Chapter 654: Have Confidence
The next morning, I inspected my skin immediately after waking.
Hmm. I could not tell whether it had improved at all. Perhaps the lotion had little visible effect on children.
Nero, who came to help me dress, gave the same answer.
“I can’t really feel any difference. Lady Fabienne will probably say the same.”
“Most likely. Then we must wait until we reach the compounding room for the results.”
Once dressed, I went to the dining room. Mother was already there, though Lady Fabienne had not arrived.
Mother noticed us immediately.
“Good morning, Julius.”
“Good morning, Mother. Regarding the lotion, neither of us can see much difference.”
“Really? Your skin and Nero’s seem a little glossier than usual.”
Nero and I looked at each other and tilted our heads.
We could not perceive such a subtle change. At this rate, we would fail to notice small changes in women too, even though we were supposed to recognise something as minor as a slight haircut.
“I’m sorry, Mother. I can’t tell at all.”
“The difference is very slight. Still, I can confirm that it works.”
Apparently, Mother could see it. We needed to make the lotion and bring her some at once.
As we chatted, Lady Fabienne and the rest of the family arrived.
“Good morning, Lady Fabienne.”
“Good morning, Lord Julius.”
“Hmm. You may indeed look a little glossier.”
I stared closely at her face, and Lady Fabienne turned bright red. She was adorable, but I immediately regretted saying such a thing before the family. Warm, knowing gazes surrounded us.
“Your skin looks even lovelier, Fabienne. The lotion seems increasingly promising.”
“Indeed, Mother. I can’t wait until it’s finished.”
Sister-in-law Daniela could apparently see the effect too. We should make more immediately after entering the compounding room.
Then I needed to send Commander Giovanni a letter containing the Holy Droplets recipe.
“Father, I intend to write to Commander Giovanni in the royal capital about the successful test and teach him how to make Holy Droplets.”
“Yes, that would be best. I’m sorry to trouble you.”
“Leave it to me.”
I would include instructions for growing Holy Clover. Without the Green Spirit’s blessing, the process might be less efficient, but it should still surpass searching monster territory.
After breakfast, we went directly to the compounding room to inspect everyone’s skin.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, Teacher Julius!”
Lively voices answered. Everyone’s skin shone with a healthy lustre.
Even I could see this. They genuinely looked younger. Yet Appraisal had said nothing about rejuvenation. Was that simply what ‘skin repair’ meant?
Everyone smiled, particularly the women.
“The Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion appears to have worked without problems.”
“It’s far more than merely effective! This potion is extraordinary. Everyone will want it—without exception.”
That was considerable pressure. They must have loved it. Even so, I needed to warn them.
“Sister-in-law Daniela will tell Her Majesty that a new potion has been developed. Until it’s officially approved, please don’t make it carelessly.”
“Yes, Teacher Julius.”
After receiving everyone’s agreement, we asked Lady Fabienne to teach us the recipe.
It was a magnificent method that delicately diluted the preservation solution’s effect while adding it to the skin lotion.
As a man, I would never have imagined that approach. Lady Fabienne’s pursuit of beauty was impressive. Compared with her, I was rather rough. Asking her to develop the lotion had been the right decision.
In future, it would be more efficient to entrust cosmetic potions to her. The right person for the right task.
“And that completes it.”
“As expected of you, Lady Fabienne. I never imagined you would develop such a potion in a single day.”
“It’s nothing compared with your work, Lord Julius.”
She smiled shyly. She was being modest, but my praise was justified. Although she had begun with an existing foundation, even I recognised that her development speed was extraordinary.
“In one day… As expected of Lady Fabienne.”
“Incredible. She operates on a different level.”
The magic pharmacists began murmuring, their eyes filled with respect.
Excellent. They would now recognise Lady Fabienne anew as a brilliant magic pharmacist. No one would dismiss her achievements as borrowed glory from me.