Chapter 71

"This is... interesting, isn't it?"

Dag, the craftsman introduced to me by Baron Tyrope and his son Joseph, is looking at my scribble-like design with his eyes shining brightly.

"Shall we use this for the materials?"

"I was thinking something like what's used in this basket."

I show Dag the basket that had held fruit. According to the appraisal magic, this basket is made from the skin of a plant called 'Katan,' which is similar to rattan that I often saw in my previous life. The name is similar too.

"Indeed. Katan (rattan) would be suitable. It's strong, water-resistant, and has a refined color."

Yes. While high-performance baby strollers from my previous life were convenient, the classic rattan pram had a certain charm. I admired it, even though I never planned to use one.

As I supplement the fine details with my half-remembered knowledge, the skilled craftsman that he is, Dag transforms my scribbles into a detailed design. A professional, indeed, we have a professional here.

While I am discussing the specifications of the pram with Dag, Prince Lute and Baron Tyrope are discussing the contract. The numbers I overhear make my back cold, but I will try to focus on what I can do, yes.

After a thorough discussion, we take a break for tea. Baron Tyrope is looking at the pram design and the baby doll with a satisfied smile.

"Indeed, Lady Shina's ideas are wonderful. The baby doll is cute, and this bib, as you called it, is revolutionary! It can be used for real babies too. With this, if a baby's saliva stains the clothes, you only need to wash the bib, not the entire outfit. The baby carrier is also interesting. It's good that both hands are free while holding the baby. And above all, the pram! This will become popular among the nobility!"

According to Baron Tyrope, there are no baby carriers or prams in the Kingdom of Marita. In old Japan, they used to tie children to their backs with ropes.

"However, while the pram can be made by gathering craftsmen, the baby doll, bib, and baby carrier will take time. It's hard to gather enough seamstresses."

Baron Tyrope suddenly looks troubled. I remember Prince Lute mentioning this before.

"Hmm. We can't monopolize all the seamstresses for the Tyrope Trading Company."

The seamstresses also excel in clothing and accessory making, after all. There are no sewing machines here. The dress I'm wearing was hand-sewn by seamstresses.

But making dolls, bibs, and baby carriers doesn't require such advanced skills. Dolls and children's clothes are a bit tricky, but once the patterns are made, they can be sewn according to them. They are closer to ready-made products from my previous life than custom-made dresses for nobles.

Bibs, baby carriers, and dolls can be made by anyone, even children, as long as they have the patterns. You don't necessarily need seamstresses.

"If we could get people to do piecework, it would be easier. We could discover potential workers."

I said this casually, and everyone looked puzzled.

"Piecework?"

"Yes, there are people who can't work outside but can work at home, like an old lady who is good at sewing but can't walk well, or a housewife with small children. We could provide them with materials and have them deliver the finished products, paying them based on the amount of work done. We would need a place for seamstresses to work if we hired many, but this way, they can work at home. We could provide them with written instructions and materials."

"... Some people can't read, so written instructions might be difficult."

"Then we could have a workshop to teach them, and they could work at home afterward. It's not that difficult to follow the instructions while looking at the finished product. For more complex items, we could have them make the parts and have the seamstresses sew them together. Just cutting the fabric according to the pattern would make it easier, and it would also be a way for people to earn extra money."

By the way, Prince Alan said he wanted to teach the orphans a trade. Girls could learn sewing, and boys could make the wooden parts of prams and toys.

A moment of silence. Hmm? Did I talk too much?

"Well, it's just a random idea..."

"No! It's wonderful! Indeed, we wouldn't need to hire seamstresses unnecessarily. And the pram, right, Dag?"

"Yes. The wooden parts are not complex, so apprentices can handle the parts. We could have older craftsmen who can no longer do heavy work supervise and teach the orphans. This way, we might be able to produce more than we initially planned."

Baron Tyrope and Dag are really interested in my random idea.

"If we involve the orphanage, we should invite Prince Alan too."

According to Barry, the orphanage is under Prince Alan's jurisdiction. Also, Prince Alan's fiancée, Lady Hanna's father, is the head of the department related to the orphanage, the Rodat family, I think. I learned this in princess education.

"Other trading companies might copy this method. We should involve the commercial guild to create a system..."

I nodded in agreement with Prince Lute's murmur.

"Yes, like the adventurer's guild, the trading companies could post piecework opportunities through the commercial guild to find seamstresses. Home-based jobs are rare, so it might be popular. If there were a dedicated corner for piecework, people could choose from various options, which would be convenient."

Again, I casually shared my thoughts, and Prince Lute and Lady Saria stared at me. What's up?

"Hehe. Kirin, what are Shina's afternoon plans?"

"Only lunch with Prince Jinklett this afternoon."

"That plan is changed. We need to coordinate with the church and the commercial guild. Barry, what's Prince Alan's schedule?"

"His afternoon is free. Lady Hanna and Lord Rodat can join too."

Oh. I welcome the opportunity to interact with Lady Hanna, but what's the purpose of involving the church and the commercial guild? What for? And my lunch with Jinklett was changed! It's fine since we eat together every meal, but I think Jinklett will be upset.

Sure enough, when I told Jinklett about the change, he rushed into my room. Wasn't Jinklett supposed to be in field training? He said he would be late for lunch today.

Seeing the group in my room, Jinklett looked worried. Hehe, I can see the vein on Prince Lute's forehead.

"Jinklett, you didn't abandon your training, did you?"

"Ugh, Prince Lute. But I had a lunch appointment with Shina!"

"You have meals with Shina every day. One meal won't hurt! Besides, you live in the same palace, so you can see Shina every day! I can't see Saria every day until we get married. I'm lonely, but I still fulfill my duties. Prince Alan also writes letters to Lady Hanna every day, even though he can't see her! Can't you take your job seriously?"

Oh, Prince Lute. Are you scolding Jinklett, or are you just showing off? Even Prince Alan, who isn't here, is getting dragged into this!

"A, ah, yes, that's true, but... having meals with Shina every day is my joy in life."

"I also find my time with Saria the greatest joy! I would like to see her every day, but I have duties as a royal. Learn to be patient."

Jinklett received a punch from Prince Lute and was led away by Barry to return to training. Baron Tyrope and Joseph, surprised, still managed to show their business smiles.

"Indeed, it's heartwarming to see the camaraderie among the royal family as a member of the Kingdom of Marita."

Stop it, Baron Tyrope. Can't you see Lady Saria's red face? It's embarrassing.

"Saria, are you okay?"

Prince Lute, confused, looks at Saria, who is trembling while hiding her face with a fan. I want to tell him that she isn't used to having her affectionate relationship seen by others. At least, she should do it in private.

Is being affectionate to partners a trait of the Marita royal family? Even the king is said to be very affectionate to the queen. While they maintain their composure in public, they are quite affectionate in private. "No matter how old they get, they are as affectionate as newlyweds and very persistent," the queen said with a wry smile. Persistent. Even the king, who seems so dignified, is persistent. I can't imagine it. Is it genetic? It's scary.

Perhaps we should hold a meeting of the Marita royal family's wives and fiancées, led by the queen. The topic, of course, would be "The Problems Caused by the Marita Royal Family's Men's Affection." That's the only topic.