up in just a few years.
It’s not a problem to train people over a long period, but there’s no way it can happen quickly.

“I see, so it’s the artisans’ techniques. Watching you, Lily, I’ve been under the illusion lately that unfamiliar skills can just be summoned at will—but originally, such things take years of dedication. We’ll need to consider a long-term approach to training artisans, then.”

“Yes. And also, dyeing can cause water pollution if not done properly, right? I think that’s another thing to be cautious of.”

“True enough. Hmm, I’ll have Kou think that part through when we return to Vardmoi. It’ll be her first challenge as the next head of House Vardmoi.”

Whoa, that's a high hurdle to start with.
But I’ll be helping with it too, so at least he’ll have someone to consult.
I have no intention of monopolizing kimono production, and I don’t mind spreading the technology.
Alright then—let’s have Young lady Kou do her best.

What do you think about this chapter?