The interest in MK Royal was already immense, but there was no doubt that the special-order service for pottery with a family crest, set to launch next month, would also command a staggering amount of attention.
I was currently looking at some samples of vividly-colored pottery created through a new manufacturing process by Nebula, who had been busy preparing the samples.
"I had no idea pottery could produce colors this vibrant."
"I’ve put quite a bit of ingenuity into it. However, more colors isn't always better, so I expect we'll need to make adjustments based on the specific orders once the service officially begins. Since this is a prototype, I tried using all ten colors at once, but..."
"Even with ten colors, it doesn't look gaudy at all. It forms such a beautiful picture. You’ve really outdone yourself, Nebula."
"Well, I am the Absolute One!"
Nebula puffed out her chest with pride despite her small stature. I gave her head a light pat as I turned my attention back to the vase. This particular piece didn't feature a family crest; instead, the fired ten-colored pottery purely formed a vivid pattern.
"Since there was no need to keep the process a secret, I’ve already shared the details with Lilia-san. She has her connections among the nobility, and while Lilia-san herself didn't seem personally interested, there was a merchant association she funds that handles pottery..."
"I see..."
Was it just my imagination, or did a vision of an angry Lilia-san just flash before my eyes? No, wait... when we met recently, she didn't seem... actually, on second thought, she did have the look of someone biting their tongue.
I couldn't say for certain it was my fault, but since I was the catalyst, she probably had a few choice words she wanted to say. It certainly felt that way.
...Didn't she mention she liked beef skewers? I’ll pick some up as a peace offering next time I see her.
Well, putting the matter of Lilia-san aside for a moment, I returned my focus to the pottery. Nebula had put her heart into this, and the result was undoubtedly magnificent.
Even to an amateur like me, the level of perfection was truly stunning, and someone with a deep understanding would be quite surprised... Ah, that reminds me.
"Speaking of which, it seems Cento-san from Kuro’s family is a huge fan of pottery. When I brought up the Magic Kiln a while back, she mentioned she wanted to see your work, Nebula. Would it be alright if I showed this to her?"
"Yes! Of course, I don't mind at all. If my memory serves me, doesn't her twin sister, Sien-san, prefer glass products?"
"Yeah. I heard she prefers decorative interior pieces over actual tableware."
"In that case, I have several glass products that would be perfect. Why don't you take those along as well?"
"That's a great idea. Then, since I'm at it, I think I'll take both the pottery and the glass products and pay Tre-san a visit."
According to Nebula, these pieces were made using a new manufacturing process and a special glaze, so Cento-san, who was knowledgeable about ceramics, would likely appreciate them.
I asked Nebula if I could give the pieces to Cento-san and Sien-san if they took a liking to them, and she agreed without hesitation.
The pottery was merely a prototype, and as for the glass products, she had apparently made quite a few alongside Illness-san and had more than enough to spare.
I made a mental note to send Tre-san a message via Hummingbird later. For the time being, I continued to stroke Nebula’s head as she sat perched contentedly in my lap.
"I know you're incredible, Nebula, but you've been working so hard lately that I can't help but worry you're overtaxing yourself. Is there anything at all I can do for you?"
"There is no need for concern. Since Canalis-san and Anima-san handle the store management and product rollouts, I am merely enjoying production as part of my hobbies. However, I cannot simply ignore my Master’s kindness. If that is the case, then for a brief while, as a reward for my work, please pet me! It is extremely comfortable..."
"'Reward' might be a bit of an overstatement, but if it makes you happy, then I’m happy to do it."
"It is a special exception, you understand? As the Absolute One, I am normally the one who grants rewards, not the one who receives them. You are the only one who is special, Master."
"Ahaha, I see. Then it's an honor."
I followed her request and stroked her head with the utmost gentleness. Nebula narrowed her eyes with a look of pure bliss. Between her reaction and her petite frame, she was so incredibly adorable that I found myself feeling just as relaxed as she was.
Serious-senpai: "...So it's a style of giving even existing characters stomach pains now, huh..."