The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 29

Chapter 29: The Driven

“I see, this one in pottery, then.”

“It’s quite a large piece, but since we’re entering the dry season and there’s no decoration, I don’t think it’ll take that long.”

As they exchanged words like specialists, Melfina, while gazing at the design she had drawn, was talking with the three artisans Ricardo had introduced.

The trio introduced themselves as Lewis, Roy, and Carl. All of them seemed to be in their late twenties to early thirties, making them quite young for artisans.

Lewis specialized in pottery, while Roy and Carl were blacksmiths who specialized in casting and forging. Ricardo had given his seal of approval to all three, praising their skills without reservation.

“If it’s going to be used with charcoal inside, it might be better to make it thicker overall, especially the outer part, maybe as thick as the bottom.”

“It’ll make it heavier if it’s sturdier… but no, it might be better if it’s used with fire.”

While Lewis and Roy nodded in agreement, Carl remained silent, staring at the specifications.

“Lord, I heard this will also be used for simple cooking.”

“Yes, it gets very cold around here in winter, so it’s quite a hassle to move to the communal kitchen for cooking. I thought it would be convenient to use it to warm up our meals in the morning and evening.”

“In that case, it would be wise to install metal parts to support pots and kettles inside. Just having those would provide stability. There’s a risk of the hot pottery cracking or bursting if a pot is accidentally overturned.”

Carl’s words were met with nods of agreement.

Burns can become severe easily, and there’s also the concern of fire. When it comes to fire-related matters, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

“We’ll be using charcoal throughout the winter, so I wonder if the metal will degrade.”

“It might be better to only remove it when cooking. How about making three protrusions inside the brazier beforehand and hooking them there?”

“It would be best to make a prototype first and adjust the size precisely.”

Lewis’s words were met with nods from Roy and Carl. Despite being experts in different fields, it seemed that there was a common understanding among specialists who worked with fire, which was very reassuring.

“Nevertheless, using charcoal for insulation gear… It’s the first time I’ve seen something like this instead of a fireplace. Did you come up with this idea, my lord?”

“I merely recalled something written in a book I read in the past. It’s something commonly used in the eastern lands across the sea.”

“I think using charcoal for warmth is a good idea. It may be more expensive than firewood due to the processing required, though…”

“We have no shortage of timber in the forests for pioneering, and charcoal production has already begun. Would you like to check the quality of the charcoal if you don’t mind?”

As they all nodded, Ed brought over a wooden box filled with freshly baked charcoal.

The artisans each took a piece of charcoal, lightly shaking or tapping it. With serious expressions, Roy eventually muttered.

“This is good charcoal.”

“My lord, do we already have charcoal-burning artisans here?”

“No, these were made by the settlers.”

“I can’t believe amateurs made these. They’ve preserved the original shape of the wood perfectly, and the sound is clear. It’s evidence of good wood drying and temperature control.”

“The quality is so high that it’s almost a shame to use it for heating. It seems like it could forge excellent steel.”

The artisans chatted excitedly around the charcoal. It seemed that they all agreed on the quality, and Melfina breathed a sigh of relief.

“This year, as it’s our first attempt, we’re continuing production in rotation with seven earth kilns. We’ll provide the artisans with free charcoal for the first three years, so please use as much as you need.”

“Really!”

“We’re grateful. With more orders, we can focus and improve our skills.”

While Roy and Lewis expressed joy, Carl remained with a downcast expression. After returning the charcoal to the wooden box, he stared intently at the brazier.

“Is something the matter, Carl?”

“No, I truly appreciate being employed under such favorable conditions.”

Carl replied, though his expression seemed far from merely that.

“Hey.”

Roy lightly nudged Carl with his elbow.

“You’re in the best position to be grateful to the lord.”

“I understand. I’ll definitely repay this kindness with my skills. But…”

Carl seemed about to say something more but then fell silent, offering a deep bow.

An awkward silence descended.

The artisans seemed to understand the situation, and both Lewis and Roy exchanged troubled or slightly angry looks as they nodded to each other.

＊　＊　＊

To celebrate the arrival of the new residents, Carl left the lord’s mansion early, leaving behind his apologies that he wanted to check the workshop beforehand.

