Ascendance of a Bookworm

Chapter 125: Order Boards
Translator: Forest Zou
I have made up my mind to make ink, but I cannot do it at once. First of all, I have to go to Zeek’s woodwork workshop and ask the boss to introduce me another workshop.

When I arrive there, an assistant is working at the counter. I raise my face with an amiable smile.

“Hey, Mr. Benno, Zeek.”

“Call the boss.”

Hearing Mr. Benno’s word, the assistant immediately turns to the back room. After I hear a vaguely shout “Boss!” the boss comes out, wiping away the wood chips from his clothes. He is a heavy bearded man, whose right upper arm is very strong.

“Yeah, Mr. Benno. I’m sorry. The breast wall has not been finished yet.”

“It’s alright. I want you to introduce another woodwork workshop today.”

“…What do you mean?”

The boss’ eyes sharpen. Mr. Benno shrugs his shoulders while observing the change in his attitude.

“I don’t mean that we will end the contract. Our order has been delayed. Besides, you are not be able to receive any other order now, right? Because of the consequence, how about separating parts of our jobs to other woodwork workshop? This girl wants her orders delivered.”

While Mr. Benno is speaking, he pushes me forward. The boss’s expression loosens up and looks relieved. He stares at me up and down while he is stroking his beard.

“Hm. Well then, Go to Ingo’s. Let’s go.”

Then the boss takes us to the workshop of a person named Ingo. He goes together to introduce us directly in order to make them know exactly who we are. It seems that there are various interest relations between the workshops.

Ingo seems to be a young boss who has recently opens his own workshop. Although he is young, he looks a little older than Mr. Benno. But considering that people who are called boss are usually over 40 years old, this boss belongs to the young generation of 30s indeed.

“I can’t make it my business. Ingo, what do you think?”

“That is to say, you have got a big job. Can I have a share?”

“You’ve already got. Your customer is this little girl. Up to you now.”

The boss of Zeek goes back after saying so. The boss who was called Ingo looks down at me disappointedly. Though a bit muddy, but I look like a child who has not been baptized. So I have nothing to complain about.

“I need some board for handicrafts done in winter. So please do ensure the delivery date.”

I specify the size of the board and give the order.

This winter, the handwork in the orphanage is to make reversi and playing cards. The reversible desk is a thick board, we can draw lines on it and mark the measure with ink, or cut the board into small pieces and apply ink on only one side. I’m glad that there is no problem in the game even it’s not a circle as long as the size fits the measure.

In addition, if we can make chess pieces, then the board can be used to play the chess. But the sculpture of chess pieces are too difficult to make. It is over difficulty for the “beginners’ woodwork class” scheduled to be held at the orphanage. I want to use shogi pieces as substitute. We just need to write the names on each piece, so it’s easy to make.

Is there any difference between shogi and chess? No one knows. So it is better to decide the move and name of the pieces randomly. Yes, I am the rule.

I also thought about making trump with paper, but the boards cost less than paper. Besides, Maine’s Workshop only makes Japanese paper, which is not suitable for playing cards unless it is slightly modified or processed. If I use a thin board, it would be safe enough that even if children handle it a bit wildly.

I don’t need change the colors and marks, but I have to think about what to do with J, Q and K. It’s too hard to draw the pictures.

“Besides, what on earth do you use so many boards for?”

I collect the guild cards and pay Ingo the advance money. Holding t the director’s guild card of the workshop, Ingo’s attitude gets a little casual as the credit gets improved as soon as the money is paid.

“Well, it is used for the handiwork done in winter. But the details are a secret. I hope we can take good use of it. If it sells well, next year I will come here, too.”

“… Next year? Isn’t it his order?”

Ingo points at the direction that the boss left.

“Mr. Benno’s exclusive order is from the workshop there, but I have not decided on it yet. I will judge according to the quality of work and the credibility of the delivery date.”

“Hey, yeah…”

“Then, I’m waiting for the Gilberta Company’ delivery. Thank you.”

“Oh, thank you. Here are my best regards.”

Having finished the order of the board, I go back to the store with Mr. Benno.

When I return to the store, Mr. Benno lets me sit at the table in the back room. I am going to discuss with Mr. Benno and Lutz about upcoming plans.

“Now, let’s talk about the whole story.”

As Mr. Benno tapping the table, he stars at me with his sharp eyes, like an interrogation in a criminal drama.

“What do you mean? I did not do anything wrong. It’s a false accusation. I’m innocent.”

“What are you saying, stupid. Now have you decided everything that you are going to do? This is what we are talking about. What will you use that board for? What will you do with the ink? How do you make it? What else do you need? Tell us all.”

Lutz leans out from my side to calm Mr. Benno down. He frowns embarrassedly and suggests.

“This can be the complementary of the paper making at Maine’s Workshop. But it will be hard without a plan. Is there anything you need to get from the forest this year?”

“Huh… wait a minute. Let me see.”

I take out the tablet and write out what I want to make and what I need. I need plate and ink for making toys. As I am writing “For making ink…,” my mind becomes clear gradually.

While I am thinking, Mr. Benno and Lutz have prepared boards and ink for taking notes, too.

“In winter, we are going to make handiwork of ‘reversi’, and ‘shogi’s pieces’. The things we need for these are boards and ink.”

While I am speaking, Mr. Benno frowns, tilting his head to the side.

“What on earth are the things you are listing now?”

“They are a kind of toys like cards. Oh, but unlike the cards, adults can play them too.”

“Huh?”

“I think they are perfect for killing time next winter.”