"Well, Captain, let's go see Mikel. I need a recommendation on how to turn the grind wheel into a pulp maker." I said as we left the field with the kids playing in it.

"This is for your replacement for parchment, my lord?" Draves asked casually

"Yes," I nodded.

"Why, my lord."

"Well, for a few reasons. One is because once it is developed, paper will be easier to produce than parchment and may make us some money. Two, with an easy way to record information, we can spread ideas around and collect new ideas. And the third one is something I came up with a little later: to test the waters."

"To test the waters?"

"As I have been discovering more and more about myself and my family, I have realized that we have no allies. Would that be correct?"

"None that I can think of."

"The only reason we haven't been ousted is that it would look bad if the king dumped us after my father saved his father. But we would be out rather quickly if there were a legitimate excuse. I think we were thrust upon the duke, which might have annoyed him since he could have given this land to someone else. Does that make sense?"

"I believe your estimation is correct."

"So, without any backers, I guess someone will steal the process, and the king won't even lift a finger. I'm not sure how this will work out, so I am testing the waters. In the best-case scenario, the duke and king see our success, laud us, and help us secure our position. In the worst case scenario, they come for my head, and I toss them paper-making and the new plow and run for it."

"So you are willing to give up your inventions just to see how they will react?"

"It's not like it wouldn't be discovered anyway. It may take a thousand years, but hey, it would happen."

"You have other things in mind, don't you, my lord?"

"Yep. So if we lose the right to make paper, we do something else, which brings up a point. Are there patents or ways to protect your inventions from being copied?"

"There are Writs of Exclusivity. They are given by the king to those who desire to protect their ability to make money from others trying to copy a new trade."

"How likely are we to be able to obtain one?"

"I am just a guard captain, my lord. That is as far as my knowledge goes."

"Don't sell yourself short. You have been an amazing help," I said, patting him on the shoulder. "Well, that time you had the priest try and exorcise me was weird, but other than that, I couldn't have gotten along without you."

I could tell Draves was trying to figure out if I just admonished or praised him, but by then, I had already knocked on Mikel's workshop. After a few minutes, Mikel stepped out of his shop. He looked depressed.

"Mikel, it is good to see you today, although you look a little down. Can I assist you with something?"

He bowed, "My lord, it is nothing you need to concern yourself with."

I tried to give him one of those penetrating stares. You know, the ones that moms give when trying to ferret out the truth. It didn't work, and it probably just creeped him out. I looked away and coughed. "Well, let's see here," I said, trying to get the conversation back on track. "I was wondering if you could come and look at the grindstone at the castle with me and see if you could convert it into something that could grind bark into small pieces."

This seemed to distract him from his worries. "If you pardon my asking, my lord, what might this be used for?"

"When the wood is smashed into small enough pieces and then mixed with water, the fibers bind together and can make something similar to parchment, except it is made from plants."

"This is related to what you are having Emily do at the manor?"

"Wow, news travels fast," I said in surprise.

"Amy came back to the village last night and said to her husband, ' You were having Emily make something called paper. ' He started telling others, and it got to me.'

"Yes, well, she is using mashed-up linen rags. I tried to do it myself, but Marshandra said that I was making a mess of things and it wasn't proper for me as the lord to do it. Really, I don't think it's fair she gets to be the first person to make paper, and all I get to do is run a barony." I said in a fake pout.

That put a smile on Mikel's face. "I have time now, but I think we should find Samuel. He may be able to give some insight."

"Good idea!" I said, "Two heads are better than one."

"An interesting phrase, my lord," He said.

'Plus one point for creating a new phrase.' I thought. We talked as we walked. I was discussing the plow project as we went. He had most of the pieces cut out, but many hours of filing and shaping were left to go. Since the distance was short, the conversation ended abruptly when Samuel stepped out of his house. "My lord, I wasn't expecting you so soon. I have some of the wood warped, but it isn't—"

I interrupted him. "It is actually a different matter that brings me here. I know the wood will have to be set up, as well as all that stuff. Now that Jorb has decided to leave, it may be on the back burner for a while."

"I heard that," Samuel said, "I'm sad he is leaving. He is a good man."

"He is a great man and a good father to his children. A man like him is sorely needed here."

"But if you agree, why are you letting him go? He cannot leave without your permission."

I sighed, "Because I value the freedom of choice. It is hard for him to have a baron who has committed a crime against his family rule over him. So he has decided to leave."

