How to Survive as a Princess in a Reverse Harem Game - Chapter 68
“Did you draw this design, Your Highness?”
“Yes. Is there a problem? Is it difficult to make?”
“It seems like a simple item, so it shouldn’t be difficult to make. But I didn’t know that Your Highness was such a skilled artist. This is truly an excellent drawing.”
I felt a bit shy at the blacksmith’s admiration. After all, I had made a living drawing in my previous life, so I knew I was decent at it.
But being praised right in front of me made me feel embarrassed.
‘I did put quite a lot of effort into it.’
I hadn’t had much time for drawing lately, but when I finally got the chance, I had fun and added a lot of shading to it.
“It almost looks alive.”
“It’s not that good…… Ah, there’s no need to make it as delicate as the design. I just need to know the general shape.”
“Are you planning to produce these in large quantities?”
“Exactly. If it’s too delicate, it will be hard to make.”
“Should I send the finished product to the princess’s palace?”
“Would it be possible to make just one first? Not the exact design shape, but just a simple square version would be great.”
“It’s not difficult. If you’ll sit here and wait for a moment, I’ll have it ready for you soon.”
I was about to sit on the small wooden chair the blacksmith pointed to, but I was concerned about Reno waiting for me outside, so I briefly stepped out of the forge.
When I told him it might take a little longer, Reno assured me that he could wait and told me not to worry about him. Returning to the forge, I sat down in the chair I hadn’t been able to earlier.
Clang! Clang!
Listening to the crisp sound of hammering gave me a strangely calming feeling.
Additionally, it was fascinating to watch the blacksmiths in the distance using red-hot metal to create various items; it was quite entertaining to observe.
A short while later, the blacksmith approached me with a thin sheet of iron.
“Thank you for your patience, Your Highness. Would you like to check it?”
“Is it okay to touch it?”
“Yes. It’s completely cooled, so it shouldn’t be hot.”
It looked fine at a glance, but I wasn’t entirely sure. After double-checking, I picked up the item I had requested.
The iron lump shaped like a fish-cat was so small and light that it barely measured the length of half of my finger.
I had also asked for a long string to be made so it could easily be added and removed when boiling soup. This was for safety, in case children might swallow it.
In fact, the idea of adding the string had come from Killis. When I explained my concerns to him, he suggested that it would be a good idea to add an iron string, and after hearing his reasoning, it made sense, so I hurriedly added it.
He had also reacted quite positively to the plans I had shared with him in advance.
As expected, Hezica medicine was an iron supplement. He agreed that the idea of refining the iron and dissolving only the active ingredients to supply it was worth trying, and he thought it had potential.
‘From the prunes until now, it seems like he has only been telling me what I want to hear.’
Was it because of our engagement or the high level of affection between us? Anyway, having at least one person express a positive opinion made me feel emotionally stable.
“How is it?”
“It’s excellent. Thank you.”
It was impossible not to think, ‘As expected, the royal forge!’ Despite saying that there was no need to make it as delicate as the design, I was moved by how they had preserved the fish shape as much as possible.
At this point, it could even be used as a decoration.
“How long would it take to produce these in bulk? Ah, I don’t intend to rely solely on the royal forge.”
“Hm…… That depends on the level of skill.”
“Skill?”
“Forgive me for saying so, but our royal forge boasts the highest level of craftsmanship with each blacksmith. No other forge, not even a regular one, could compare in terms of skill and speed.”
The blacksmith said proudly, puffing out his chest. His face displayed an undeniable sense of pride.
‘That’s nice to see.’
Having confidence in one’s own skills was a cool and admirable thing. Of course, there were more factors to consider now that I had to entrust the task not only to the royal forge but also to other places.
‘Since the ingredients are what matter, the shape doesn’t need to be perfect.’
I would have to think more about the details when I got back. After asking them to send the completed items to my palace, I left the forge.
“Are you done with your business?”
“Yeah. It’s just starting again…… but I think the royal forge part is good now.”
“Then, Your Highness, what is that you’re holding? I don’t really see what it’s for.”
“This is the answer to my assignment.”
“An assignment? Is it one that Duke Yelpen gave you?”
“No. It’s an assignment from Evgenia.”
“Are you going to use the budget given by Evgenia for that?”
“Not confirmed yet.”
My mind was nearly made up, but there were still many things to check. I also needed to find out if other forges, not just the royal one, could make it.
If this led to successful results, I had to consider the possibility of widespread distribution.
It wasn’t enough that the royal forge could make it. I had to calculate the unit cost precisely.
‘I’ll look into it once I’m out today.’
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