Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 223

After coming to terms with the seriousness of the situation, I once again discuss with Deacon Michelino how to resolve it. Above all else, I need to make shoes for the Cardinal.

To that end, I ask Deacon Michelino for practical support.

“First of all, I would like to know the Cardinal’s foot size. If possible, I’d like to take a mold of his foot. If that’s difficult, I can borrow a pair of shoes he has worn in the past and make several patterns to match them.”

Deacon Michelino nods.

“I see, Kenji. You make shoes that are particular about the shape of the feet. I also use these shoes because they have a soft sole, and the curved part fits my feet well, so I don’t get tired even when I wear them for a long time. They’re very convenient. So, you mentioned wanting to make a mold of the Cardinal’s foot. I’ve never heard of that before. How do you make one?”

I gesture as if stepping my foot on the floor. “For example, imagine stepping barefoot on soft, muddy ground. The shape of your foot would leave a clear impression. That’s a footprint. In reality, we don’t use mud; we use soft clay. We place soft clay in a box and have you step barefoot on it to create a footprint, which we then use to determine the size and shape of the shoes.”

Deacon Michelino nods at my explanation. “I see. That seems like a necessary process for making something that fits the body perfectly. I’ve heard that the Knights Templar also have similar fittings and adjustments with blacksmiths when making plate armor.”

“That’s right. It’s similar to the process of creating plate armor. If the size isn’t right, the joints won’t bend properly. If shoes don’t fit, your toes can bend uncomfortably, leading to various ailments.”

Deacon Michelino picks up on the topic I casually introduce. “I see. Some noble ladies come to the church for treatment of foot problems like that. Are they caused by shoes?”

“I can’t say for certain, but I’ve heard that could be a possibility.”

“I see…”

Deacon Michelino begins to worry about something else, so I redirect him to the main topic. “So, if we prepare some clay for a mold, would it be possible for you to make a mold of the Cardinal’s feet?”

Deacon Michelino seems a bit distracted but nods. “Yes… that would be best, but the workshop that made the Cardinal’s shoes before might have some information. Let’s start by checking there.”

While Deacon Michelino assures me, I feel cautious after hearing the implications of our lowly workshop entering the Cardinal’s domain. I feel the need to be careful.

I double-check with Deacon Michelino just in case.

“Well… I know this is difficult to say, but I imagine the other workshops may not be happy about us providing the Cardinal’s shoes. If they refuse to provide the documents, they might even give us fake ones.”

Deacon Michelino’s eyes widen at the possibility, but then he nods. “It’s possible. Have you considered any countermeasures?”

“I think it would be good to request materials from multiple workshops. Additionally, if we could get several pairs of the actual shoes worn by the Cardinal in the past, that would help. There’s also a possibility of the impressions being swapped during the clay process. I think we should take measures against counterfeiting, such as stamping, splitting, or sealing with wax.”

Deacon Michelino quietly nods at my countermeasure proposal. “That’s reasonable. I’ll arrange it.”

It would be feasible to fabricate information from a single source, but it would be difficult to do so from multiple places at once. Moreover, making the design match both the blueprint and the actual product would be nearly impossible.

Not only do I need to fulfill orders, but I also have to consider this potential interference and harassment. It looks like my headache and stomachache won’t subside until the day of the unveiling.