All the men nodded as if what I said made any sense. Did they actually agree, or were they nodding because I was the baron?

"So if it isn't the spring, how may I help you, my lord?"

"I am trying to convert my grindstone into a pulp grinder. Mikel suggested we involve you in it, and maybe we can figure out the best way to make this work."

"OK, I'm all for trying something new. What is a pulp grinder?"

So, on the way up the hill, I further explained the papermaking process to them. Instead of going to the shed, we went into the manor house. I took them down the hall to sweet old grandma's room. I actually had no idea if she was sweet or not. The only images I had of her were of her sitting perfectly still. Emily was there when we entered the room. Her head was bent over the mortar, and she felt the consistency of the linen pulp she made. When she looked up, she gave me a big smile. "Lord Amos, come look at this," She said while standing up.

"My lord," Samuel said, his face confused as he looked at the furniture pushed against the wall and the various pots of water on the floor. "This is a nobleman's room?"

"Yes." I think I was missing something.

"It's just that you have a serf making goop in the bedroom of a nobleman."

"Now that you mention it, it is kind of funny," I said, chuckling, knowing quite well that Samuel did not see the humor in the situation. "So what do you have for me, Em-Emily?" I had to use proper names in front of the guests. It's a good thing I didn't say little Em.

"Feel this."

I felt a slightly stiff piece of cloth smooth enough to write on. I flipped it over, and it was smooth. "No watermark?"

"Nope, she said excitedly. I took it out when it was dry enough not to fall apart and then laid it on a board. I borrowed a rolling pin from the kitchen and gently rolled it back and forth.

"Great work," I said.

"It still isn't quite as strong as I would like, but it is the best I have done." She beamed.

"Do you guys have any questions?"

"This is fascinating," Samuel said with excitement. "So you want to do this with wood? You might be able to do that with tree bark the same way she is doing this."

"Great idea. Emily, do you want to try that?" I asked.

"Sure. If it makes this better, I would be happy to."

I could tell she was really getting into this. She was starting to think for herself about what else to try. "Do you want to come with us to look at the grinder?"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

She fidgeted uncomfortably. "I snuck in here while I was supposed to be cleaning. I just wanted to mash up some more really quick before I did my next assignment."

We all laughed as she blushed.

"Well, you better get going before your grandma finds you're ditching your chores. Well, use me as an excuse. I did hold you up."

"Thank you, my lord," she said as she took off. Leaving the rest of her pulp in a bowl. We all continued to laugh as she left.

"Well, now that you know what we are trying to make. Let's go check out the grindstone." I grabbed the latest sheet of paper from the stack and headed to my room for an ink and quill set. I may need to write ideas down. After gathering the supplies, we headed out back. Draves left us to check on his men while the carpenters and I headed to the shed. The shed was dark inside, and we hadn't brought any candles or lamps. Fortunately, the sunlight filtering through the door was enough to see the grindstone in the back of the shed amongst the other junk. The two men helped me drag it out into the yard.

"OK, gentleman, let me explain how I think this should look, and let me know if you have any thoughts on how to improve it." I described the pulp grinder picture I had seen on the internet. I don't remember much about it. It had been a while since I had seen the picture, but I have a good memory of pictures. I just wish I could remember what each part did. In the end, I used the paper I had to draw what I remembered the machine to look like. They asked me a few questions about the machine, which I couldn't answer very well. Fortunately, the two modified what I had shown them, including a better way to raise and lower the grindstone. Samuel seemed extremely excited about the project, and he decided he would be the one to tear the grinding wheel down and build the pulper. He also said if we used the wood currently there, He could have the project done in a couple of days. They both agreed to bring their wood chips up the hill every few days.

When we were done, they left, and I went back to the room with the pulping operation. I checked over some of the other pieces of paper. None of them were a solid color, and none were perfect, but seeing what she had done was really cool. We would need more frames. I was proud of how much Emily had done, but was this all worth it? Will it make a difference for the barony? Would the plow? What was I even doing here? I was not some smart historian or scientist. A specialist of some type would be able to advance this civilization. A politician might be able to negotiate their way out of this. A doctor or surgeon could bring medical advancements that could save millions of lives. I was an artist, could play the guitar, and made YouTube videos. Well, I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I knew a dozen ways to make cats act up. I knew a bunch of comedy skits.

