> Ellie PoV

I caught up with Kira, Ariel and the kids in a small park.

“Hi Mom!” (Lara)

“Mommy!” (Sophie)

“Hey Ellie ~♡! Did everything work out at the guild?” (Kira)

“I got our reward with absolutely no problems.” (Ellie)

Flatface wasted a bit of my time, but it was no big deal.

Since his comrades pleaded for his case saying he’s a hopeless idiot, I let him off without too much of an issue.

I already educated his rebellious limb, so I had no problems with that.

They're a good team, those guys.

Oh, there was one other thing that happened!

“They actually gave us a 10% bonus in the amount for our hard work lately.” (Ellie)

It seems the Grandmaster was grateful to us for quickly cleaning up all those high-ranking requests.

He isn’t allowed to openly show favoritism, so this much is the most he can do.

“How wonderful! I should do this sort of harvest more often!” (Kira)

Harvest, huh?

Well, it’s not entirely wrong.

None of the requests were particularly difficult, we just fought monsters who move on instinct after all.

Ariel’s healing magic didn’t get a chance to shine.

Although her magic bombardment from the air is quite effective.

It was refreshing to have the flying combatant on our side for once.

Speaking of Ariel, she’s silently behaving herself since the kids are around.

I suspect children have some sort of calming effect on her.

Almost everyone in the Church of Enuri has a soft spot for kids, you see.

“Did you two have fun at the palace?” (Ellie)

“Not really… we had to sit through that long presentation.” (Lara)

“Yeah. Shalia was bored too, but we didn’t get to play much.” (Sophie)

“That princess isn’t bullying you, right?” (Ellie)

“No, nothing like that. She’s a bit weird, but she treats us like any of the other kids in Runetap.” (Lara)

“It was strange! She didn’t even know how to play Goblins!” (Sophie)

“Oh, that’s right! What sort of kid doesn’t know how to play Goblins! It really shocked us!” (Lara)

Admittedly, I also had no idea what that game was when I saw it the first time.

It just seemed like they were running around the park aimlessly.

Nano said it’s the same as something called ‘Tag’ but I didn’t know that one either.

“You’re being careful when running around, right?” (Ellie)

“Yes, Mom(my)...” (Lara and Sophie)

What’s with that dispirited response?

It’s only the 86th time I’ve warned them!

We’re not even into three digits, you know!

Ah, but today was tough for them so I’ll let it slide.

I turn back to Kira who’s just smiling pleasantly at us.

“So… Kira… how did it go?” (Ellie)

It’s the big question!

She was presenting the first (sort-of) invention of the (future) Ministry of Progress - a hand-operated printing press!

“Umm, it was not exactly as planned. The demonstration worked okay and they were impressed with the speed and convenience, but they questioned the need to have a lot of books.” (Kira)

“I see…” (Ellie)

That’s a let down.

It’s the first thing Nano decided to introduce to this world.

Thing is, paper is really cheap and easy to find.

It’s not manufactured, but grown by the elves.

They maintain special tree farms that produce paper-like leaves.

Ink is also relatively cheap and easy to find since they mix by using common ingredients like Night Berry juice and charcoal.

So people have the ability and materials to write all they want!

The thing is, there are not many books.

Since all of them have to be written by hand.

“Nano insisted that was its primary function, but I agree with those ministers. Do we really need books that badly?” (Kira)

{Of course. If we want to properly educate children, then having lots of books is a given, right?}

“That wasn’t a big problem in the Magic Academy though. We seldom used books during class, and even when we did the instructor would just read it out to us while we took notes. I mean, I spent a lot of time in the library studying up on magical theory, but that was just me. Yes... only me...” (Kira)

So that’s how it was.

Kira’s making her I-remembered-something-I-didn’t-want-to face.

I should comfort her later.

“Also, what we’re trying to do is go for variety right? So we need a wide range of materials rather than many copies of a single book.” (Kira)

{You may be right, but that could change in the future.}

Come to think of it, this world doesn’t have any real need of a printing press right now.

There isn’t anything like a holy text that needs to be spread to the ends of the world.

Storytelling is done mainly by bards and minstrels in the form of song.

History is recorded, but only those looking to join the military care about it.

And pursuit of scientific knowledge as a whole is practically nonexistent.

The study of magic, on the other hand, is something that relies on practice, feeling and mental images.

Things you can’t really put into a book.

Hmm?

Why not?

