When I woke up, Selene was still asleep. (Ha! Finally, it's my turn.) I shook her gently, but when she wouldn't wake up and I tried again using her usual catchphrase she got mad and threw a pillow at me.
― Selene ― Don't you dare use my own words against me. ―
I bolted, escaping her wrath, and slipped into the subdimension. After my shower, I came out only to find Selene waiting to ambush me with an endless barrage of pillows. I had no choice but to retreat back into the bathroom for cover. Then I remembered Neo's trick: instead of fetching soap from the storage, he popped out of the subdimension and reentered. Using the same trick, I appeared right behind Selene, just as she was about to open the bathroom door with a pillow in hand, ready to launch it. I grabbed her by the waist from behind.
■― And just where do you think you're going, young lady? ―
― Selene ― That's cheating. — She pouted, then turned around to hug me and plant a quick kiss. She grabbed a towel from the chair and went into the shower without another word.
I left the subdimension, and as usual, Levi was waiting outside Selene's room, ready to follow me like he did every day. We had a calm breakfast until Sena suddenly jumped.
― Sena ―But wait, aren't we supposed to visit the marchioness today? ―
■― Exactly. ―
― Sena ―Then I need to shower, fix my… ―
■― Go with Selene. — I winked at her.
Levi and I finished breakfast and went straight to the company. On the way, we ran into the caravans that would escort us to the marchioness's palace. Just as I had asked, around (7:00) five carriages were waiting at the company gate, identical to the ones that had taken us to her son's banquet on Monday.
Since I arrived before Neo and the craftsmen, I got everything ready fresh clothes for the carpenters and blacksmiths. Neo showed up shortly after, hair still damp from his morning shower. I went over the plan with him again (better safe than sorry this guy's unpredictable). As the artisans arrived, the general services crew handed them their new clothes.
― Paco ― Mr. Hunt. — I shot him a sharp look :P — Hunt, what's the meaning of all this? ―
■― Didn't Neo tell you yesterday? Today we're going to see the marchioness and show her how the printing press works. ―
― Jean ― We talked about a lot of things yesterday, but I don't think I could've forgotten that detail. ―
■― Well, don't worry about it. ―
We sent them to wash up in the glassworks shop, which was the smallest room. Since Neo got distracted, I forced him to heat the water with magic and refill the barrel for the artisans. In the end, he had to shower again himself. We sent the kids home, telling them there would be no classes for the last two or three days of the week. Some cheered, others not so much.
Bruno and István arrived around (7:15) to set everything up. With help from the guards, they loaded the nearly three-meter printing press onto a cart. They covered it with white blankets and secured it so it wouldn't move during the trip.
The artisans waited like freshly scrubbed kids who looked like they'd been put in time-out. Since the carriages only held four people each, the ten artisans, Marte and Otilia, the three administrators, Bruno, Pudiente, Levi, and Antón divided themselves among the five carriages.
We left the guards in charge of the company and sent everyone else home to rest until the 9th of the month—basically, the start of the next week.
Neo pulled the cart while I pushed from behind. Nobody not our workers, nor the guards, nor the carriage drivers understood why Neo and I insisted on transporting the press by ourselves. (Any slip-up could be fatal, and all because we can't take it into the subdimension.)
We followed the carriages under the watchful eyes of half the city. As we advanced, the gazes of the bourgeois grew more restless, some surprised, and I even caught a hint of contempt from certain merchants. When we arrived at the marchioness's palace courtyard, everything seemed calm, as if nothing had ever happened.
Everyone got down in a bit of chaos. Neo and I unloaded the press ourselves, then sent Bruno back with the cart, telling him we'd pay him for a full day, that he should leave the cart at the company as always, and then go home. He didn't run off only because he was terrified of the marchioness's soldiers, who escorted him almost all the way to the city square.
As for us, Neo and I used magic to carry the press. The other boxes patterns, paper, ink, and all the tools we needed to operate it were carried by the craftsmen.
Inside the palace there were still traces of Monday's fight, and a few stains of… well, let's just say not everything had been cleaned up. The marchioness received us in the vast entrance hall instead of the council chamber, where the battles had taken place.
Just as I had requested in my letter, the hall had chairs set up for everyone: hers at the foot of the central staircase, with another for her daughter; then almost in a circle, chairs for her advisors and guildmasters, facing ours.
The marchioness made us wait. We had arrived around (10:00) despite leaving at about (8:40) and she didn't attend to us until noon. A couple of hours of waiting, but we passed the time chatting with the craftsmen, guildmasters, and the guards.
The guildmasters of carpenters, hunters, and adventurers came to greet us first, under the watchful eyes of the other guildmasters and the marchioness's advisors. We exchanged light conversation while they tried to pry information out of us about the object hidden under the sheets. But in the middle of their pressing questions, Salvia appeared, slipping past the broad-shouldered guildmasters.