Lunch consisted of familiar fare: grilled cornbread stuffed with vegetables and chicken, topped with a sauce. The sauce, a concoction of walnut paste mixed with butter, roasted nuts, and aromatic vegetables devised by Eli, had a taste reminiscent of autumn.

The village women continued to come up with various sauce recipes, providing them to the lord’s mansion one after another, so the recipe book had grown considerably thick. From among them, good combinations were chosen, gradually refining the flavors.

Though in his past life it might have been called tacos, it might eventually become a genuine local dish of the Enkar region.

“I haven’t eaten this much in a while. And it’s so delicious.”

One remarked.

“And this ale, isn’t it… amazing? It feels a bit light, but it goes down so smoothly, you could drink it endlessly.”

Another chimed in.

“We’re still experimenting with the blend and adjustment of the ale. It’s not quite matured yet, and it’ll be ready to drink in about a week, but the lord’s mansion only has this for now. If you’re interested, I’ll bring some when it’s fully matured.”

Carl explained.

Treating laborers with ale was commonplace in this world, especially among artisans, and sometimes it served as an advance reward depending on the circumstances.

“We’ll look forward to it!”

Roy seemed quite pleased with the grilled cornbread and ale, his face lighting up with delight. Meanwhile, Lewis, next to him, had a somewhat troubled expression as he held onto his tankard.

“Lewis, is something the matter?”

Melfina inquired.

At her voice, Lewis looked surprised, then promptly bowed deeply toward Melfina.

“My lord, please forgive Carl’s rudeness.”

“You’re not the one who needs to apologize. I’m aware that artisans can be temperamental, and I don’t believe Carl meant any disrespect.”

“Well, that’s true, but there are various circumstances with him. Would you mind if I explained them?”

At that request, there was a moment of hesitation.

The circumstances in question were personal information. Would it be appropriate to inquire about them without Carl’s permission?

Such thoughts were quickly brushed aside.

This was the consequence of having memories from a past life.

In the environment where I had lived in my past life and the world where I lived as Melfina, the place for human rights awareness and dignity were completely different. The difference was significant, and sometimes I found myself trying to bring my past life’s sensibilities into the present.

The lord held the position of the responsible authority in this feudal society.

While not wielding absolute power, attracting artisans was a necessary measure for the Enkar region, which was lacking in many resources. While providing them with a conducive environment to work, it was also necessary to be aware of any potential issues that might arise.

“Let’s hear it.”

“My lord, how much do you know about the journeyman system for artisans?”

“I understand it as the period before an artisan becomes a master, just before the final examination. Those aspiring to become artisans enter apprenticeships at workshops from a young age, spending several years learning the trade while doing menial tasks, and honing their skills under a master until they become fully-fledged artisans. After that, they embark on a journey, working in various workshops to absorb and disseminate skills. After several years of journeying, they return to a city with citizenship rights to qualify for the examination.”

Lewis and Roy breathed a sigh of admiration, impressed by Melfina’s knowledge.

“I didn’t realize you were aware of all that… For artisans, undertaking a journey is an essential step toward becoming a master. Without becoming a master, artisans cannot have their own workshops and can only undertake work through the workshops they belong to.”

“While it’s important for artisans to gain exposure to various techniques during their journey, there’s also the aspect that sending artisans on a journey means driving skilled artisans away from the local area.”

The number of masters in each city is strictly regulated by the guild. Currently, for one artisan to become a master, one master must retire.

An artisan can only undertake work through a master. In the artisan world, the position of a master is very powerful. Masters rarely retire, and when they do, it’s natural for them to want to pass on their position to their own children or sons-in-law who have been welcomed as apprentices.

In other words, the position of a master is currently akin to a hereditary system.

What would happen if a talented artisan were born, clearly superior to the masters?

It’s common for artists or those with exceptional skills to attract patrons for support.

In such cases, wealthy merchants or, in some cases, nobles may nominate a single artisan who is not a master, saying, let this person do this job.

“There are many artisans who are told to go on a journey because they are excellent and therefore seen as a nuisance by their masters. Travel is dangerous, and there’s no guarantee of finding a good job site during the journey. Some artisans are attacked by thieves for their money and tools, or run out of money and can’t pay the entrance tax to enter a city, ending up collapsing on the road.”

