Chapter 50: New Workshop Concept and a Letter

The new Workshop was planned before I went to Winchester, so Smith, the Steward, has already secured the land. It’s a convenient location right near the current Workshop.

And since I received the reward money, the budget is abundant. Therefore, good materials can be used for the new Workshop. On the other hand, I intend to keep the old Workshop building without tearing it down. It seems the craftsmen are attached to the Workshop they are accustomed to using.

Now, how should we build the new building? I gathered the main Workshop members: Theo, Mabel, and Carpenter, plus Oliver, to discuss it.

“I think whatever Lord William deems best will be good.”

When Theo said that, Mabel and Carpenter nodded. No, I want to hear everyone’s opinions.

“Everyone, you respect Lord William and are holding back. But I think there are times when it’s better to voice your opinions.”

“Oliver is right. I am inexperienced and often fail to notice things. I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts, even if they are just initial ideas.”

After all, I didn’t even have an accountant. Ugh, I’m embarrassed just thinking about it.

“Then, although I am new, I apologize, but I will start.”

Oliver broke the ice for us. I am grateful for his lack of excessive reservation.

“How about putting the administrative section, which the Workshop previously lacked, in the new building? In addition to handling accounting, I think it would be good to have a space for negotiating with Merchants who wish to purchase the Workshop‘s products.”

“I see, that sounds necessary.”

“Then, I request a room for the accountant, a reception area for guests, and a conference room for meetings. Since visits from nobles are now possible, a reception room would also be beneficial.”

“I understand. Let’s create the necessary rooms in the new building. Does anyone else have anything else needed?”

Thanks to Oliver breaking the ice, everyone else also shared their opinions.

“A women’s changing room would be appreciated.”

“A place for the craftsmen to hold meetings would be helpful.”

“A room where development that cannot be shown to others can take place would be good.”

So, everyone did have ideas after all. It is thanks to Oliver that I was able to hear them. I need to make sure they feel comfortable expressing their opinions without holding back because of me.

Now that I roughly understood the necessary functions for the new Workshop, the next is the building’s design. Everyone, including Oliver, entrusted the design to me. However, Oliver mentioned, “Since this is a Workshop that creates unique things, an unprecedented and novel design would be best, if possible.” What kind of design would be good? I will take some time to think about it.

After finishing the meeting at the Workshop and returning home, a letter had arrived. Since it was sealed with red Beeswax, I thought it was from a noble. Since it was addressed to me, not Father, I wondered who it was from.

Looking at the crest pressed into the Beeswax, it was two Griffins. Eh, isn’t this the Royal Family‘s crest? I carefully opened it with a metal Paper Knife, and it was a letter from Her Highness Flora.

The letter stated that she was receiving advice from Merchants who transact with the Royal Family, studying calculation to develop her Commercial Skill, and reading books on the Kingdom‘s geography and history. That’s good. Her Highness Flora seems to be making positive efforts.

It also mentioned that the Prime Minister had started looking for people with Commercial Skill among the vassals and training them as internal affairs staff, and that His Majesty was considering gathering and educating noble children who possess Production Skill and Commercial Skill.

She wrote that it was thanks to me that Production Skill and Commercial Skill, which had been in the shadows until now, were starting to receive attention. I think that is high praise, but I am happy that skills other than swords and Magic are coming into the spotlight.

And Her Highness Flora herself thanked me for enabling her to face her life positively and wrote that she wanted to meet me again. I am happy if I was able to help Her Highness even a little.

I also felt that His Majesty expects me to become her schoolmate. If I am suitable, I would like to become a good friend to Her Highness. I will write back saying I would like to meet again.

However, saying she wants to meet again is also a noble social courtesy. I rarely have the opportunity to go to Winchester, and Her Highness will have even fewer opportunities to come to the western Frontier. In reality, I don’t think we will have many chances to meet.

Well, since it is a letter from Her Highness, even if it is a social formality, I should report it to my parents. When I reported to Father, his reaction was, “It is good that Her Highness Flora has become more positive.”

Next, I reported to Mother.

“Oh my, Will-chan is finally consulting me about a letter from a girl.”

“No, it’s not exactly a consultation, and even if she is a girl, she is Her Highness the Princess. Besides, even if she wrote that she wants to meet again, I think it’s a social courtesy.”

“I wonder about that? The rumor that Her Highness Flora, who used to be expressionless, has become lively as if she is a different person after meeting Will-chan is even reaching the West.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I am so happy that Will-chan was able to cheer up Her Highness the Princess. I am looking forward to what comes next.”