― Salvia ― Hello, how are you? ―
●― Alive, and only because Samuel healed me. I haven't yet had the chance to thank him. ―
■― Forgive Neo, he's sometimes… like that. I don't know what phrase people here use when, well… you know. But if you need anything, just let us know. ―
●― Of course, sorry. Dumnezeu să-l ierte. ―
― Salvia ― I didn't understand that.
●― Right. In my hometown, that's what we say when someone dies. Literally it means May God forgive him. But it's not just about forgiveness it's a formula of respect and remembrance, very common, like saying Rest in peace or May God keep him in his glory.
― Salvia ― You speak just like him. — She said with a smile, tears in her eyes.
●― Sorry, I didn't mean… — Neo moved to hug her, but she stepped back, wiping her tears with her hand.
― Salvia ― I just remembered, Samuel inherited a book from his father. I think he's already read the whole thing, and he wants to talk to you about it. ―
●― To me? I'm not sure how I could help him, but if he needs anything, I'll do my best to help. ―
Salvia― Would you mind if he visits you? ―
●― Of course not. In the mornings I'm at the company, and in the evenings at Durman's house, so whenever he wants it's no problem for me. ―
― Salvia ― Thank you very much. He'll be so happy when I tell him you can. ― The woman whispered, just as the marchioness entered.
At the top of the stairs, the marchioness appeared, firm and imposing, silencing the noise of the hall. Doina said nothing, but her mere presence overshadowed her mother's.
― Sorina ― I see you're still here. ―
■― Considering you force us to meet with you, the least we can do is show up on time, don't you think? ―
― Sorina ― Bold words… but I suppose you're right this time. Still, a certain descendant of mine couldn't decide what to wear. ― Doina whispered something into her mother's ear, probably a complaint.
■― Shall we begin, or are we waiting for someone else? ―
― Sorina ― Levi, Antón, tell me what these two have been up to this week, and why there are so many people here today. ― she said while settling into her chair.
■― If you'll allow me. ―
― Sorina ― Go ahead. ―
■― As you can see before you, there's something under this cloth. I hope it remains a surprise. I'd just ask, if it's not too much trouble, these two fine gentlemen please don't give away business secrets, meaning the details of how we created this artifact, let's call it that for now. ―
― Sorina ― I understand. I suppose you'll tell me yourself later, in our private meeting. ―
■― Exactly. You more than anyone know… pardon me, and this young man here ― I pointed to Pudiente, who shifted nervously in his seat ― know what rumors can do when they involve, let's say, sensitive information. ―
After my intervention, Levi and Antón recounted our whole week: how we changed work hours, raised wages, added vegetables to the workers' meals, and even how we created the artifact—though they didn't reveal the process or its purpose. They even shared details of our private lives in front of more than forty people, like it was some soap opera. (I really didn't need to know how deeply Neo loves Dalia, or other peculiar quirks of their relationship.)
― Sorina ― I see among you there are women. Tell me, how do these men treat you? ―
Marte and Otilia froze, as if turned to stone. They didn't know what to do. Their hesitation made sense—maybe they feared the new government formed solely by women, since their husbands and every nobleman over twelve had been arrested or killed. Or maybe they feared we'd turn out to be misogynists. Either way, their silence was understandable.
(Just as a reminder the masked aides of the marchioness's youngest son were the ones who ended the lives of their own parents and Solomon. For now, they're imprisoned, and their mothers have taken control of each house. By the way, we discovered that in this world despite being medieval and heavily patriarchal the firstborn is sacrificed regardless of gender, and the second child, again regardless of gender, inherits everything. Even so, women ruling is frowned upon, and they usually hand control over to their husbands.)
― Sorina ― Are you so afraid to speak that you won't even answer? Out loud. ―
― Otilia ― Everything that gentlemen Levi and Antón said is true. This week has been wonderful. ― she blurted out, nearly jumping from her chair.
― Marte ― I have no complaints. They've treated us better than the men, both of them. They've asked for our advice many times, and our ideas have been reflected in their decisions. They treat us as equals, and not only that. ―
■― Don't tell them yet. ― I tried to stop her.
― Sorina ― What's this? Why are you silencing her? ―
●― Looks like your plan backfired. ―
■― You shut it. ― I said, giving him a light smack on the back of the head.
