3rd Person POV
The artisans were shocked. It was the highest honor to have their work presented to the Emperor. What’s more, the emperor himself would buy it as a gift for the empress.
“Furthermore, I heard that His Excellency Duke Yurisein, who saw the glass pen we presented to His Majesty, was very eager to purchase one himself. So, Rev, I would like you to make two sets of glass pens, one for the Empress and the other for the Duke of Yurisein’s order.”
“I am honored, thanks to the Young Lady. Thank you very much…”
Rev bows his head deeply.
“It is because of your skills that you are the only one in the world who can create glass pens now. I intend to continue to create an environment in which excellent craftsmen can create their work freely.”
Smiling at Rev, Ekaterina turned her attention to the other four glassblowers.
“You are all former artisans of the Murano Workshop, aren’t you?”
“Fueeeh” (artisans)
Each of the artisans bowed their heads.
“I heard that you all work in different workshops now, but I was wondering if you could return to Murano Workshop. We can promise you better conditions in terms of salary and treatment than the workshop you work at.”
The craftsmen still did not respond to Ekaterina’s words but bright and hopeful expressions. The earlier exchange seemed to have affected them.
“As you have heard, we want to make our newly developed glass pen product one of the mainstays of Murano Workshop in the future. However, many people still want to buy Murano Workshop’s beautiful glass and tableware. That is why we would like to see the return of the artisans who have inherited the skills of Master Murano. Eventually, I would like you to learn how to make glass pens as well.”
“…May I ask one question?”
The man who opened his mouth was a tall, thin man who seemed to be the oldest among the artisans.
“Of course, go ahead.”
“Thank you, Miss.”
He was polite as he had been trained at Murano Workshop. But what he asked was quite harsh.
“Why would the Young Lady of the Duke of Yurinova be running a glass workshop herself? I’m sure she’ll be married off to someone respectable within a few years. If she does, what will happen to this workshop?”
“That’s rude! Excuse us, Young Lady!”
Rev shouted, discarding his silence. But Ekaterina only smiled, unfazed by the question.
“Thank you. Rev, that is a fair question. It’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
It’s not a question from a particular journalist in her previous life, but it’s still a good question!
The older artisans were smart men. Even in her previous life in Japan, women underwent drastic changes due to life events. In this world, on the contrary, women cannot choose their own lives. Based on common sense, there was a great possibility that her position would change in the future, and she would have to withdraw from the management of the workshop.
1st Person POV
I don’t want to leave my big brother’s side, and I’m sure he’ll give me what I want, but that’s not something for the artisans to know.
If the workshop closed again right after I changed jobs, the artisans would not be happy.
“As for the management of this workshop, I am indeed in charge. However, as you are concerned, there is a possibility that my position will change. Therefore, the workshop will remain the property of the Yurinova family, and the Yurinova family will also be responsible for the workshop. As for your employment, Yurinova will sign a contract with you, so there will be no change in your treatment even if I leave the family. Please do not worry.”
Ekaterina then took out a paper and handed it to the older craftsman.
