The bed was empty again. Selene had already left. She won't get away today, I have to ask her, no matter what, what's going on with her.
I got ready quickly and left the house as soon as possible. I wanted to have some shoe models ready to show to Marchioness Sorina. Early in the morning, around (6:00), at dawn, I went straight to the company and picked up about 100 insoles. When I arrived at the seamstresses' house, near Pudiente's place, he was already waiting for me, talking with the two guards. By the time I arrived, it was almost (7:00).
We knocked on the door and Turi greeted us. We handed over the soles and asked them to sew as many as possible in the shortest amount of time.
― Turi ― We'll do what we can. What time do you need them by? ―
■― By (10:00). ―
― Turi ― Only three hours! ―
■― I'm sorry. ―
― Turi ― CLEO, WAKE UP, WE HAVE SEWING TO DO! ― She shouted so loudly she surely woke up more than one person. ― How many do you need? ―
■― At least two. Four would be fine, but if you can do more, no problem. ―
We left the girls alone and returned to the company, where Neo was preparing the crates to carry the empty jars and the pickled cucumbers… along with some insoles. So the only thing missing now were the shoes.
― Pudiente ― Is everything properly secured? ―
●― Yeah, don't worry. I put sawdust between the jars, but I'm missing three. I don't know what happened to them. ―
― Pudiente ― They're in the office. Hunt asked me to store them. ―
■― Those are for us. ―
●― We could've made more if you'd told me. ―
― Pudiente ― We have thirty-nine. I think that's more than enough to present the idea. ―
■― We're not supposed to have more than that… ―
●― How much do you want to sell them for? ―
■― Cheap, you know, eight or nine coins… ―
●― Almost a silver coin. I guess that's fine. ― Pudiente and I exchanged glances. Our smiles gave us away. I put a hand on his shoulder while Pudiente and I laughed softly.
― Pudiente ― Eight or nine silver coins. And if they sell out quickly, we'll raise it to one gold coin. ―
●― Where are you going with this? Before long, cucumbers can be harvested from the fields and we'll be able to make many more jars. ―
― Pudiente ― The nobility doesn't know that. We'll say they require last year's cucumbers and that the new ones don't work. ―
We told Neo all our evil money-making plans, and he stopped listening to us and went off to help load the materials onto the carriages. Before leaving, we called the employees one by one and paid them as promised for the fourteen days of work. Of course, we also included payment for yesterday's food, and then sent them home. Only the guards remained, along with Emiliano, who wanted to clean the glass workshop.
As for us, Neo and Bruno pulled the carriages toward the mansion, while Pudiente and I went to the seamstresses' house. We knocked on the door and heard a loud thump before it opened.
― Cleo ― Hello. ― She said, barely lifting herself off the floor to open the door.
― Pudiente ― Are you okay? ―
― Cleo ― Yes, it's just that I'm still not used to being so tall. I tripped over a sack. ―
We went inside the house, and she led us to the living room, where the three of them were sewing. Between the two sisters they sewed nine pairs (eighteen shoes), and the woman, despite being ill, sewed two pairs on her own (four shoes). While Pudiente paid them for what we were taking, that is, four copper coins and four iron coins, I was checking the stitching.
― Ceci ― If you see any that are badly sewn, know that it's my fault. ―
■― Don't worry, they're much better than I expected. My only question is, as for you, why did you sew as well if you're ill? ―
― Ceci ― Even if I help only a little, I have to do something. I have to earn the meat I eat, don't you think? ―
■― Mothers like you, or like mine, earned that meat a long time ago. ―
― Ceci ― What a lucky son. I'm sure your mother is proud. ―
― Pudiente ― I think Mr. Hunt doesn't like talking about that subject. His mother died crushed in an earthquake more than six years ago. ― He whispered to the woman. (How that lie pisses me off.)
With no other relevant conversation, we said our goodbyes and wandered through the streets until we reached the caravans with Neo and Bruno. I tossed the sack of shoes onto Neo's cart and started pushing from behind. Pudiente did the same and helped Bruno.
==+-+-O-+-+==
The inventors took too long. The noblewomen were growing anxious to see the three sages who had caused the upheaval at the university. The guild masters and mistresses began to grow impatient, commenting among themselves about the waste of time. The audience initially scheduled for (11:00) was postponed, it was not until more than half an hour later that the inventors crossed the courtyard.
The marchioness received them with a furrowed brow, clearly displeased, and did not let the delay go unnoticed.
― Sorina ― You are late. ― She said coldly.
