Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

78

Max’s heart leaped at the visit of the high nobles.

“Oh, welcome!!”

“Pleasure to see you, Viscount Ilain. I’ve heard great things about your estate. Quite impressive.”

“hahahaha, I’m honored.”

Under the Helian Duke’s gaze, Max didn’t know how to respond.

“I apologize for the lackluster reception. If I had known you were coming, I would have been better prepared.”

Max served the finest wine at the mansion, but even that didn’t seem to satisfy the nobles’ tastes.

Upon this, Viscount Reinhardt made a remark.

“It’s more a matter of protocol, isn’t it? Can’t you see the sun is still high? And wine? At times like this, tea should be served first.”

“Ah, well….”

Max froze at Reinhardt’s domineering attitude. General Ironheart intervened.

“Viscount Ilain has only recently inherited his title. Please understand with an open heart, Sir Reinhardt.”

“Hmph.”

Reinhardt, who seemed to look down on me, appeared uncomfortable, but he didn’t seem to hold any ill will towards Max beyond that.

It seemed more like a well-intentioned observation than a critique.

In this manner, Max began conversing with the members of the Helian faction.

If you were to ask, I was outside the reception room, discussing our estate’s agricultural situation with Dorothy.

“How is it? I think I’ve done enough.”

“Well… You’ve put in effort, but the results are just average.”

After looking at the statistics, Dorothy pointed out inefficiencies.

“With this level of statistics, it’s typical to have poor yields, or to have grown crops unsuitable for the land. I don’t think that’s the case for the Alz family. What was the reason?”

“I overlooked the difference in soil. In the region where I originally lived, we would plant basic crops in early spring and start the main farming season in late spring. But here, the soil isn’t as good, so the crops we planted in early spring failed.”

“I heard about that. Crossing focuses solely on land clearing in early spring.”

“Taking the first step wrong led to everything going awry. The late spring crops didn’t yield much either. If only I had paid a bit more attention.”

I was busy with the academy, war, and all.

After pondering for a moment, Dorothy made a suggestion.

“I think the Crossing region needs to develop fertilizers suitable for the soil. That way, agricultural efficiency can match or even surpass other countries.”

“That’s true. But it doesn’t seem to be working out.”

It wasn’t that King Parain was neglecting it. Rather, due to working too hard, no country could keep up with Crossing in terms of fertilizer development.

The problem was that the fertilizer developed in this way did not suit the soil of Crossing, but rather matched the soil of the southern countries.

As a result, the technology was stolen, and only other nations benefitted from it.

“Hmm… then, Als, would you mind giving me some soil from here? I have something I want to experiment with.”

“Really? I’ll definitely get it for you.”

If Dorothy succeeded in fertilizer development, it could be a historic event.

“Oh, but don’t expect too much. I’m still just a beginner.”

“Even just considering it is appreciated. I’ll have the soil ready for you in the carriage when you go.”

Dorothy was considering slowly recruiting talent for herself since she needed someone knowledgeable in agriculture.

As they were discussing Dorothy and agriculture, Gilbert Salleon, who had been waiting in another reception room, approached.

“Are they still talking inside? How long are they going to make guests wait?”

I took over for Max to deal with him.

“I apologize. It’s the first time my brother is entertaining several nobles at once…”

“Hmm. If you put it that way, I’ll let it slide this time.”

He soon turned his gaze to Dorothy as well.

“But Lord Greenwood, do you not need to be there with them?”

“Ahahahaha… I’m still inexperienced, you see…”

“Inexperienced, you say. Aren’t you a noble with a legitimate title of Viscount? Huh! Helian seems to reject capable talents like you just because you’re young.”

“Well, that’s…”

“Come to think of it, one could say that Duane’s death was largely his fault. If he had a good advisor by Duane’s side, such a tragedy wouldn’t have happened. Tsk tsk, if Wade had been by Duane’s side before, Duane surely wouldn’t have died.”

…”

Dorothy, who Casper believed in as Wade, couldn’t help but waver at Gilbert’s teasing.

Gilbert’s words now sounded as if Helian Duke deliberately prevented Wade from taking action from the beginning.

“Duane’s death was also a sad event for me. Do you know? He was a deputy to my father, Marquis Altior, when he was young.”

