AWDC Chapter 33
by VolareThe paper that Toma created was gradually beginning to bring change to the world.
In the capital, letters were starting to become popular.
Among nobles, wealthy merchants, and those involved with the church, writing documents on paper became associated with displaying one’s education, and using expensive paper was seen as a status symbol.
Toma had thought that if he made the price of paper high, it wouldn’t sell, but the rich bought paper precisely because it was expensive. If it were something that commoners could afford, nobles wouldn’t be interested. Nobles are nobles because they buy expensive things.
Toma, who carried memories of his previous life, didn’t understand this world’s economic sense. In this regard, it could be said that the lords’ thinking was correct.
However, another mechanism that popularized letters was something Toma had created. In this world, because parchment was difficult to fold, letters were usually sent as scrolls. Toma proposed that by folding the paper and putting it in an envelope, it would become compact and maintain confidentiality. Furthermore, he suggested that adding the sender’s family crest to the envelope and using decorative lettering would enhance its appearance. He perfectly imitated the format of envelopes from his previous world.
When the crest of a noble’s house was strongly pressed onto the paper, the crest appeared to be raised, and the nobles were captivated by its attractive appearance. It goes without saying that the appearance of the letter was more important than its content.
It started when the Robertson lord sent letters to Lord Midland and Earl Milona. The exchange of letters rapidly became popular among the upper classes.
It was an easy way to show off one’s education and wealth. It didn’t take long for it to spread among nobles, who could be described as bundles of vanity.
“How is it? The envelope with our family crest has a different look, doesn’t it?”
“Don’t you think the decorative lettering I came up with looks quite lovely?”
The appearance of the letter was linked to the reputation of the noble’s family name.
“Toriholi Village, which produces this paper, is the Robertson family’s territory, isn’t it?”
“A poor noble family is making money by making paper, I see.”
“Ah, they were a family who became too poor to live in the capital.”
“In that case, let’s diligently write letters and use their paper. If we buy their paper, it will help them.”
The nobles had a strong sense of ridicule towards the Robertson family, who had become unable to maintain social graces in the capital and had moved to the countryside. Buying their paper made them feel like they were giving alms to the poor.
Regardless of their feelings, the popularity of letters was a welcome development for the Robertson family. The lord decided to accelerate the mass production of paper.
Merchants were more interested in the paper itself than in letters.
“It seems that this paper is being produced in a village in the southern frontier.”
“I wonder if we could somehow handle it as well.”
“It seems that Lord Midland and Earl Milona are controlling the supply of paper, but they are also coming to sell it from the village.”
“That’s good timing. I definitely want to get involved.”
Soon, Labos, a merchant from Toriholi Village, was contacted by merchants in the capital.
“Mr. Labos, could you let us handle your paper as well?”
“Yes, that would be a welcome opportunity. It will be 100,000 Zeni per bundle.”
“100,000 Zeni is expensive. Can’t you do something about it?”
The merchants didn’t forget to haggle, but the sale of paper was succeeding.
“Mr. Labos, could you teach us how to make the paper?” The merchants in the capital also showed interest in the paper’s manufacturing method.
This is the difference between nobles, who are particular about the appearance of letters, and merchants, who have a nose for things that lead to business.
“I’m in the business of selling, so I don’t know how to make it.”
“But, if you’re in the village, you’ll get various information. Don’t you know how to make it?”
“When doing business, I try to avoid recklessly sticking my hand into things and getting burned.”
Labos, following the lord’s advice, gently declined.
The church’s interest lay in the paper and its use.
“Even if we bind this paper into books, it won’t become thick, so it will be easy to carry around.”
“The paper is smooth and the pen doesn’t catch, so it’s the perfect material for copying scriptures.”
“It’s cheaper than parchment and white, so it’s perfect for copying books.”
“However, it’s difficult to obtain.”
“Can’t we make this paper?”
“I contacted the priest near the production area, but it seems that the manufacturing method is being strictly guarded.”
“So, it’s not easy to make (laughs).”
“But how did paper suddenly appear in such a village?”
“It’s said that a man named Ladapole brought it to the village.”
“Ladapole?”
“Yes, he used to live in the capital, but he was known as a big liar and no one paid attention to him.”
“It seems that he successfully ingratiated himself with the village lord and came up with a way to make paper with their support.”
“In that case, I think he’s quite intelligent. It’s a pity we overlooked him.”
“Is it possible to hire him?”
“I tried to make contact, but it has been reported that it is impossible to meet him.”
The Robertson village lords’ strategy of elevating Ladapole to protect Toma’s secret from the court and the king had succeeded.
However, the paper’s manufacturing method was a great mystery and a matter of concern. It was only natural for resourceful people to try to uncover the mystery.
Merchants and the church also sent people to Toriholi Village and desperately began to find out what the paper was made of and how it was made. The concern that Toma had was naturally about to occur. The Toriholi Village lord would have to work hard to maintain secrecy while gathering people and connecting it to the expansion of paper production.