■― We are aware of that, Marchioness Sorina. ― he replied, without bowing his head more than necessary. ― We accept the reproach and will make up for it. ―
The woman observed them for a few seconds longer, weighing whether the delay was mere clumsiness or a possible challenge.
― Sorina ― Do not let it happen again. ― She finally decreed, and with a curt gesture allowed them to proceed.
Under Pudiente's supervision, they unloaded the cargo and arranged it into three piles on the prepared tables. The murmuring quickly spread among the noblewomen. The glass was too clean, too clear, too uniform. Some stepped closer than was proper, others limited themselves to watching with suspicion.
While Neo took care of arranging other items, Hunt stepped forward and picked up one of the jars, raising it so that everyone could see it.
■― What you see here is not an ornament. ― He began, pointing at the pile of jars. ― These are containers designed to isolate their contents from the outside. ― He slowly turned the jar, letting the light pass through the glass.
■― When they are closed correctly, they become hermetically sealed. ― He paused, waiting for the audience's reaction to the new concept. ― That means neither air, nor moisture, nor any contaminant can enter or leave. ― Some eyebrows rose, while other gazes sharpened. Hunt placed the jar back on the table.
■― The effect is simple, whatever is stored inside lasts much longer. Grains, legumes, dried meat… ― He paused briefly. ― But above all, seeds. Seeds sealed this way retain their ability to germinate for years. ― With a single sweep of his gaze, he checked the guild masters and made eye contact with the mistress of the farmers' guild.
― Brachas ― That invention interests me. If it truly works as you claim, it would be a great help. ―
― Sorina ― Do you really believe it could be that relevant? ―
― Brachas ― Yes, Marchioness. Many seeds spoil during winter, and in spring we lose a great deal of time selecting which ones will germinate and which will not. ― She returned her gaze to Hunt, fascinated by the invention. ― How, or why, does it preserve seeds better? ―
●― In simple terms. ― Neo added from the side. ― On its own, it already keeps seeds in good condition, but the air inside can be extracted, further improving preservation. ―
The two guild masters, Brachas and El Camer, looked at each other in surprise. Between them, they whispered about whether it was even possible to remove air from a container. El Camer began to imagine how such a feat could be achieved.
■― It allows long-term planning, even after a poor harvest. As long as the seeds are dry, kept away from sunlight, and stored at a suitable temperature. ―
Hunt then made a brief gesture with his hand. Pudiente reacted instantly, beginning to distribute two glass jars to each of the guild masters. The gesture was simple, almost innocent. When he finished, he placed ten more jars, perfectly aligned, in front of the marchioness.
■― Consider them a gift, in compensation for our delay. ― He continued. ― But also a tool. They are not merely luxury items, they were created to be used, not to decorate. ― He looked directly at the marchioness. ― With proper use, something as simple as a glass jar can change the way a city stores food… and survives. ―
No one spoke immediately. Silence settled over the room as eyes returned again and again to the glass.
●― As you can see, it is not just a glass jar. There are three elements you are unfamiliar with. The material that separates the lid from the jar is a sealing rubber, which is responsible for the airtight seal. The other two rubbers, although darker, serve to press the lid against the jar to ensure a proper closure. ―
― Doina ― Is the production of these jars simple? ―
― Pudiente ― The production process is secret, but we can assure you they are safe. My two partners have seen to that. In fact, they have carried out exhaustive tests to ensure the properties previously mentioned. ―
― Sorina ― We will have to test them ourselves to be certain that what you say is true. ― An assistant brought her a jar, and as she examined it she added. ― Set these jars aside for now and continue with those shoes. ―
Hunt took one of the shoes from the second table and raised it so everyone could see it. It was a common shoe, the same kind commoners had worn for generations, soft leather, simple design, no adornments or pretension.
■― We have not changed the shoe. ― He said calmly. ― Precisely because it works. ― He turned it slightly.
― El Camer ― What is that black thing on the bottom? ―
Hunt separated the leather and revealed the sole of a shoe prepared for the explanation. A black plate, matte, without any shine, roughly the size of the shoe and not yet trimmed. He bent it between his hands so everyone could see how it yielded without breaking.
■― This is rubber. It is not elastic, it does not bounce. It bends, follows the movement of the foot, and returns to its shape. ― He pressed the plate against the table. ― It absorbs irregularities and, above all, improves grip. In mud, wet stone, or loose soil, the foot does not slip as it does with leather alone. ―
Without extending the explanation further, he sat down in front of them and took needle and thread. His movements were firm, visible, and simple. He began to sew the sole directly onto the leather. Each stitch pierced both leather and rubber without difficulty. He left the piece he was sewing unfinished in order to continue with the explanation.