― Sorina ― Young lady, continue. ―
― Marte ― Just as the gentlemen mentioned they provide free education to all children over twelve and under eighteen. But it's not just that. Mr. Hunt does not allow any kind of inequality between boys and girls. Any comment or action of that sort is punished. Boys are kept standing as punishment or sent up to the board even though most of them barely know how to read or write. ―
― Sorina ― So, according to you, they treat men and women as equals. ―
●― In the eyes of God, all of us are equal men and women alike. ―
― Doina ― What are you saying? If in the tablets it says… ―
■― I think that's another matter we'll be discussing in private. ―
― Marte ― It's not just about treating men and women equally. Even though they're the owners of the company, they treat us as equals, they don't belittle us, and they don't punish or beat us when we make mistakes. Instead, they try to understand why the mistake happened and find the best way to fix it. And not just us also the artisans… ―
― Sorina ― That's enough, you may sit. I can already see what they've made you say… ―
All of our workers stood almost at once, speaking over each other to testify that we hadn't forced them to say any of that, and that it was the truth. That yes, we argued sometimes, but we never hit them, nor did we put ourselves above them. Varo spoke the most, telling how Neo treated him, and how even then he asked him for advice… Neo covered his face in embarrassment. I know him well, and I know he hates being praised or talked about.
― Sorina ― I hope all these testimonies are true and not just a farce. ―
― Levi ― I can swear on my firstborn that what this woman said is true. ―
― Antón ― Marchioness Sorina, my lady, only you know my past, and I swear to you that all these testimonies are true. ―
― Sorina ― If you say so, Antón, then it must be. Does anyone else have something to add? Be it guildmaster or worker. ―
No one said a word. Durman was glaring at Neo, as were the guildmasters of carpentry, lumber, hunting, and adventuring. Probably because he was still hiding his face in shame.
■― This machine ― I cut in ― this artifact, requires an operator or several to handle it so it can work. ― I motioned for Neo to get up and move to the other side of the press. ― You'll be surprised by its simplicity, but also by how powerful it is. On the count of three… Neo, please help me unveil it. One, two, three… ― Neo pulled forward and I pulled back on the cloth, putting on a perfect show of coordination between us. (Couldn't be dumber if we tried.)
(#■― You idiot, why on earth would you pull that way? ―#)
(#●― How should I know, man? You never tell me anything, what more do you want? ―#)
Neo yanked the cloth back as well, giving the marchioness her first look at the printing press. Her expression didn't change for even a second. We called Varo and Mateo to make several copies of the prepared text.
While I explained how it worked, Neo and the two artisans handled the sheets. All the guildmasters, advisors, the marchioness herself, and even the guards fixed their attention on Neo's group, paying almost no attention to my explanation.
Neo carefully placed each template into the press to form the love poem from the other day, and underneath he added the numbers from one to ten. Neo and company made copies and handed them out little by little, warning everyone that the ink was still wet and to handle the paper gently. Finally, I called Pudiente.
■― Pudiente, would you be so kind as to bring these two sheets to the marchioness and her daughter? ― What poor Pudiente didn't know was that I had swapped the sheets each one had a different poem. One for the marchioness, and one for her daughter. ― This way, I don't have to get close, and we can all feel a little more at ease, right? ―
The marchioness and her daughter read the poems. The one for the marchioness was designed to put Pudiente on the spot, since it called her dearest mother-in-law. Doina's, on the other hand, was a syrupy love poem with a personal dedication. They exchanged them and whispered to each other for a moment. Pudiente handed over the papers without looking and went back to his seat, completely unaware of what was about to happen.
― Sorina ― Mr. Hunt, I see your employee… ―
■― Pudiente isn't an employee, he's also an owner of the company. ―
― Sorina ― Even so, I see he has courage. But I don't think the proposal can be accepted my daughter deserves more than a simple merchant. ―
― Doina ― Mother, no. ― Sorina turned in surprise. ― Mr. Pudiente, if you can impress me in a duel of calculation, I might consider your marriage proposal. ―
Pudiente looked at me in panic, then at Neo. (●―👍😁👍―) He gave us the most priceless face, blushing red and unable to speak.
― Pudiente ― I can assure you my calculations are always flawless. I can work all night, resolving every last detail, and I've never once left a number wrong. ―
― Doina ― Then I suppose I'll just have to get used to your flawless results… even if they leave me breathless. ―
●― Looks like we've got a wedding. ― he coughed.
― Sorina ― Am I missing something here? ―
― Doina ― Mother, you worry too much. I'll handle this rude man myself. ― she said, giving Pudiente that look, then licking her upper lip. (Bro, I'm sorry, but it's time to settle down. They're going to squeeze you for all you've got. Poor Pudiente… let's see if you can live up to your name and deliver on every single demand.)
After Pudiente's little "romantic" scene, the marchioness asked to see the other sheets. The guildmasters had already exchanged them and were whispering among themselves, reacting to Pudiente's drama.