I sat on the side of the bed and put my head in my hands. I knew I was making progress with some people, but I had lost my Blacksmith. On a stupid whim, I had offered him most of the money I had found in the manor. And for what? A hope that someday he might be able to forgive a person who wasn't even me. That money could be used to buy things for the barony. The fields produced enough last year to replant this year but not for planting much more. Was anything I did going to make a difference?

I took a deep breath. I sat up and started to time my breathing. Within moments, I was deep within my practiced meditative state. I let go of my worries, sinking even deeper into myself. I found my center and floated within the nothing thoughts came, and I let them drift through me, acknowledging them but not letting them disturb me.

As was often the case, I had no idea how much time had passed before I emerged, but as consciousness returned to me, I heard a whisper in my mind, "Keep going." It was a voice I had often heard before. I had no idea whether it was mine or some higher being, but the voice resonated with my soul and strengthened me.

One last exhale, and I was ready to face my weird new reality. I did the first thing that popped into my head. It was time to go hang with Aaron for a bit. I left my room and wandered into Aaron's room. I peeked my head in and saw that he was sleeping peacefully in his box. It was kind of like a crib, but there were no bars. Also, no toys. The kid needed toys. After the other projects, maybe I could have one of the carpenters make him one of those boxes through which kids drop shapes. Oh, and a rattle. Maybe a bell, too.

Amy was in the corner of the room on a chair. She was dozing, so I quietly backed out of the room. I needed a hobby for when there was nothing particular going on. I learned from the captain that my father and brother spent a lot of time out hunting, but he didn't know the old Amos's habits or hobbies other than drinking. I wish I had a guitar. I decided to head to the study and look through some of the books.

I entered the room, praying that sour puss wasn't there. My prayers were answered, but now I had to figure out what all the scrolls were on my own. I found some scrolls on the bottom shelf that seemed to be the king's edicts. I knew I would need to look through these, but I really didn't want to do it right now. The best discovery was a family tree starting with my Grandfather. His name was Bartholomew. He had three children: Ashley, Aaron, and Susan. Aaron the First had four children: Aaron, Charles, Amos, and Rebeka. I would have to check, but the two siblings not on the tree may have died early. They weren't in Amos's memories. I would have to add Aaron the third to this. Maybe I could have a tapestry made. That would be cool. If I could get the suitable paints, I could paint it.

I looked at my aunt's names. Ashley had the name Mancole under hers, and Susan had Mit Trading House of Carok under that. So, my best guess is that Ashley married a nobleman, and Susan married a merchant. I would have to write to them and let them know about the family situation. I hope the damage to our relationship isn't too severe. I would like to be on good speaking terms with my relatives. I needed a map of the kingdom as well. I was about to start looking for one when I was interrupted by a knock.

"Come in," I said.

Carrie opened the door slightly and looked in. She really was a pretty girl. She was not my girl, though, and I had to remember that. I had to talk to her, and this was actually a perfect situation. I had practiced in my mind what I would say to her. Now I just needed not to screw it up.

"I'm sorry, my lord, for interrupting," She said quietly, "I was looking for my brother."

"I haven't seen him, but I would like to speak with you before you go. Please keep the door open for propriety's sake."

She froze like she had before. When she was caught in the same room as me. I really caused her some psychological damage.

I sighed, "Carrie, I'm very sorry for my past behavior. My relationship with my father drove me to drink and act out in awful ways. I was especially cruel and rude to you. You did not deserve to be treated in such a manner. I ask for your forgiveness if it is within your heart to do so."

There was silence for a long time. I have to admit I became very uncomfortable as she stared at me. Finally, she nodded, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"Thank you, Carrie. I give you my word that I will treat you with the utmost respect from now on."

Trying to make the situation less uncomfortable, I grinned and said. "If not, I give you permission to have Hyrum smack me."

Her eyes grew wide in shock. Dang, I know better than to joke around. People take what the boss says seriously. I put my hands up. "I'm just kidding. Sorry, I shouldn't tease you. Thank you for listening."

"My lord," she blushed, "Thank you for um… Hyrum he…"

I smiled, "He proposed, didn't he?"

She nodded.

"Congratulations. When do you wed?" I said with all the excitement I could.

"We don't know. I haven't told Mother. We… I… I don't know what she will say."

"Well, then, I am honored that you shared the good news with me. I think your mother will be fine with it. Hyrum is the best of men."