■― It does not require new tools. ― He added, leaving the half-sewn shoe on the table. ― Anyone who knows how to sew leather can do it. ― He briefly lifted his gaze. ― First, the plate is sewn on. Then the excess is trimmed away. It's that simple. ―
A murmur ran through the hall, growing little by little, until it broke when El Camer stepped forward. He had remained motionless until then, observing in silence. Now he crouched down almost without asking permission, took the finished shoe, and turned it over in his hands as if it were something fragile… or dangerous. He pressed the sole, twisted it, struck it against the floor.
Neo approached without saying a word and handed him another pair. El Camer put them on right there. He took two steps. Then he jumped, walked faster, ran. He stopped abruptly.
― El Camer ― This… ― He began, and for the first time he did not find the words immediately. ― This is not a minor improvement. ― He turned toward the masters and raised his voice. ― This is a revolution. Not because it is beautiful, but because it lasts. ― He pressed his fingers against the sole. ― If shoes last longer, we won't have to make thousands every month. Leather will stop being wasted on worn soles and can be used for straps, bags, or light armor. ― He took a deep breath. ― The city will not change footwear every few days. ―
Justo, master of the hunters' guild, nodded firmly.
― Justo ― More leather on the market means better protection, more sheaths, more equipment for people who go beyond the walls. This benefits us all. ―
The mistress of the merchants' guild intervened immediately, her tone cold and sharp.
― Sena ― Less constant replacement means savings for families and stability for workshops. Money stops being drained by emergencies and starts to circulate. ― She fixed her gaze on several merchants. ― That strengthens trade. It does not weaken it. ―
As voices overlapped, Neo approached the marchioness and placed two pairs of shoes in front of her without a word. She studied them with measured attention, not touching them yet, as if she were evaluating something beyond leather and rubber. Her face showed neither surprise nor doubt—only restrained, calculating interest.
■― This can also be applied to knights. ― He said then, raising his voice just enough to cut through the murmur. ― They will be able to walk longer distances with less physical wear. ― He made a brief gesture with his hand. ― With less fatigue and fewer injuries. This is not a foolish luxury, it is a strategic change. ―
The master of the adventurers' guild reacted at once.
― Tor ― The adventurers want them. For all my members. ―
The master of the hunters' guild did not hesitate to make his stance clear.
― Justo ― The hunters as well. ― He added.
The master of the blacksmiths' guild snorted, crossing his arms.
― Durman ― I want them too. If leather is more abundant, we can make better aprons and protective gear. ― He looked at the shoes with genuine interest. ― And those would be a blessing at the forge. ―
The hall filled with voices until the marchioness raised her hand. Silence fell instantly.
― Sorina ― Order. ― She said, without raising her voice.
She finally took one of the shoes and held it for a few seconds before lifting her gaze toward Hunt.
― Sorina ― I want two pairs for every knight in the city. ―
Hunt held her gaze for a moment before replying.
■― We will discuss that later, my lady. ―
And for the first time since they had arrived, the marchioness's expression was not one of reproach or disappointment.
The marchioness was the first to return to the jars that were still sealed, the ones that had sparked more unease than curiosity.
― Sorina ― Earlier you mentioned their usefulness. ― She said, pointing at them. ― But these are filled. ― Her gaze fixed on the glass. ― What exactly do they contain? ―
Neo stepped forward. He did not adopt a commercial or theatrical tone, he spoke plainly, explaining only what was necessary, without revealing anything essential.
●― It is a preservation technique, passed down in my family for generations. ― He replied. ― It is not a mere recipe. ―
― Sorina ― Are you the only one who knows how to make this recipe? ―
Neo looked at Hunt, startled, unsure of what to say, taking a step forward toward the marchioness. Hunt answered calmly.
■― Unfortunately, yes. As you already know, we come from a distant village, and we are the only survivors. I never learned it from my grandmother, unlike my friend. ―
― Sorina ― I regret that you have to remember such difficult moments. ―
●― Do not worry, it happened a long time ago. The technique consists of submerging food in an acidic medium and sealing it without air. The goal is not only for it to last longer, but for the flavor to change over time. ― He paused briefly. ― The taste evolves and intensifies. ― He lowered his hand and touched a jar. ― They are not cooked here; they transform on their own, slowly. ―
He added nothing more. There was no need. He stepped closer to the table, placed six jars in front of the marchioness, and took the last one. He broke the seal with a soft pop that echoed far too loudly in the silence of the hall. Inside floated green discs, perfectly cut, suspended in a clear liquid. The murmur was immediate. No one stepped forward.
Neo took one of the discs with his fingers and brought it to his mouth without hesitation. He chewed lightly and swallowed.