“Well, in the end they still liked Nano’s idea of a ‘newspaper’, so they will produce a number of them.” (Kira)

Now that, on the other hand, is something this world sorely lacks!

An efficient way to let the whole country know of important events!

Having news spread by word of mouth is unreliable and slow.

To have this backup suggestion ready just in case, Nano is well prepared as expected!

Then if the need for printed books arises later, they’ll at least have the tools to make them!

“So, that back there was a good thing?” (Lara)

“Those old people seemed happy with Mommy’s fancy desk, right?” (Sophie)

“That’s right, sweetie! The king and his ministers really liked our first official proposal! Like this we’ll have more credibility when we get serious next year!” (Kira)

Well, it sounds like it was for the wrong reasons, but a win’s a win, right?

“I see! Then congrats Mom!” (Lara)

“Yeah! I’m so proud of you Mommy! But, is credidibility tasty?” (Sophie)

“Credibility means they’ll trust us more, Sophie.” (Ellie)

“Ohh! So it’s not something tasty…” (Sophie)

She must be hungry, judging from that disappointed face.

Let’s stop by a food stall on the way back, there’s plenty of time until dinner anyway.

“I’ll have to show that printing press to Baron Luron, too. The Runetap City Guard will love it! They use so many documents that something like this is sure to save them a lot of time!” (Kira)

Kira makes a suggestion I can’t really support.

On the surface, she’s got the right idea.

They use many different forms, all of them made by hand.

Often the guardsman in question will prepare a new form themselves on the spot.

Also, every new recruit is required to transcribe each of their handbook’s three volumes for themselves.

But doing it that way helps them memorize the contents easier.

Plus, volume three seems to be mostly filled with form templates anyway.

Then there’s the thing about the assistant librarian position.

Those people literally just copy forms from dawn til dusk.

It’s a harsh punishment for recruits who haven’t learned their forms yet.

It’s partly why so many of the guards are diligent.

Mind-numbing and repetitive work like that is something everybody hates, after all.

However, these are things Kira wouldn’t know since she refuses to read everybody’s thoughts like I do.

While most thoughts get ignored as background noise, I do notice some patterns that show up here and there.

Therefore, I should stop her before she ruins a good system!

“Kira, I don’t think they’ll be that happy. Paperwork is how they cope with their jobs. Think about Olboun’s face when he’s working on his forms.” (Ellie)

Kira blinks a few times, probably recalling our interactions with Olboun.

He complains on the surface, but he’s actually glad to be doing something simple like drawing forms by hand.

Otherwise he has to deal with things like hunting mimics, fighting giant zombie rats in the sewer, subduing the violent confrontations that happen daily or defending the city from monster invasion.

“Compared to the things those people deal with on a regular basis, paperwork is like a tiny vacation. We have no right to take it from them.” (Ellie)

“That… is a good point.” (Kira)

* * *

“Humm hmm hmm ~♫” (Kira)

Kira is peacefully chopping ingredients in the kitchen while humming some tune.

She’s preparing another beef and carrot casserole for dinner!

It’s a celebration for today’s success with the printing press!

I’m just watching the magic happen.

“Hehe, Ellie being here makes me want to try harder!” (Kira)

{Don’t try too hard. We wouldn’t want your mana to infect the ingredients.}

That’s right, not that kind of magic.

That kind of magic tastes bad!

I’m talking about culinary magic!

“Don’t be like that. I’m using a Titansteel knife you know…” (Kira)

{I’m sure you’ll find a way. You always find a way.}

“Nano, you know I’ll eat anything Kira makes so don’t be so hard on her.” (Ellie)

{No, that’s exactly why I’m being hard on her!}

Ah, now the moment is ruined!

Kira has stopped humming and her hands lost their vigor!

Bad Nano!

“Mom! Mom! Come quick!” (Lara)

“What’s wrong, Lara!?” (Kira)

Lara bursts into the kitchen in a rush.

“It’s hatching! It’s hatching!” (Lara)

“Oh! It’s finally here! Show me!” (Kira)

She stops what she’s doing and runs out with Lara.

I stealthily turn off the stove and follow them.

Fire hazards are bad, okay?

“Nano, call Kelly and Ariel! They should see this too!” (Ellie)

{Already did!}

We go up the stairs and into the girls’ bedroom.

Sophie’s sitting on the bed while holding the gryphon egg in her lap.

The egg itself seems slightly bigger than Sophie in this situation…

“Ah!” (Sophie)

She let out a little voice as the egg shook!

