Im carefully guided the magic furnace into the workshop using Mage Hand, setting it down gently on a stone foundation Leon had built for his old furnace. The new furnace's runes glowed faintly as it settled, humming with latent mana.
"Remarkable craftsmanship," Im said, running a finger over the mana conduits. "The runes are integrated seamlessly—who made this?"
"A master enchanter in the capital," Eunice said, taking a seat at the cottage's wooden table. "We spared no expense. We want this partnership to be mutually beneficial."
Leon sat down beside her, pouring mugs of mint tea from a clay pot. "So what's the proposal? You want exclusive rights to the fountain pen?"
Eunice nodded, pulling a scroll from her satchel. "We want to manufacture two versions: a basic fountain pen for scribes and scholars, and a high-end rune pen for mages, enchanted by Orlando. We'll handle production, distribution, and marketing. You'll get 15% of all sales, and we'll cover the cost of materials for your experiments."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "15%? That's fair, but what about the patent rights? I don't want other guilds copying the design."
Eunice smiled, unrolling the scroll to reveal a formal contract. "The contract includes a non-compete clause—we'll hold exclusive manufacturing rights for five years. After that, you can license the design to other guilds, but we get right of first refusal. We'll also register the patent with the Mage Guild to prevent counterfeiting."
Im leaned in, scanning the contract. "The terms are reasonable. But what about quality control? We won't have our name attached to shoddy pens."
"Orlando will oversee the high-end rune pens," Eunice said. "We'll hire master craftsmen to make the basic pens, and we'll send you samples for approval before mass production. We want to maintain the pen's reputation as a reliable tool for mages."
Leon nodded, satisfied. "That works for me. What about the timeline?"
"We can start production in two months," Serena said, speaking up for the first time. "We already have craftsmen lined up, and Orlando has agreed to enchant the first batch of high-end pens. We'll launch at the next Mage Guild auction in the capital."
Im grunted, sipping his tea. "Make sure you have enough gold to cover the initial production costs. Mages are picky about their tools—they won't buy cheaply made pens."
Eunice laughed. "We've already set aside a large budget. We know the mage market is small, but it's lucrative. And once nobles see mages using the pens, they'll want them too—status symbols sell well."
Leon grinned, thinking of the mirrors he'd sold. "Tell me about it. I sold a mirror for 100 gold, and a noble resold it for 1,000 after adding a gold frame."
Eunice's eyes lit up. "We could do the same with the pens—add gemstones and fancy engravings for noble clients. Basic pens for mages, luxury pens for nobles. Double the market."
Leon shook his head. "The basic pen should stay simple—mages care about function, not flash. The luxury version can be for nobles, but don't mess with the core design. If the rune engraving gets too cluttered, it'll ruin the pen's performance."
Eunice nodded, making a note on the contract. "Fair enough. We'll keep the mage version functional, and the noble version will be purely decorative."
After finalizing the contract, Eunice and Serena prepared to leave. "We'll send the first batch of materials in two weeks," Eunice said, shaking Leon's hand. "We're excited to work with you."
Leon walked them to the valley gate, the contract tucked in his satchel. "Me too. This is going to be fun."
As the carriage rumbled away, Leon turned back to the cottage, where Im was inspecting the new furnace. "You did good," Im said, not looking up. "The contract is fair, and the furnace will help you advance your experiments."
Leon grinned, leaning against the fence. "I know. Now I can finally make better glass and maybe even try forging metal tools."
Im glanced at him, a small smile on his face. "Don't get distracted. Your magic training comes first. The furnace is a tool, not a toy."
Leon saluted mockingly. "Yes, master. I'll practice my mana control first, then experiment with the furnace."
Im shook his head, but he was smiling. "Go on. I'll finish setting up the furnace's mana conduits. We'll test it tomorrow."
Leon walked to the herb garden, where the vegetable seeds had just begun to sprout tiny green shoots. He knelt down, brushing a leaf gently. Spring was here, and with it, new opportunities. He was one step closer to mastering magic, one step closer to uncovering Eldrin's ruin secret, and one step closer to making his mark on Etho.
As the sun set over the valley, painting the sky pink and orange, Leon felt a sense of peace he hadn't felt since he'd arrived in Etho. He wasn't just a reincarnated kid anymore—he was a mage apprentice, an inventor, and a partner in a thriving business. For the first time, he truly felt like he belonged.