She nodded. "I really do need to go find Marcus, my lord," She said, shifting uncomfortably.

"Thank you, Carrie, for accepting my apology. You have no idea what a burden you have lifted from my shoulders."

For some reason, my comment seemed to make her even more uncomfortable. I don’t know what triggered the reaction, but I felt she was hiding something.

I was starving all of a sudden. I heard the commotion in the great hall before I entered. Groups of people were already sitting down. Everyone quieted as I entered. It was weird to have this happen when I entered a room. It made me feel as if I had something on my face. I ignored the feeling and smiled as I passed them. I asked a few how their day was as I headed for my lonely table.

The captain came to the table and sat. "How did things go this afternoon, my lord?" He asked.

"Well, the carpenters and I think we have a way to make the pulp grinder. This will be really cool to try. Anyways, then I had a moment where I wallowed in self-pity and then did some meditation. Then I went to my office and found where my aunts were located. I will have to write to them. Then, I was interrupted by Carrie, who was looking for Marcus. I finally apologized to her, and now I am here. How were things with your men?"

"Routine as it should be. My lord, the writing of letters does remind me of something."

"And that is?"

"Lord Aaron's Grandfather of the house of Tine must be made aware of the family's death."

"Oh, crap! That is going to be the most difficult letter to write. Now, I will have to tell a father of his daughter's death."

"You ascending to take the title of baron might also generate some hostility. The money of Lady Martha's dowry elevated us to a Barony."

"You mentioned that my father had elevated our status before. What is the difference between baron and baronet?"

"A baronet has fewer responsibilities to the duchy as far as taxes and is only required to maintain a personal army of which you have twenty soldiers and no knights. Since your father purchased the barony, with the money received from Martha’s dowry, he was required to raise the number of soldiers to sixty and pay an increase in taxes. He was given five years to do so or would be made a baronet again. This was two years ago."

"So my father marries my brother off to get enough money to elevate his status with the condition that he could meet the standards of a baron in five years. Did he even have a plan to do so?"

"I don't know."

"I will have to ask Marcus if he can dig up anything. Personally, I think his ambition was greater than his forethought."

Draves said nothing. Respectful as always.

Speaking of the steward's family, Carrie became increasingly nervous the more I apologized to her. It started off okay, but then it became weird. Is there any reason why?”

“I have heard that she started taking placid root a few years back. She keeps more to herself. I think Hyrum will be good for her. He told me this morning that he proposed.”

Placid root? Maybe it helps with anxiety. Did she have a mental disorder? I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people in this house had to take it.

"One thing that should please Aaron's grandfather is that I am not planning on stealing the barony from my nephew."

"He may petition the king to provide a different regent within his family line. It would be unusual, but it wouldn't be unheard of."

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it. You know the title itself means nothing to me. I feel an obligation to these people, however. I will start writing letters as soon as Emily finds a way to make decent paper."

"Forgive me, my lord. The responsibility of this project is too great for a young child."

"Possibly, but I don't think so. Children have open minds and can be very creative. If she ends up needing help, that is fine. But can you imagine how this might change things for her? A serf creates a new form of writing material. I might be able to elevate her status. Can you imagine if she can go from serf to peasant or even higher because I allowed her to take credit for this?"

At this point, the food arrived, and I dug in. I ate a dinner of salted pork and a rye cake. It was once again bland, but I could tell they had added some herbs to the cake to make it more flavorful. I thought when Marsh had told me about cake, she meant actual cake, but it was more like a pancake.

I decided to go on a walk around the manor to let dinner settle. I was not as tired today as yesterday, but my joints still felt slightly inflamed. I wish I had some Motrin. After my brief walk, I retired to my room to sleep. I said a prayer to the Endless One. Back on earth, my prayers were not to any particular god. I knew something was out there, but I wasn't sure who to talk to. I was 96.73% sure that the Endless One brought me here, which meant he was probably the closest to me right now. My prayers were always more of a one-way conversation. Sometimes, I felt like I would receive some sort of inspiration, Napoleon Hill called it, grabbing thoughts from the ether. But the inspiration usually didn't lead to any significant change in my life. Sometimes, it was a phone call or painting a picture. I felt like I should take a specific job or YouTube about something. Often, I didn't see any results, but maybe it made a difference. So, I kept up the habit of prayer and meditation. Somehow, it relaxed me.

I slept deep that night with no dreams.