“I… I know.”

“Hoo…! Come visit Gransel sometime. I’ll treat you to a drink as man to man.”

From Noble mtl dot com

Indeed, he deserved praise for his political power as much as Helian Duke.

As Helian Duke finished his speech and left, Gilbert, as if nothing had happened, kept his distance from Dorothy and smoked in his own world.

Max, who had come out to see them off, widened his eyes at Gilbert’s face. Although he had received a warning from Helian Duke, he had not expected Gilbert to continue waiting.

“Please come in, Mr. Gilbert.”

Even though he was the leader of another faction, Max guided Gilbert to the reception room, knowing he couldn’t be rude.

Helian Duke watched this with displeasure, but for now, there was nothing he could do but watch from a distance.

***

Thus, on the first and second days of the festival, I also had to spend time working or entertaining guests.

I thought I could pass off the third day with some excuse, but Olaf came in the morning, holding a book in his hands.

“Oh! I managed to produce the quantity somehow, Als.”

Olaf had managed to produce 100 copies in the first print. His ability was terrifying.

One might question what was so impressive about 100 books, but in this world, while papermaking technology was advanced, printing technology was not as developed.

Most printing was done with woodblocks rather than metal plates, and even that wasn’t very efficient, so many books were copied by hand.

The books he had produced had all been copied by 30 slaves with good handwriting.

“In the long run, I suppose we should eventually abandon woodblock printing and promote metal plate printing.”

The essence of metal plate printing lies in the printing technology.

Armed with modern knowledge, I vaguely knew about Gutenberg’s printing press, waiting for a technician who could bring that technology to life.

One of the seven gods. The master craftsman, Luke.

“Go, sell the books and come back. I’ve prepared a spot for you.”

“Come to think of it, I have some urgent matters today.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“What do you know about this matter?”

Whatever it is, there won’t be anything I can’t handle. So, go sell the books and come back, dear writer.”

“Alright, I got it. I got it.”

Accompanied by the laborers arranged by Olaf, I carried the books and headed to the square in the city.

The square was bustling with cultural activities.

Numerous musicians were playing instruments, entertainers were dancing or singing to the music. Painters were showcasing their paintings they had created.

Most of them were individuals seeking recognition from nobles and influential figures. Some were there simply to showcase their art, but in a world where unauthorized reproduction and piracy were rampant due to a lack of copyright awareness, selling books was surprisingly profitable.

Rather than making money directly from book sales, it was more about gaining fame and reputation.

A prime example was being employed as a scribe for nobles; becoming a high-ranking noble’s scribe brought both wealth and honor simultaneously. A common scribe could even have a chance to marry a noble’s offspring.

“They all seem desperate. Will my books sell in a place like this?”

While they were risking their lives, writing was neither a hobby nor a profession for me.

As others passionately promoted their works, shouting loudly, I thought no one would pay attention to me just sitting there.

“Are you the author of this book?”

Seated, a noble-looking woman spoke to me after three minutes.

“Ah, yes. I’m Al… No, I’m Platina.”

“Platina… A name with a nice ring to it.”

I appreciated her interest, but I found it difficult to figure out how to sell the books.

“Should I just tell her to buy the book? Or should I explain the content of the book?”

However, the woman began asking about my background rather than the book’s content.

“Oh, you’re from the family that governs this city.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What do you do when you’re not writing?”

“I’d appreciate it if you could ask me about the book instead of me.”

“But understanding the book also requires knowledge about the author, doesn’t it?”

“Well….”

Normally, I would have drawn a line right away, but as I was in a position where I needed to sell the books, I was confused.

So, today, I decided to change the approach and put on a smile.

“What would you like to know?”

I smiled warmly.

Due to external reasons, conversations of this nature were familiar to me, so I could easily steer the conversation forward.

“Oh, you’re still a student at the academy. Which academy are you from?”

“If you want to know that, how about buying just one more book?”

“I’ll buy it.”

With such back-and-forth, he sold her three books.

“I should share the remaining books with my friends. I hope the content will also touch their hearts.”

“I’m sure it will.”

“Could we meet again sometime?”

“If the opportunity arises.”

“hehehe, then see you next time.”

A satisfied woman left.

“Hwi-yu!”

