Since I was done showcasing the pottery for the moment, I planned to show them the glass interior pieces next. I stole a glance at Sien, who wore a complex expression—a cocktail of anticipation and dread.
"Um, Sien? I was going to bring out the glasswork next, but..."
"I am at a loss for how to describe what I am feeling. Watching Cento clutch her stomach is terrifying, yet I am consumed by the desire to see her work... This may require a significant amount of mental fortitude."
"Oh, well, she only started glasswork very recently, so she hasn't used any revolutionary methods or special techniques. Nebula mentioned she wanted to master the fundamentals before experimenting with anything new."
"I see... That is a relief. If she has only just begun, she would naturally start with basic glass products. Glass is so fragile that intricate craftsmanship is notoriously difficult. If that is the case, I shall simply enjoy them as the works of a rising talent."
In truth, Nebula had been making pottery for quite some time, spending her days in a process of trial and error alongside Illness. That was likely why she had been able to invent new manufacturing methods and glazes based on my casual suggestions.
Glasswork, however, was something she had only picked up after Canalis arrived, so she lacked experience. Nebula herself seemed far from satisfied with her current progress.
From my perspective, her work was nothing short of breathtaking, but perhaps someone as well-versed in the craft as Sien would see things differently.
With that thought, I pulled out the glass interior Nebula had modeled after the World Tree where she resides.
She had made several of these interior pieces. I had already received the ones modeled after Bell and Rin and kept them on my desk.
The World Tree interior I brought today was, in my opinion, a masterpiece. Every single leaf felt like it had been crafted with meticulous obsession.
"..."
"S-Sien? Are you alright? It looks like an incredible piece of work to me..."
As Sien stared at the piece on the table, her expression froze, prompting a worried check-in from Cento. Sien did not respond for several seconds. When she finally moved, she leaned in close to the glass and whispered.
"...I-I don't believe it. You're telling me she created something this clear and complex with so little experience? W-What’s more, there are no seams! She didn't assemble it from individual parts—she crafted this whole thing from a single piece of glass..."
"Hmm, I don't know much about glasswork, but is Sien's reaction a sign that it’s impressive?"
"Impressive doesn't cover it! It's true that she didn't use any special techniques. She stuck to the absolute fundamentals of glassmaking, and the material itself isn't anything special. There are craftsmen capable of replicating this, yes. But they would be world-class masters. To be blunt, Nebula’s technical skill already far exceeds my own. This foliage work is pure art. Even if this were displayed in a world-class exhibition, it wouldn't look out of place for a second. P-Pottery techniques certainly translate to some degree, but to achieve this so soon after starting... Nebula’s talent is staggering."
It seemed Nebula's work was indeed extraordinary even to an expert like Sien, who was now heaping praise upon it despite her initial shock. I felt a swell of pride; Nebula really was something else.
"Nebula said she’s still just polishing the basics. Once she gets more comfortable, she mentioned she wants to try her hand at larger pieces."
"Large-scale glasswork is incredibly demanding, but with skill like hers, I'm sure she’ll produce something magnificent. I would love to see it when the time comes."
"Definitely. I'll make sure to show you. Oh, by the way—this might be a bit outside your usual interests since it's not strictly decorative, but she also made some cups. Although, according to Nebula, they're failures..."
"My collection focuses on artistic glass, but I appreciate simple glassware as well... Wait? What? This cup... the carving... such intricate, beautiful patterns... Eh? A failure? Where?"
"Well, she said she got too carried away with the ornamentation, so it's not very practical. She made the carvings so deep for the 3D effect that it's apparently bumpy and hard to hold..."
"N-No, this is clearly an object meant for display and admiration... I-I suppose it might be awkward to use as a standard cup, but... I think I finally understand how Cento felt a moment ago."
What was it about this? Nebula had not used any revolutionary techniques like she had with Cento's pottery, yet Sien’s expression was the spitting image of Cento’s from earlier. Maybe it was a twin thing.
Beside them, Tre was nodding along with a look of deep, sagely admiration while inspecting the glass carving... but her movements were just a bit too theatrical. I had a feeling she was just trying to look the part and did not actually have a clue what she was looking at.
Serious-senpai: "The twins are beginning to show their potential as Stomach Pain Warriors, though they are still just buds... and as usual, Tre hasn't got the faintest idea what's going on..."