Chapter 87

“But I don’t know how to do stained glass at all. All I’ve done in my life comes from the skills I learned from my father and older brother. And that’s what I do best, so it’s not easy to give up…besides, I thought I had to do Brother Vincent’s share…”

Luciel’s maple leaf-like hand patted Max’s back.

“I know. But I promise you, if you make glass crafts out of stained glass, you’re going to grow tremendously. I believe in you.”

Luciel smiled brightly.

If you think about it, the colored glass that he made for the glass vault in the past was not stained glass, but there were some similarities. It was a beautiful craft that caught everyone’s eyes by itself, so what if he learns about stained glass properly?

Luciel was already looking forward to the glass craft he would create.

“This is by no means meant to give up the traditional glass craftsmanship that the Hamel family has maintained throughout their existence. Mr. Max, I wish you to overcome your own limitations and develop it further. In that way, a masterpiece might be born that will capture the hearts of the Empress and the hearts of all the people of the Empire.”

While listening to Luciel, Max seemed to have already made up his mind whether he had already been convinced.

“…If that’s the case, I’ll try.”

“Yes. So, let’s leave the existing glass workshop as it is and take the time to learn stained glass.”

“Ah…But it may take some time.”

“It doesn’t matter. Even if it takes months or even years, it’s important to do it right.”

For the future, that amount of time investment is acceptable, but it’s better to start as soon as possible. Because Max’s livelihood is at stake right now.

It seemed that he was also planning to act quickly.

“Then I will have to find the architect from whom I will learn the technique first.”

“Okay. I will find out about him.”

Luciel looked at Ellington. Sitting far away on a chair in the church, he stood up and approached.

“It looks like the story is over. Little Madam.”

“Yes. Mr. Max decided to learn stained glass.”

“Ah…you finally persuaded him, huh?”

“After listening to Miss Luciel words, I realized that I must give it a try.”

“I thought you would.”

Seeing Max scratching his head with a shy expression, Ellington smiled brightly. If you look closely, Little Madam was a person who was able to move people’s hearts.

Luciel, who became embarrassed by the proud gaze of the two men, asked.

“Ellington. Is there any architect who is famous for stained glass or a place to learn it?”

“There is a famous architect on the invitation list for the wedding reception, so he will visit the Duke’s Castle. I’ll introduce you then. In fact, he is also a member of the Guild, which his grace is very concerned about.”

“The guild he’s concerned about?”

“Because they haven’t a good relationship with Bellstein all this time.”

“Which merchant guild is it…?”

“It is the Baluk Merchant Guild, which has monopolized the glass craft.”

Ellington’s answer surprised both Luciel and Max.

“…Oh, Baluk guild is the culprit?”

“Yes.”

It was Baluk that monopolized the glass craft business of the country and made Ivnak’s glass workshop close one after another.

Luciel said.

“Then they are our competitors. That infamous Baluk…they were also working on the architecture side.”

“…If it’s the Baluk, I don’t like it. I do not want to learn from those who ruined Ivnak.”

Max bit his lip and said.

Ellington who quietly heard the opinion of the two smiled softly and told them a new fact.

“He was sponsored by Baluk and took on the role of connecting people, but there are rumors that he is not on good terms with the Guild Owner.”

To relieve Max’s anger, Luciel pointed it out at once.

“Oh! He’s just being funded. So he can change sides at any time.”

“That’s right.”

It seemed like it wouldn’t matter if that was such a relationship. The question was how helpful he was.

“Is there any other reason you recommend him?”

Ellington said, staring at the stained glass windows of the cathedral.

“He is the one who built this church. His name is Gallius. I think he will definitely be helpful to both of you.”

After hearing Ellington’s words, Luciel and Max gave the same answer.

“Okay. Please introduce us.” (Luciel)

“…please.” (Max)

“Yes, then I will prepare accordingly.”

“Thank you. So, shall we go back now? Mr. Max, return to Ivnak first and wait for our call.”

Looking at Ellington and Max alternately, Luciel said so. But Max looked around and said.

“Yes, thank you for bringing me here today. I will go back after looking at the stained glass a little more.”

“Yes, of course.”

