Paper and Porcelain

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The next day, Paul once again invited Quill Foster into the hall, accompanied by the members of the Lichman Adventurers.

Quill guessed happily, "My friend, I suppose today you're going to show me those 'little things' of yours?"

"Exactly!" Paul snapped his fingers and loudly declared, "Bring them in!"

Two servants approached with trays covered in cloth, placing them on the table. The contents underneath were hidden from view.

Quill grinned, "Oh? Keeping the mystery alive, aren't you?" The adventurers also wore speculative expressions.

"Watch closely!" Paul dramatically unveiled the cloth from the first tray, "First, 'paper'."

"Paper?" The others looked puzzled. "You've built up such suspense just to show us paper?"

Captain Meryl of the adventurers frowned, "Is Lord Paul teasing us?"

Paul waved his finger, "Don't be impatient, everyone. This paper is extraordinary. It's not made from sheepskin but from very inexpensive materials, with a simple manufacturing process that saves a lot on labor and materials. Its cost is far lower than parchment."

Quill had heard Paul mention the new paper in Port Frand before, so he wasn't too surprised. He picked up a sheet and felt it, marveling, "This 'paper' is indeed impressive and can replace parchment. If what you said about mass production is true, its prospects are quite promising. By the way, what is it made of?"

Paul swiftly refused, "Sorry, trade secret. Even if you're my friend, I can't disclose it."

"Hmph! So stingy. What about the second tray?"

Paul uncovered the cloth from the second tray, "Behold, everyone, look closely! I call this 'porcelain'."

"Wow!" The group exclaimed in astonishment at the sight on the tray.

It was a porcelain plate, immaculately white and translucent, leaving everyone with a pristine impression.

Similar to medieval Europe, most people in this world used pottery, while those better off used metal vessels like bronze. The upper-class nobility used silverware. Regardless of maintenance, metal objects inevitably faced the problem of rust, losing their original luster after a period. Porcelain, on the other hand, was much more aesthetically pleasing, far surpassing the dull appearance of pottery and bronze.

Paul proudly introduced, "How about that? Isn't it beautiful? And it doesn't rust!"

Back then, Europeans went to great lengths to obtain the secret of making porcelain. Eventually, a French missionary named François Xavier d'Entrecolles infiltrated Jingdezhen and spent over a decade gathering materials and the recipe. After sending them back to Europe from afar, Westerners finally succeeded in producing native porcelain comparable to Chinese porcelain.

Actually, the core secret of porcelain lies in two things: kaolin (or magnetite) and high temperatures.

Fortunately, kaolin was discovered not far from Alden Town. Paul recruited a group of potters, established a kiln factory, and began experimental porcelain production.

Initially, the results were unsatisfactory due to difficulties in temperature control. Firing porcelain required temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius.

To solve this problem, Paul had a glassmaker create the world's first mercury thermometer. Although it had inaccuracies, it was barely sufficient. Of course, it couldn't directly measure temperatures inside the kiln, as it would explode and couldn't reach the range of 400 degrees Celsius or higher.

Using the thermometer to measure the temperature around the kiln, combined with Paul's saliva temperature measurement method—spitting into the kiln, the spit would turn into a small water droplet that bounced, then the temperature was determined based on the height of the water droplet's bouncing—finally produced a consistently stable temperature of over 1200 degrees Celsius.

Before firing in the kiln, there's an important step called glazing. Without glazing, while porcelain can still be fired, it would be rather rough.

The glaze is made by mixing clay water with wood ash, stirring until uniform, and filtering before use.

This step greatly affects the appearance of the final product. However, during the trial production, perfection in glazing techniques needs to be gradually explored by the craftsmen.

During Paul's recovery of Port Frand, craftsmen from Alden Town conducted numerous experiments and finally managed to produce the first batch of decent porcelain.

The porcelain plate before them was one of the trial products. It lacked the beautiful paintings commonly seen on porcelain on Earth because the pigment formulas for coloring porcelain were closely guarded secrets. Paul feared that incorrect mixing could affect the firing process, so the trial products were left unpainted. First, let's resolve any issues; the technique for painting would be slowly studied by the craftsmen.

In truth, the trial products were not perfect, with many flaws, far from being flawless, but they were already enough to astonish Quill and the other natives from different realms.

Quill asked excitedly, "You... you're going to sell these things?"

Paul proudly nodded, "Of course. These are just early experimental products, with many flaws and far from perfect. In the future, what I will sell will be even more beautiful, with various exquisite designs painted on them."

Young Master Foster of the Foster family sighed, "This will stir up a storm!" Despite his disdain for the family business, Quill still inherited a bit of business acumen.

Looking at the Lichman Adventurers, who were also staring at the porcelain plate in a daze, Paul announced loudly, "I declare that each of you present will receive a trial porcelain product as a gift. I will issue certificates in the name of the Grayman family, certifying them as the first porcelain products in this world. Although these trial products are far from perfect, if porcelain sells well, their collectible value will be immeasurable."

Dean from the adventurers hastily objected, "How can this be? These things are too valuable. We can't accept them." He was promptly kicked by Captain Meru.

Meru bowed respectfully to Paul, "Lord Grayman, I apologize deeply for my previous misunderstandings. You are not only not lecherous or cowardly, but a generous, kind-hearted person who cares for his people."

Paul crossed his arms, lifting his chin proudly, "Hmm! So, you finally see my true side?"

Wait, was that the impression you had of me before? Oh well, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll overlook past grievances.

He continued sternly, "These are not just given away for free. When you return south, you must help me spread the word."

Quill and Meru both agreed eagerly.

One guaranteed, "Merchants in our area will surely vie for the agency rights from you."

Another's eyes gleamed, "We're going to make a fortune, a fortune!"

Hmm, the son of a council's influential figure and a renowned adventuring group should generate considerable advertising effects.

(End of the Chapter)