●― Perfect, as always. ― He said. Even so, no one moved.
Hunt frowned, sighed, and took another disc, noticing that the interest in the new product was not what he had expected. Following Neo's example, he ate it without comment. Then Pudiente, a bit stiffer, a bit more tense—it was the first time he had tried it—his expression changed halfway through chewing, not from displeasure but from confusion, and he said nothing.
One of the marchioness's assistants stepped forward then, visibly nervous. She took a small piece, tasted it cautiously, held it in her mouth for a few seconds, and swallowed.
― The taster ― There is no poison. ― She announced. ― But… it tastes peculiar. ― That was enough.
Durman was the first to extend his hand decisively, followed by Sena without hesitation. Both tasted it without ceremony, expecting something new. The smell reached them first, unsettling both of them, and then the flavor.
― Durman ― It's good. ― He said, surprised.
― Sena ― Very good. ― She added, already taking another disc.
That was the breaking point. The rest of the guild masters began to approach one by one. Low-voiced comments, raised eyebrows, gestures of approval. Savian, the mistress of the food guild, chewed slowly, trying to memorize the flavor.
The noblewomen took longer, hesitant, watching and waiting for the masters' reactions. But when they saw others repeating, some smiling, the plate beginning to empty… they advanced. The first with caution, the next with haste. Those who did not fully like it liked that others liked it. And that was enough to create a star product. Within minutes, the green discs had disappeared.
■― This. ― Hunt said then, in an almost casual tone, dropping it as if it were of little importance. ― It is not easy to make. ― He looked at the empty jar. ― It requires cucumbers from the previous year. And you all know there are never any to spare. ― He shrugged. ― When they start coming out this summer, we will have to buy many and let them rest all winter. ― He raised his eyebrows slightly. ― Only then can it be made the following year. ― The noblewomen looked at one another. Then at the jars. Then back at Hunt.
― A countess ― Can they be bought now? ―
■― No. ― Hunt replied bluntly. ― There are only thirty jars. ― He let the number sink in. ― And they will not be sold today. They will be put up for sale in random quantities and on random days during the festival. ― The murmur exploded.
The complaints of the countesses and viscountesses turned into an irritating noise, a swell of overlapping questions. Random? And for whom? Only thirty? I must get them all. I want to eat them at home. Hunt raised his hand.
■― The main product is the shoes. And Neo's dessert. ― He glanced at the empty jar. ― This… this is something else. ―
By then, it no longer mattered. In less than fifteen minutes, those cucumber slices had become the new fashion of the Middle Ages. The desire to eat something new was the truly dangerous thing.
While the murmur had not yet fully faded, Neo and Hunt asked for the room to be cleared. They gave no immediate explanations. They simply said that what came next required space… and fire. They proposed moving to the gardens. The marchioness frowned slightly.
― Sorina ― Not here. ― She ruled. ― I will not allow the gardens to be damaged. ― There was no reply.
More than twenty minutes followed in a long, uneven procession, crossing courtyards, galleries, and corridors until they reached the knights' training grounds. An open space of packed earth and bare stone, meant for drills, carrying a faint smell of sweat and steel. There, fire was permitted.
While the brazier was being prepared, Neo untied the cloths he carried and took out what, at first glance, looked like a long, carefully polished log. The object drew frowns from several nobles.
― Sorina ― Where is Doina? ― She whispered to the steward. The woman shook her head.
●― The dough was made this morning. ― Neo explained plainly. ― I am not making it from scratch. ― He briefly lifted the object. ― Just finishing it. ―
He placed a strip of dough on the wood, stretched it deftly, and wrapped it around with a smooth, confident motion until it formed a spiral. He sprinkled something over it without naming it and brought it close to the fire. The aroma spread almost immediately. He repeated the process again and again, until seven golden pieces were ready.
When they were done, Neo removed them from the fire, cut small pieces, and began handing them out. One to each guild master and one to each noble
The marchioness made a gesture. A servant stepped forward, tasted a piece, chewed slowly, and nodded. Then the marchioness did the same.
― Sorina ― It is good. ― She took a sip of wine. ― But it is nothing extraordinary. ― She did not smile.
She observed the fire, the wood, the remnants of dough still steaming.
― This is not that impressive ― another noble added. ― Not for this presentation… ―
The marchioness turned toward those present.
― Sorina ― The meeting is over. ―
The orders were obeyed immediately. The noblewomen began to disperse. The guild masters murmured among themselves as they walked away. Before Neo could say anything, the marchioness added, now in a lower voice.
― Sorina ― You two are coming with me. ―