Perhaps he was really impressed, because Max’s eyes were shining even more. He opened a small notebook, looked at the stained glass, and started sketching something down.

Like a person who was deeply inspired.

“Ellington, we’re going back first.”

“Yes, I must also go report to the Duke.”

“Yes, you must have been busy just assisting father-in-law, I’ve taken up too much time these days, right?”

When Luciel anxiously asked, Ellington patted the child’s head and said.

“No. We have assembled a new team of aides to assist him. Above all else, taking good care of Luciel is one of my most important jobs.”

Ellington bent his eyes beautifully. It wasn’t an empty word.

‘There are a lot of people who can take over your work, so while assisting in Luciel’s work, put her safety first and move with that as a priority.’

I have already received such an order from the Lord.

Perhaps, if anything happened to the Little Madam, his neck would probably be the first to fly. But even if it’s not the master’s order, Ellington will be happy to help Luciel. He was certain that the Little Madam had the power to lead people.

In a way, she could become a weapon stronger than brute force, magic, or charisma.

Upon hearing the report from Ellington, who returned, the Duke gradually adjusted his sluggish posture and sat down.

It was an amazing idea to introduce architectural techniques into glass crafts.

“…She might create something truly unprecedented in craft history.”

He wondered how far the child was looking out with this glass craft. Above all, he was also looking forwards to Luciel’s next move.

Architect Gallius was a person who the Duke knew well, but he was a great man who would not share his architectural skills due to his strict behavior and bad temper.

Oddly enough, there was a saying in the world.

Gallius’s architecture is loved, but he is not loved by anyone.

“But Ellington, is it possible to connect Gallius? Or are you trying to give our little one a hard time?”

“Well…I have no such bad taste in hobbies. Sir.”

“…That sounds like someone that has a bad personality.”

“…Sir, the subject of that accusation might be the other way around.”

Ellington gave the typical smile of a good-natured person, revealing his even teeth.

“I just believe in the power of the Little Madam. The power to lead people.”

“…It’s a problem if you know that.”

As if displeased, the Duke muttered with a cold gaze.

“Then I will go out. The treasurer is waiting outside.”

Ellington hurriedly bowed and left.

* * *

Meanwhile, Luciel, who returned home, stopped by the greenhouse garden before going to her little fief.

Suddenly, the scent of bitter herbs spread throughout.

“Wow, you’ve grown up a lot in the summer.”

Luciel touched the herbs and heard a pleasant sound.

As if it was good to meet after a long time, Luciel smiled and gave water to the cute sounds of the plants.

Tatea, which was a seed at first, grew a lot of greenish leaves, and the stem grew as long as Luciel’s forearm.

The Ruga tree also has quite thick trunks.

These two grew well, so there was no problem as a material for mana supplements, but Thierry was a problem.

Thierry must bear fruits, not the leaves, stems, or roots.

“How much longer should I wait?”

It was when Luciel was looking at Thierry with her chin on her hands.

—…Isn’t that really too much? Have you forgotten me all this time?

Phoenix’s rose, which was drying up with a pouty voice, shook and spoke.

“Oh, Phoenix. I’m sorry…I haven’t been able to give you mana because I’ve been busy.”

Luciel wept at the pathetic appearance of the rose whose petals were turning yellow on a dry stem.

– Wrong. Now, resurrecting is all wrong.

At Phoenix’s words that everything was wrong, Luciel was startled, sat down, and asked in an anxious tone.

“Really? Then you will never be able to wake up? It’s no use giving my mana now?”

– Hmmm, it’s not necessarily like that, but…If you don’t take care of me and leave me alone, it will be like such.

The phoenix pitifully dropped a petal. As if she had decided something, Luciel said.

“From now on, I won’t miss a single day, and I’ll give you plenty of mana.”

-Good. I’ll let it slide this time. Ahem.

As soon as Luciel spilled mana on the rose stem, the rose bloomed again as if it had been fresh since the beginning. Maybe it was because she gave out a large amount of mana to Phoenix. She was out of breath.

It’s still okay, but I need to take a mana supplement for the future.

Mother’s rare disease, Manaris, was also a mana-related disease, so it would be helpful if I made it.

Luciel had a worried face, and just then, Cicline in a white robe entered the greenhouse garden.

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