“After enduring hardships during their journey and returning home, many artisans find themselves without a place in their original workshop. In such cases, they may end up doing menial tasks as unlicensed artisans or become porters to earn a living, and as they earn their daily wages, their skills may deteriorate to the point where they can no longer return to being artisans—there are many such cases.”

Lewis and Roy, upon returning from their journey, were reportedly told that there was no room in the workshop as it was already full of artisans and apprentices.

Artisans raised in other workshops are never hired as artisans in other workshops. They were apparently at a loss when Ricardo approached them.

“…That’s terrible.”

Melfina remarked.

“If they’re favored by their masters, many artisans can often be reemployed as artisans. But it seems we weren’t so lucky.”

Roy said, shaking his head in response to her question.

“Is Carl in the same situation?”

Melfina asked.

Roy shook his head.

“He injured his foot before going on his journey. He was assaulted by a senior artisan.”

Roy clenched his fist, restraining his anger as he spoke.

“Carl and I, although we were apprentices in different workshops, were of the same age, so we often met and talked while doing odd jobs during our apprenticeship. The blacksmith workshops are clustered around the outskirts of the city, so the workshops were close to each other… We became artisans at the same time and dreamed of competing to see whose skills would prevail in the master’s exam after our journey.”

In essence, Roy and Carl were like childhood friends on the same path. There was a hint of nostalgia in Roy’s eyes as he spoke, but his expression quickly darkened with anger.

“The world of artisans can be rough. Many have short tempers, and some even see youthful exuberance as a good thing. Carl has always been quiet and preferred to approach his work earnestly. Whether it’s iron or copper, he’s the type to keep forging until he’s satisfied. There were quite a few in the workshop who didn’t appreciate Carl’s demeanor.”

Prefacing that the exact circumstances were uncertain, Roy furrowed his brow deeply.

“It doesn’t affect his ability to forge iron or cast metal. I guarantee that he’s still top-notch. But due to his foot injury, he can’t walk long distances anymore. Especially in winter, the pain intensifies, and it’s difficult for him to walk normally… The one who injured Carl’s foot was the son-in-law of the master. Without going on his journey, he can’t become a master. And he can’t work in other workshops in his hometown. He was forced to either spend his life under the man who injured him, give up being an artisan, or leave the profession.”

“I see…”

“Unaffiliated artisans like him are considered illegitimate, and their wages are often half or less than those of artisans affiliated with a workshop. When Ricardo offered us work in Enkar Village, I pleaded with him to include Carl as well. If Carl falls behind in work because of his foot, I’ll work extra to make up for it. So…”

Roy stopped himself with an outstretched palm, cutting off his unfinished sentence.

“I understand the situation. Don’t push yourself too hard, and as long as you work diligently within your capabilities, that’s all that matters.”

Melfina assured them.

Originally, Enkar Village had no artisans, and building houses or making tools was done either by calling in artisans from afar or by amateurs learning on the fly. So, having someone with skills come to a remote village like theirs, where even guilds weren’t present, was truly appreciated.

“Thank you for sharing, Roy. I’m also counting on you, Lewis, to do a good job.”

Melfina said.

“My lord…”

“Leave it to me! I’ll definitely do a good job!”

Lewis exclaimed.

“And if you feel like there’s a shortage of artisans, you can ask acquaintances for help. Even though they might end up doing non-specialized work due to the scarcity of people in the Enkar region, I assure you we won’t neglect the artisans.”

Melfina promised.

Apprenticeships could start as early as ten years old in this world.

In her past life, it was a time when most children were sheltered by their parents, without much thought about the future.

In this world, artisans were people who dedicated their childhood and youth to mastering their craft, becoming skilled professionals.

Melfina believed that such a way of life deserved respect.

If such people were losing their way, then they should come here.

Though Roy and Lewis looked taken aback, they eventually bowed deeply.

“We’ll work our hardest!”

“So will I! I’ll surely deliver satisfactory results.”

“Thank you. First, please ensure that the hearths keep us warm during the winter as much as possible!”

After that, they enjoyed the rest of the lunch party discussing the products they had made so far and their aspirations.

“…Looks like Lady Melfina’s fan base is growing again.”

Someone remarked.

“It’s unconscious, you know.”

Whispered the knight and the secretary, their voices barely audible to anyone besides themselves.