Chapter 156: Let’s Make Plastic Lenses for Glasses

After confirming the information regarding the Apostles at the Stone Tablet of the World Tree, I used Teleportation Magic to send Flora from the Elven forest back to the Royal Palace courtyard. I had received official approval from His Majesty to teleport directly into the Royal Castle, and I was told that this courtyard was a safe place to arrive.

Incidentally, this was also the place where I first met Her Highness. It seems it was originally used by Flora’s late mother, and after her passing, it was used by Flora and the Third Princess, Her Highness Elizabeth.

Since her older sister, Princess Elizabeth, entered the Royal Academy, the garden has been used almost exclusively by Flora. His Majesty apparently explained the circumstances to Princess Elizabeth, and the courtyard was officially designated as Flora’s private space so that there would be no issues with sudden teleports. The maids of the Royal Castle are also forbidden from approaching without permission, so I can teleport with peace of mind.

Returning to Northernford via Teleportation Magic, I took a break at the workshop cafe. While I was leisurely drinking tea, Aira, the leader of the women we rescued from the undeveloped lands, arrived. “It has been a while, Lord William.” “Ah, it has been a while, Aira. Are you doing well?”

“Yes. Thanks to you, everyone is healthy. I came to see you because there is something I wish to report.” “I wish you’d be a bit more casual with me. So, what is it you want to report?”

“Yes. The insects you entrusted to us have increased significantly in number, and we have secured a considerable amount of plastic thread.” “Oh, that’s wonderful.” “Thank you. Therefore, I would like you to come and see it for yourself.”

I went to the workshop warehouse with Aira, where many wooden crates containing plastic thread were piled up. “You’ve gathered so much for me. Thank you.”

After that, I went to the greenhouse near the workshop to see the Plastic Worms. “Oh, they’ve increased quite a bit.” There were many worms inside the greenhouse. This is a sight I definitely couldn’t show to Letty.

“I should probably expand the greenhouse soon.” “That would be a great help.” As I entered the greenhouse, the women who were tending to the worms gathered and bowed their heads.

“No, everyone, please raise your heads.” It’s a blessing that their loyalty is as high as Oliver predicted, but I want them to feel more at ease.

“Thanks to all of you, the Plastic Worms have increased and we’ve secured plenty of plastic thread. Because of that, the range of things I can make will expand.” When I thanked the women tending the worms, they expressed their gratitude for being saved, being given work, and receiving good wages.

The women had good complexions and a brighter atmosphere than when I saw them before. I’m glad I left the care of the worms to these people. Oliver’s eye for people is certainly reliable.

There are many things I want to make with plastic. Cups would be good, as would plates, since they won’t break if dropped. However, even though the production system is ready, the material is made from the silk of insects, so it cannot be used for very cheap items like in my old world. It probably wouldn’t be profitable for cups or plates.

What kind of plastic product would have high added value? As I walked back toward the workshop cafe while thinking, I happened to bump into Mabel, who was coming the other way.

“I’m sorry. Are you alright?” “Yes, I’m fine. But I dropped my glasses.” Mabel picked up the glasses and sighed in relief. “Ah, I’m glad the lenses didn’t break.”

Glass lenses are expensive because they require advanced processing. I can understand why Mabel was worried. If only there were lenses that wouldn’t break when dropped…

That’s it! I’ll make lenses that don’t break. In my old world, almost all eyeglass lenses were made of plastic. Alright, let’s make plastic lenses that are lighter than glass and won’t shatter.

“Thank you, Mabel. Thanks to you, I know what I should make.” “Eh? What do you mean?” I explained the plastic lenses for glasses to the surprised Mabel.

“That is wonderful! It will be a godsend for everyone who wears glasses.” “D-do you think so? I hope it’s useful to everyone.” “It will certainly be useful. When you make the plastic lenses, please let me participate as well!”

Using the plastic thread as material, I tried making eyeglass lenses with my Production Skill. Perhaps because I had seen them often in my old world, I was able to make them well immediately. When I had the craftsmen make them too, perhaps due to a difference in determination, Mabel became the one who could make them best of all.

I decided to leave the transparent soap production to the craftsmen from the Woodpole Baronry and put Mabel in charge of the Plastic Lens Production Department. As expected, it’s best to leave things to someone who is motivated.

The plastic lenses were a huge hit as a revolutionary product. When I consulted with Oliver and raised the wages of the people in charge of breeding the worms, the women came to thank me with deeply humbled expressions.

No, rewarding those who produce results is only natural. When I asked Aira later, she said they all went out to a popular restaurant with their children and bought clothes at a slightly expensive boutique. They are people who have suffered, and I want them to live happily as members of the workshop staff.