This was my first attempt at being a salesman, and I let out a sigh of relief without even realizing it.

Although my merchandise was selling, being a regular novel, I decided to take it in stride.

Whether this sales strategy worked or not, customers kept coming in without a break.

Most of the customers were women, including some of my acquaintances.

“You’re the one who wrote this book, Alis?”

“Wow! I want to read it!”

They were the kids who had visited with Yulia noona before. I gave it to them for free since there was no point in taking money from them.

“Surprisingly selling quickly, isn’t it?”

With this, I felt like I could sell out before the festival ended.

“Ahem! Just give me one copy.”

She was a woman wearing a helmet. Although she spoke softly, her identity was easily discernible.

“What are you doing, Eo? You said you were going to have tea with Biscetta today.”

“Eo, who are you talking about…?”

“Well, fine. Here, five copies.”

“Five copies?”

“Share the extras with people you know.”

I decided to boldly reduce the quantity. Eo hugged the book tightly and disappeared.

“Come to think of it, Eo has never read my book.”

I wondered what expression she would have if she knew she had become the main heroine’s motive.

***

With such an aggressive sales strategy, the inventory quickly dwindled, but soon a problem arose.

After selling books for three hours, a crowd formed in front of me.

‘What should I do.’

Women approaching me as if pressuring me.

When dealing with them one by one, I could manage, but with the crowd, I reached a point where I couldn’t do anything.

“Sorry, but if you’ve purchased the book, could you please leave now? The next customer is waiting.”

“Why? We were talking with someone else earlier.”

“Ugh…!”

That’s why business is tough, I thought. If you provide service diligently, problems arise just as diligently.

“Let’s continue where we left off.”

“Please shake my hand too!”

I clenched my teeth.

‘Now it’s a different ball game.’

I tried to treat all the guests equally.

I was forcing a smile as I dealt with each guest one by one.

“…What are you doing?”

Her voice was like a dropping icicle.

Estelle looked at me with abyss-like eyes, and the women surrounding me.

Everyone in the room was startled by her appearance.

“What is this? Please maintain order. It’s unsightly.”

Her remark made everyone put on a composed expression.

Feeling intimidated by Estelle, they started to shy away. Well, even I sometimes shudder, so it must be even more intense for regular folks.

“Oh, hahahaha. I should leave now.”

“I’ll read the book well!”

The disappearing crowd made me involuntarily admire.

“Wow. They all vanished in an instant. Did you use some kind of superpower?”

She spoke directly to me as I marveled.

“Alse, what are you doing? Why were you surrounded by foxes, giggling and frolicking?”

“Wait, what? Foxes?”

“I said women. You must have misheard.”

Approaching as if interrogating, Estelle noticed the book on the table and her expression darkened.

“…I see. It’s today. The day for selling books.”

“Yes, I thought selling during the festival period would be profitable.”

She seemed to understand but didn’t seem willing to accept my sales strategy.

“It doesn’t seem right for Alse to sell books directly. In many ways.”

“But my collaborator insisted that I do it. They said it would sell better that way.”

“Collaborator? Who are you talking about?”

“The person who created the book.”

“I understand the implication behind your words, but it’s still not acceptable.”

“But what other choice do I have? Are you going to buy them all?”

The price of one book is 10,000 silans.

In Korean currency, it’s 100,000 won. No matter how advanced printing technology is, the cost of paper remains high. Even without considering human rights fees, the set price for a book easily exceeds 20,000 silans.

“I have about 50 books left, so you only need to pay 500,000 silans.”

Upon hearing that, Estelle made a surprising move.

She actually opened her wallet, even though it was just a casual remark.

However, she shook her head, indicating she didn’t have enough money.

“In that case, I’ll join in too.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ll help sell the books.”

“Uh…”

It was a good plan. With her by his side, it seemed like male guests would come in abundance.

“Shall we proceed like this?”

“Yes!”

Estelle sat down, looking satisfied as if she had just received Solomon’s verdict, but there seemed to be someone who didn’t want to see this unfold.

“You said it was 500,000 silans, right? Then, take all the books.”

The woman handed the butler a hefty pouch of gold coins.

“But with a purchase like this, what kind of service do you offer?”

Erena smiled and told me.