#893 Making a New Toy

It’s me.

Ritheseus’ special lessons turned out to be more successful than anticipated.

At first, I was all jittery about how things would go, but it seemed Ritheseus had his own plan all along.

He figured that by demonstrating overwhelming power and then showcasing the heights one could reach as a bureaucrat in the Human Republic, he could ignite a fire in the students’ motivation.

And just as he had planned, the change in the student’s eyes was instantaneous.

“It seems to have been a good stimulus. As expected of an alumnus, he knows how to motivate his juniors,” says Sensei, quite pleased.

While he didn’t take anyone with him right away, I wonder how many graduates will be officially employed as bureaucrats in the Human Republic next year.

Dreaming about the future is great, but let’s also talk about the more immediate concerns.

Lately, we’ve had our share of episodes from the outside world, so this time, let’s chat about the more mundane, everyday life... 

I aim to keep things low-key this time, without any grand developments.

With that hopeful thought, let’s proceed.

***

You know...

Junior has gotten quite big lately.

He’s started speaking a lot, and his legs have become more robust.

He runs around the garden, which only adds to my worries as a parent.

Norito, our second child, has also been growing rapidly. It’s probably about time he starts uttering a word or two.

That makes me think it might be time to switch out the toys he’s been using. 

After all, toys have age ranges.

There are toys suitable for three-year-olds, toys for five-year-olds, and toys for seven-year-olds.

Sometimes, you’ll find people in their thirties and forties getting obsessed with toys meant for eight-year-olds, but let’s call that an exception.

As a parent wanting to provide for Junior’s growing intellect, I’ve been pondering what new toys might meet him head-on.

Then, an idea came to me...

“...What about card games?”

Cards.

Using sheets of paper small enough to fit comfortably in one’s hand, dozens of them are utilized to conduct a unique game. 

This serves as the apparatus for their amusement.

The origins of card games are debated—Egypt, India, and China, but their long history of play suggest their ancient roots.

There are many types of card games, played all over the world. 

From karuta and hanafuda in Japan to the recent draw-your-fate types that burn your spirit in the dark games. 

And then there’s playing games on motorcycles...

But let’s set aside those advanced applications for now...

If we’re starting off, it makes sense to go with something traditional, a foundational card game.

Even if Junior ends up building overlay networks one day.

At five years old, I’d rather he enjoy more orthodox games for now.

So, I’ve set my sights on this.

Playing cards.

Indeed, playing cards could be considered the very foundation of all card games. 

Even if Junior claims the title of king someday, I want him to start with the basics.

For this reason, I will make a deck of cards now so that Junior can have some fun playing with it!

So, let’s make a deck of cards.

You’d think it’s as simple as putting together a deck of 54 differently-designed pieces of paper, right? 

Easy peasy. But making them turned out to be surprisingly difficult in reality.

First off, the paper quality.

Playing cards might be made of paper, but it’s nothing like ordinary paper products. 

They can’t be too flimsy, and they need to be protected from fading and wear. 

Laminated, maybe?

That might not be the right word.

And then there’s the complexity of the designs.

The numbered cards are manageable—just arrange the spades, diamonds, etc., in a regular pattern.

But the face cards are a challenge. 

The intricate designs are beyond me, especially since I can’t remember them all. 

What did the king of spades look like, and the king of hearts?

Wasn’t there a king with an axe? Which one was he?

I have no answers...!!!

And what even is a Jack? 

Kings are royalty, and Queens are their consorts. 

So, is a Jack a prince? 

Or not?

What is a Jack?!

Is he from the beanstalk? Jack the Ripper? Jack with a hammer?

Who is Jack?! Jackkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk?!

These were my moments of madness.

And then there’s the design on the back.

This is subtly difficult.

After all, most card games require the backs to be indistinguishable to keep the game fair.

They all have to look exactly the same.

Not a millimeter off. 

That’s impossible by hand.

After much moaning and groaning, I ended up inventing new techniques.

Sure, aligning the patterns might be manageable with the printing press developed by elves.

But creating that card-like quality of paper was a real struggle.

How do I achieve that smooth feel...?!

Originally, goblins were making paper the old-fashioned way, which resulted in a washi-like texture. 

That’s fine, but not what I was going for.

After much trial and error, I managed to create something passable.

The Otherworldly Playing Cards (Prototype) are born!!!

Thirteen spades, thirteen hearts, thirteen diamonds, thirteen clubs, and two jokers.

A deck of 54 cards!

With this, I’m excited to start playing games!!!

There are many ways to play with playing cards...!

The very first card game I chose to play was...!

Solitaire!!!

...

Let me explain.

Solitaire is a type of card game you can play by yourself.

It’s a great way to kill several hours without realizing it.

Even more insidious is that it comes pre-installed on Windows, so you can play it on your computer, too.

Start it up, and you might never come back.

Despite having countless other things to do on the computer, I’ve lost track of how many hours I’ve wasted because of it. 

Even though I have a report due tomorrow...! 

And a newly installed game sitting on my PC...!

Yet here I am, playing Solitaire endlessly. 

I need to sleep soon!!!

Why do I keep playing Solitaire? 

What is it about this game that captivates me so?!

...I remembered those days.

And now I find myself playing Solitaire in another world.

The endless hell of Solitaire.

Actually, why am I playing Solitaire in another world?!

Solitaire is supposed to be a solitary pastime!

What am I doing, getting immersed in the game despite having family and friends?!

...Ah, dangerous Solitaire.

The best friend of loneliness.

Even after finding a family and not being alone anymore, is Solitaire still trying to pull me back into the world of solitude?

Solitaire is truly fearsome.

Creating playing cards in another world has reminded me of the nostalgic, limitless, time-wasting joy of playing card games alone...!