― Sorina ― I'm speechless. I see your machine can copy a text quickly, efficiently, and without errors. ―
■― If you make a mistake when setting the templates, though, you'll produce a lot of pages with the same mistake. ―
― Myrla ― This is wonderful. ―
●― Of course, Lady Myrla. Imagine drawing up a contract—a generic one—where workers or companies just have to fill in their details instead of writing the same thing over and over. ―
― Myrla ― That would save a lot of time with paperwork. ― (Guildmaster of labor)
― Sena ― This could apply to our guild as well, darling. ―
■― Absolutely. Imagine a standard sheet where merchants only need to fill in their personal information. ―
― Mateo ― But for my guild, how could it be useful? ― (Guildmaster of carpenters)
●― For example, for client orders. A paper to be filled out either by the client or an assistant, starting with something like: Name of requester, place of delivery… ―
We were giving examples of template documents for each of the guilds when the marchioness noticed something. She grew impatient, tapping her foot.
■― Do you have something to add, Marchioness Sorina. ―
― Sorina ― Yes. I'd like one of those machines of yours. ―
■― We only have one, and for now it's very difficult to make. This one has all of our effort and work in it. ―
― Sorina ― And what if I told you to hand it over. ― Neo, who had been talking with the guildmasters, turned toward her. Without a trace of fear, he said:
●― Hunt, I think they're trying to rob us. Let's leave before they take the press. I'm sure there's another city where we'll be more appreciated. ―
We were all stunned I wasn't expecting that from Neo. Durman stared at him wide-eyed. (Didn't see that coming.)
― Doina ― Wait, I feel like my mother chose the wrong words. ―
― Sorina ― No, daughter. I'm the marchioness; everything in this city belongs to me. That means the printing press as well. Why wouldn't I claim what's mine? ―
●― Now I understand the problem. ― He walked up to the press, resting a hand on it. ― This press says… ―
― Sorina ― I would ask you not to touch my press. ― In the blink of an eye, the press vanished into the sub-dimension.
●― Well, now there's no press in your city. Hunt, guys, I think we should go. ― He headed toward the door, signaling the workers to rise.
― Sorina ― Neo, what have you just done. ―
●― Maybe I wasn't clear. Let me repeat I'm leaving this city, and I'll take with me everyone I hold dear. Neither you nor anyone else can stop me. ―
The guards surrounded Neo, pointing their spears at him.
●― Varo, remember what I told you yesterday about trying to live peacefully with everyone? This is one of those moments when I have no way out. ―
Neo unleashed third-level mana. The problem was the speed he could deploy it in a single second, when normally it takes minutes. His aura spread among the guards, and I had no idea what to do. I had no choice but to pull the same trick I used on Monday. I entered the sub-dimension in one second.
Neo turned toward the door, and as he did, I appeared from behind his back.
■― If there's no other choice, I'm not going to let… ―
― Durman ― Enough! ― His shout was so loud some guards trembled. ― Marchioness Sorina, if your guards don't step back this instant, I'll leave with them, just as I warned you. ―
Other guildmasters voiced the same. Neo absorbed all his mana at once, leaving his hands cold. I signaled him to bring the press back, and he placed it in the middle of the hall.
■― Well then, shall we continue where we left off? What concerns you, Marchioness Sorina? ―
She remained silent for quite a while, then rose and took her daughter upstairs, where they argued in hushed voices.
― Sorina ― Nobody move or speak. We'll be right back. ― They entered a room, and two maids hurried out.
We couldn't make out the words, but we heard Doina yelling at her mother, and her mother barely able to answer. The beginning of sobbing followed as if one of the two was crying. Five, ten, twenty minutes passed, and after about half an hour they returned as if nothing had happened, sitting calmly.
― Sorina ― I'll give you 1,000 gold coins for this press. (1,000 gold coins. :O) I want two presses for each guild, and I'll pay you 100 gold coins for each. ―
(#●― Bro, did she just say 1,000 or did I imagine that. ―)
(#■― She did. ―)
■― Uhh… well… ― I lost my breath for a second. ― Fine. ―
●― Lady Marchioness Sorina, I propose another deal. 10.000 gold coins for this press, and I'll give you the blueprints. That way you can have the blacksmiths' and carpenters' guilds produce as many presses as you like. More than that I promise to personally assemble each press for the guilds and train their members to use it. ―
(#■― Bro, according to her proposal we'd make 2,500 gold coins, but with yours, 10,000. ―)
(#●― a. ―)
― Sorina ― That's a lot of gold. ―
●― And how much gold could you earn by selling books like these? ― Neo dropped the math and language books onto the press.
(#■― Since when are you so cunning? ―)
(#●― Bro, you take over I overshot it. I just realized what I asked for. ―)
― Doina ― Let me see those books. ― Neo stepped forward, but Antón blocked his way. Neo didn't hesitate and handed the books to him.
Antón delivered them, and the marchioness and Doina examined each page carefully. They kept one copy of each book and distributed the others to the guildmasters.