Chapter 17

I updated (1) and (2) simultaneously.

According to the book, it seems that the fine threads from cocoons, which have been briefly boiled, are gathered into a single thread.

The fine threads spun by silkworms are stronger than I thought. They can be pulled out endlessly from the cocoon without breaking when floated in water. We all marveled at how a cocoon is made of a single thread.

I gathered several threads into one and pulled them, while Ethan wound them onto a piece of wood. Although many of the cocoons were light yellow, their color became lighter when boiled. The white threads were wound onto the board one after another.

"Silk threads are so beautiful," Ethan marveled. Hakim touched the threads with his fingers and commented, "They are so smooth and silky."

When we showed the raw silk to the adults during dinner, they were very excited.

"I thought they were just eating mulberries, but they produced something amazing."

"Selling the silk threads will make more money than selling the mulberries," my parents said.

"If we can weave this into fabric, that would be great," Ethan's mother added.

I also have that as my goal. Homemade silk fabric.

"I'll look up how to weave fabric at the library."

When I said that, Hakim muttered quietly.

"If we gather enough threads, we can weave them on a loom, right?"

"Loom? Do you know about it? Have you woven before?"

"No, not me. I heard that an old lady in the neighborhood's hometown was known for silk weaving."

"Wow. I want to meet her!"

"Sure. I can take you there tomorrow."

Silk weaving? It's quite a lot of work."

The old lady Hakim introduced me to was named Isabelle. She was from Haluya, a country famous for silk weaving.

"I want to try and see if I can do it."

"Is this just a hobby for a rich girl?"

Isabelle, with her white hair cut to her shoulders, wore loose pants and a blouse that reached her waist. Her small house was neatly organized, and there were tastefully arranged plates on display.

"With my physical strength, I can't help much with farm work. I thought that if I could raise silkworms and produce silk, it would be more profitable than helping with farm work."

"Do you plan to do everything from raising silkworms to making silk fabric by yourself?"

"For now, yes."

At that point, Hakim interjected.

"Isabelle, please teach her. I've been really helped by this person. I'm asking you."

Isabelle then smiled wryly.

"I always get vegetables from you. Strangely, since I started eating those vegetables, my health has improved a lot. By any chance, are those vegetables from your family's garden?"

"Um, probably?"

Hakim fidgeted.

"Alesia, I'm sorry. I did it without asking, but I've been giving some of the vegetables I receive daily to Isabelle since she has trouble with her knees and finds it hard to shop."

"It's fine."

The vegetables ended up being delivered to an unexpected place.

"If you want to learn, I'll teach you. My family was known for silk weaving. I can teach you the basics."

"Thank you! I'll do something to show my gratitude."

"Then, can you continue to share vegetables with me?"

"Of course."

And so, I began learning the process of weaving silk fabric from an experienced person.

On the way back on the camel, Hakim apologized.

"I'm sorry for giving the vegetables without asking. The old lady has knee problems and has trouble shopping, so I couldn't help it. But I only give her about one meal's worth each day."

"It's fine."

"Are those vegetables just ordinary vegetables? Do you give them some special fertilizer or something?"

What should I answer? It's unclear if the vegetables have healing properties, but if they had an effect on Chan and Isabelle, then maybe they do.

If my rain has such power, that would be wonderful. But Chan said it took two months for the effects to be clearly visible, even though he was sick. Healthy people might not notice the effects.

"Hakim, you are such a good person."

"What's that all of a sudden?"

"You are as good as my father among the men I know."

Hakim chuckled.

"The only men you know are Serio, Nathan, and Ethan, right?"

"Oh, right."

That's right. I shouldn't count the men I knew from my previous life.