Chapter 533: Handmade is a father’s love
I don’t know what happened after Sylph had informed Sophia’s parents of her pregnancy, but I had entrusted Akane with the Capital Shop and I secluded myself in the workshop.
As for what I’m doing……
「Takumi-sama, why aren’t you making it using Alchemy?」
「It’s important for it to be handmade.」
「Is that so? Though I don’t quite get it.」
Laeva didn’t really get it, but I paid it no mind, and just processed a plant similar to rattan that exists here, then braided it into a cradle by hand.
I was meticulous over the varying thickness of the rattan as I carefully weaved it together.
I had a complete picture of the final product in my head.
What I am making right now was a rattan cradle.
I might not have used it as a child, but I remember seeing it on TV, and the scene where the baby was being rocked in the cradle came to mind.
Through trial and error, I weaved the rattan.
「That’s quite the weave. It’s a beautiful pattern.」
「Thanks.」
「And you will make three identical pieces?」
「Of course, I will.」
「I see, once you have the genuine article, you are sure to have a proper image when you transmute it.」
「Eh, I will make them all by hand. Isn’t it only natural? There’s a significance to making it by hand.」
「……is that so?」
Laeva doesn’t seem to be convinced, but that doesn’t matter. It’s a tool that our children will use, so I want to make it from scratch.
I was being careful to make sure there were no pointy parts. Naturally, I also smoothed it out so there were no splinters and not even paper would tear.
Partway through, I was dragged away by Charlotte and made to do paperwork in my study, but I was somehow able to finish the three cradles in three days.
For some reason, the women were all wondering why this was the case, but I paid it no mind. Even Sophia, Maria, and Marnie’s faces were asking “Why not Alchemy?”, but that was irrelevant.
There were a lot of things that Akane, who was in complete control of the Capital Store was scolding me about, but she was happy about being able to go to the Royal Capital anytime using the Gate.
Having finished the cradle, I began making the next item.
「Oh no. Oh no. This was the first thing I should have made.」 fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
「What are you making this time?」
While I was muttering to myself while measuring wood, Laeva who was working in the same workshop asked me what I was making.
「What, you ask. The first thing a baby needs when it’s born is a bassinet, isn’t it?」
「I see, that is necessary.」
This time, she seemed to be agree.
「Could it be, will these also be made by hand?」
「That’s a given.」
「Haa~ Takumi-sama, it would only be an instant if you used Alchemy, and yet you are going through all this trouble.」
「There’s very few things that a father can do, after all. I should do at least this much.」
I could remember the bassinet’s structure, so it was simple to make. Of course, I was thorough with the bassinets too.
This too, of course, I will make three of.
As to be expected, because it was a simple build, it only took one day to make all three.
The day after that, I was once again in the workshop.
「What will you be making today?」
「Fufufu, what do you think?」
For some reason, Laeva looked fed up, but…… it must be my imagination.
「Who knows, I have no idea.」
「If the baby goes out, then a stroller is needed.」
「A stroller?」
Laeva didn’t seem to know what a stroller was. And so, I explained it by drawing an illustration.
「I see, that may come in handy.」
「Right? But I’m considering whether I should make three strollers, or a single stroller that can carry three.」
「Wouldn’t one that could carry three be too big?」
「You have a point. I should make them individually.」
The strollers sold in Japan were the type used for babies, and the type that can be used once the babies grow a bit bigger. Perhaps this was because it was too dangerous if babies, who are unable to hold their neck up, are not laid flat on their back in the basket.
What I was making was, of course, something that could be used by newborns, and could then be used for a long time after the children have grown to a certain extent by replacing the basket with a seat.
「Oyo? Will it not be handmade?」
「Ha, haha, one must adapt as necessary, Laeva.」
I’m sorry. I definitely have to rely on Alchemy for this one. It was impossible to make by hand.
***