The 3rd volume introduces a new twist which was really interesting!
This volume starts with Tuuli's baptism. Myne, the main character, notes that Tuuli's baptism dress has finer details. She braids her sister's hair as well, something that has the others wondering. Myne then visits Otto at the city gate and helps him with his paperwork. After the baptism, Tuuli is given gifts and Myne is given a knife. She gets the idea, for her long quest to make paper, to use the knife to cut strips of wood. She also asks Otto how her friend Lutz can become a traveling merchant.
Myne's plan to make paper with wood goes up in flames: her mother uses the strips for the fire in the kitchen. Myne, with Lutz, make pens out of water and ashes.
Then Myne has a high fever again and sees fuzzy images. Lutz pulls her out of the illness and finally she begins to question what type of illness she keeps coming down with.
Myne and Lutz are introduced to Benno, Otto's wealthy brother in law. Benno and Otto are impressed with Myne's hair, that she washes with a special homemade shampoo. Myne also reveals her plan to make paper. Benno offers to buy the paper when she has it made.
Myne plans out how to make paper and realizes she will need nails to make the pressing frames. Otto offers the nails if Myne will wash his wife's hair. Then Lutz and Myne begin making papermaking frames.
Myne and Lutz are invited to Benno's for a dinner and discover he wants to use magic to have them sign a contract. The deal is Myne will give her shampoo recipe and in return, Benno will provide papermaking supplies. Benno's assistant gives Myne and Lutz some quick lessons in bookkeeping, then they sign the contract with blue ink. Afterwards, they press their own blood, from a cut on the thumb, to the signature which magically binds them to the contract.
In this book, there are questions about Myne's abilities, despite her young age, and the mysterious fevers she gets so frequently. The adults around Myne cannot figure out how she is so capable.
Again, the illustrations are nicely done. I also like Myne and Lutz's friendship, as well as Otto as a strong, kind figure in their lives.