*Crack*

“Piiii!” (Gryphon Chick)

Part of the rock-like shell broke off and a tiny chirp came out of it!

*Crack*

The hard egg is slowly being broken apart from the inside!

Fight!

You can do it, little one!

“Piiii!” (Gryphon Chick)

With a triumphant cry, the egg shell was shattered in pieces!

Inside was a creature that was roughly as big as Sophie.

A short, sharp looking yellow beak and keen brown eyes!

Leathery bird-like front feet, already equipped with tiny talons ready for grabbing things!

Soft looking-paws on the hind feet!

A long tail with a bushy end!

Light brown plumage on its front half!

Soft, golden fuzz on its rear half!

And finally, extremely ruffled wings from its sides!

The basic shape is more or less a miniature Shull.

But while Shull could be described as ‘majestic’ or ‘proud,’ there’s only one word that comes to mind when looking this one.

“It’s so fluffy!” (Sophie)

Yep, that.

“Wow it’s so cute! Look at the little guy!” (Lara)

Or maybe that.

“Piiiii! Piii!” (Gryphon Chick)

The newly hatched gryphon let out small cries of joy as Sophie and Lara started hugging and petting it.

“Oh my! I had no idea it would be this adorable! Hi there little guy!” (Kira)

Kira extended a hand as if to pet it!

“Piiyaa!” (Gryphon Chick)

However, she was denied!

The gryphon got startled and moved away from her, standing behind Sophie and Lara.

How rude!

Ah, that’s right!

It knows Sophie and Lara by instinct, but Kira is a complete stranger.

“Uuuu… I was rejected…” (Kira)

“That’s no good! You shouldn’t be mean to Mommy like that!” (Sophie)

It’s barely been born and it was already scolded!

Poor guy is making round sad eyes at Sophie!

“Oi! Did I miss it?” (Kelly)

Kelly barges into the room.

Her work overalls are covered in soot and there’s a weird stain on her cheek.

She must have been down in Nano’s workshop.

“Argh! I wanted to see the hatching!” (Kelly)

“So where is Lara and Sophie’s new servant?” (Ariel)

Ariel pokes her head through the door with some interest.

Her expression softens when she sees the new baby poking out from behind Sophie’s back.

It seems she really is weak towards children and, by extension, baby gryphons.

Pretty much the entire room is busy fawning over this ball of fuzz.

I also want to scratch its neck like Lara is doing right now.

However, the others seem to be forgetting something.

*Clap*

I slap my hands together to get their attention.

“Let’s keep in mind what Brand said about crowding it!” (Ellie)

We shouldn’t confuse the baby and leave it to get better acquainted with its ‘parents’.

In this case, that would be Sophie and Lara.

“Out! Out! There’s going to be plenty of time to introduce ourselves later!” (Ellie)

“But but!” (Kira)

“... She has a point!” (Kelly)

“Yes, Mistress!” (Ariel)

Honestly, all these people getting too carried away!

It’s okay though, I’ll be the responsible one for the sake of this new addition to our family.

Since I’m the mom.

I gently nudge everyone out of the room to give the newborn some space.

Once they’ve all been cleared out, I turn towards the two from the doorway.

“Girls, make sure you give it a name and properly introduce yourselves! We’ll visit later!” (Ellie)

That was another thing Brand said - it’s important for it to recognize names ASAP.

“Then! Then! Fluffles! Hi Fluffles! I’m Sophie!” (Sophie)

“Ah no! Sis we should name it something cool like Razorbeak or Powerclaw or maybe-” (Lara)

“But it’s so fluffy! How can it be anything other than Fluffles?” (Sophie)

“Piiii!” (Fluffles)

“See? He likes it!” (Sophie)

“Piii pii piiii!” (Fluffles)

It’s jumping up and down excitedly.

“Aw man… Well, it is pretty cute… Hey Fluffles, I’m Lara!” (Lara)

“Piii!” (Fluffles)

“Oh and that’s Ellie! She’s one of our moms so make sure you’re not mean, okay?” (Lara)

Ack!

In the end I also got carried away and forgot I was supposed to leave the room!

Fluffles looks in my direction, then stands properly facing me.

He lowers his head, tilting his torso forward while lifting one of its front feet slightly.

It’s an unquestionable curtsy.

“Piyo!” (Fluffles)

I nod my head approvingly.

“Good to meet you too, Fluffles.” (Ellie)

“Piyo!” (Fluffles)

He also nods his head slightly and goes back to a neutral stance.

Such a good-mannered child, he’ll do well in this house!