Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

From Chapter 247 onwards, you will be my apprentice!
After seeing off Henri Poincaré and Pierre Curie, Lionel immediately wrote to schedule an appointment with the notary de la Croix.

While innovative inventions are exciting, the legal issues that follow can be a real headache.

In 1880, major European countries, including the United States, all had their own patent laws. You couldn't just produce and sell a new invention without having to put it into production.

It's quite possible that many years ago, some unfortunate soul shared your idea and created a prototype product that was neither useful nor marketable.

But they've already applied for a patent!

Therefore, it's best to let a professional notary handle this series of tedious patent searches, acquisitions, and applications to avoid getting bogged down in the details.

Delacroix, however, was extremely interested in this.

For him, managing a writer's royalties of tens of thousands of francs a year was lucrative, but far less profitable than this kind of business.

Either of these inventions, if successful, could potentially spawn a company that earns millions of francs a year.

De la Croix promised to streamline the procedures and costs for Lionel as soon as possible, and to help lease a small workshop for both projects.

These workshops are found everywhere in the suburbs and poor neighborhoods of Paris, saving a significant amount of money on tools.

After discussing the patent issue, Lionel then asked, "Mr. Delacroix, regarding the Petit matter we mentioned earlier, do you have a solution?"

Delacroix nodded and took out several documents from the drawer.

His tone remained calm and even: "Mr. Sorel, your intentions are noble, but the greed of such petty people is boundless, and goodwill and money alone cannot suffice."

They're like leeches; once they've tasted the sweetness, they'll cling on relentlessly until they're satiated. The Ferry Act certainly gave them a dubious excuse.

De la Croix paused, then continued, “Paying more money directly is the worst option. We must build a wall they cannot cross with laws and contracts.”

First, we need a formal and rigorous 'apprenticeship contract'.

Lionel was slightly puzzled: "An apprenticeship contract?"

Delacroix nodded: "Exactly. It's not simply about employing child labor; it's a formal document that provides skills training and food and lodging."

We can clarify Miss Petty Millais's identity from the vague 'little maid' to your 'apprentice'—a famous writer.

The contract can be set until she turns sixteen. This way, it will be perfectly legitimate for her to stay with you to learn skills, and it will be in accordance with social norms.

Lionel's eyes lit up: "Great! This gives her a legitimate reason to stay and also elevates her status, making her more than just a servant."

Delacroix smiled slightly: "That's right. The contract will clearly stipulate that you, as the mentor, will be responsible for providing food, lodging, clothing, and medical care."

And teach her reading, writing, arithmetic, home economics, and... the music skills you mentioned before.

At the same time, a monthly 'apprentice allowance' of 20 francs was paid.

Lionel was somewhat surprised: "20 francs? Only 5 francs more than before?"

Delacroix said with certainty, “Yes, only 5 more francs. This money will be delivered to the Millais family in cash every month by staff from the firm.”

This is as "compensation" or "family allowance" for their "agreeing to their daughter's valuable apprenticeship opportunity."

Lionel immediately understood the secret: "This way I won't have to contact them directly; everything will be handled by your firm."

If they cause trouble, they might even lose those 20 francs.

Delacroix nodded: “Absolutely right. Moreover, this monthly payment of 20 francs must be subject to strict conditions.”

The terms of the contract are a statement signed by the Millais, guaranteeing that they will never proactively disturb your or Miss Petty's studies and life.

Each time you receive 20 francs, you must verbally confirm your compliance with this rule again in the presence of staff from my office.

If there is any breach of contract, not only will the allowance for that month be cancelled, but all subsequent allowances will be permanently frozen until Miss Petty reaches adulthood as stipulated by law. At that time, they may not receive a single franc.

Lionel felt a surge of satisfaction: "That should be enough to make them think twice. As long as they're not too stupid, they'll know what to do."

Moreover, having your firm handle the matter makes it appear more formal and authoritative to them.

De la Croix added: "In addition, the contract will clearly stipulate Petty's vacation rights - for example, one day a month, she can go home to visit her family."

However, the Milai family will be solely responsible for any accidents or health problems that occur during the visit.

This will also prevent them from using the excuse that their daughter is sick at home to demand medical expenses again.

Lionel was completely relieved, with only one last question: "So, how can we ensure that Petty's parents will sign such a contract?"

Delacroix gave a cold smile: "Don't worry, they'll sign!"

Lionel nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

As for how Delacroix would get Petty's parents to sign the contract, he had full confidence in the notary and needed no further details.

Lionel stood up: "Thank you for your expertise, Mr. Delacroix. I hope to see the relevant agreement as soon as possible."

Delacroix also stood up and shook hands with Lionel: "It is my pleasure to serve you, Mr. Sorel. I will draft the contract text as soon as possible."

Once everything is ready, the Millais will be 'invited' for a meeting—I believe they will make the 'right' choice.

Lionel then left the office satisfied.

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Back home, Alice handed her meticulously prepared plan to Lionel, stammering as she explained:

“一台打字机每天工作12个小时，大概抄100到120页稿子，每页15生丁，也就是15到18法郎……”

Lionel was startled: "So much?" You know, the average person in France earns only about 100 francs a month.

Alice nodded: "Once you get the hang of it, typing is much faster than copying! But there's a limit to how fast you can copy, because your handwriting can't be too messy..."

Typewriters are different; no matter how fast you type, every letter is clear and distinct… but you might not be able to copy that many manuscripts.”

Lionel thought for a moment before saying, "Don't worry, the annual exams are coming up soon, and the Sorbonne students will have a lot of manuscripts to transcribe. I'll try my best to get them for you..."

Alice jumped up with joy upon hearing this: "Leon, you've agreed to let me lend money to Mrs. Lobel?"

Lionel nodded: "That's your money, I have no right to interfere, I'm just worried you'll get hurt..."

Then he called Petty over and told her, selecting the parts of Mr. Delacroix's words that Petty could understand.

Petty's big eyes filled with tears, but this time, they were tears of relief and gratitude.

She choked up, barely able to speak: "Young Master... thank you..."

Lionel smiled gently: "You earned this yourself, Petty. You chose to stay, you chose to be 'the esteemed Lady Petty'."

That contract just helps pave the way for you to be smoother.

From now on, you will be my 'apprentice,' and I hope you can truly become 'the esteemed Ms. Petty.'

Petty nodded emphatically, her little hands gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, her heart filled with new hope for the future.

(End of this chapter)