The Frugal Mage

The manual Thyruz was holding showed diagrams of a detailed method on how to channel mana or even find mana veins within metal, and also infusion cycles that stabilized enchantments without constant upkeep…

The process was complex, far beyond the simple arrays he had studied for years.

A few moments later, Thyruz chuckled softly as he read through the manual...

It was just like the old times…

"Old bones, yet still learning. But if I can grasp this… perhaps I'll finally step into the next tier."

As the lamp flickered across the workshop, Thyruz immersed himself in study…

After some time, since he also needed to memorize them, he had to do something... and the best method was to copy these diagrams.

Soon, his quill started scratching against parchment as he copied the diagrams from the manual.

Once he had fully grasped the process, he would attempt the infusion process very soon.

And if successful, he would not only refine his craft, but he might just become indispensable to Rayven, and perhaps, the latter would finally reveal his secrets.

'I should give him a better enchantment soon...'

***

The next day, as Rayven looked at his draft and various designs for his plan to earn money, he was greeted with news from one of the estate's messengers.

His elder brother would be arriving in three days.

It was just like what he heard from Rennard, but this time, they already gave the estimated time of arrival.

It was a lot faster than he had expected, considering how his elder brother was coming from Kesla.

'Right… I had a lot of stopovers before I got here… I guess that can be shortened with a good carriage and some money.'

After having his meal, Rayven didn't waste a moment.

He just needed some finishing touches on his plan before he could present it…

There was parchment across his desk, and he began sketching.

He was actually designing the mechanical pen that he wanted.

The design that took form was crude compared to the elegant pens he remembered from his old world, but it was a start.

A slender barrel, a container that could store ink, and a mechanism to guide the flow…

Without the skill of a craftsman, his sketches were little more than lines and arrows. Still, the image was there, and with the right person, he knew that this could be made.

"Once I have someone to help shape this properly…" Rayven murmured as he looked at his sketches… "It'll be revolutionary."

Next came the ink. He turned to another sheet, listing the ingredients he would need…

This includes the hardened tree sap, preferably acacia or something similar, to act as a binder.

There was also the fine carbon powder, the soot that he needed. Since there were already other inks, this should be an easy matter.

Then, a stabilizing agent to prevent clumping, like salt, vinegar, or even sugar water that could be added to increase viscosity.

Lastly, he needs not just clean water but a filtered one…

As for the paper, he knew that it could wait. The cost of making it was too high for now, and without a steady supply, it would drain him before the business even began.

Pens and ink, however, were those he could begin immediately.

Soon, Albert visited his room. He just wanted to give Rayven's reward after beating Cedric, an Adept Mage…

However, before he could even give the reward, he noticed how busy Rayven was.

The old steward had also seen Rayven scribbling furiously for some time…

They noticed that his parchment was filled with sketches, notes, and calculations. It was clear as day, Rayven was preparing something huge.

"Nephew…" Albert finally said…

Rayven finally noticed Albert and Rennard standing by the door, quietly watching him.

He froze for a moment, then gave a helpless smile on his face.

"I was planning to call for you later…" Rayven admitted, setting his quill down. "But since you're already here… perhaps this makes things easier."

He gestured to the parchments scattered across his desk.

Some had rough sketches of a strange pen-like device, others were lists of materials, and still others were covered in lines of notes that connected soap, ink, paper, and even newspaper.

Steward Rennard's brow furrowed as he looked at the design…

With the various notes written by Rayven, he immediately understood what it was.

"This… This is innovation…"

Albert also nodded as he took his matter seriously.

He scanned the designs before meeting Rayven's eyes. "You're planning something large."

"Yes," Rayven replied firmly…

"And I don't plan to hide it. Pens, ink, soap, paper… They're small conveniences, but if handled properly, they can change how people live. And from there…"

Rayven paused as he looked at the covered parchment detailing his plan for the newspaper, before he continued, "…the rest will follow."

Rennard exchanged a look with Albert, still unsure how to proceed with this.

But Albert already knew that his nephew wasn't simple… This might actually work.

"You'll need more than sketches and dreams…" Albert said at last.

"This kind of work takes a lot of planning, ledgers, suppliers, workers… and steady bookkeeping to record all your expenses. You can't run this alone."

Rayven didn't deny it. He gave a small nod. "That's why I wanted to speak with you both. I'll need help."

Albert smiled after seeing this.

"Good. Then let me make a suggestion. Rennard's boy… Gene. He's young, just eighteen, but smart. He already manages ledgers better than most trained clerks, and he's been shadowing Rennard in the branch for over a year now."

Rennard straightened at the mention of his son. "Gene knows his numbers, that's true. He keeps the accounts cleaner than I ever did. He's also fully aware of how to run various businesses."

Albert finally added.

"And more importantly, he's loyal. If you're truly serious about these plans, Rayven, Gene would make a fine right hand to handle the details you don't have time for."

Rayven didn't dislike the idea. After all, he also planned to work as an Adventurer for some passive income. He needed some people to do some menial tasks for him.

"Gene, huh… Then perhaps I should meet him soon. If he's half as capable as you say, I'll have use for him."