Chapter 657: Improved Holy Droplets

We had settled how to handle the Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion. First, we would thoroughly confirm its effects, then decide what to do with it during that period.

They would probably also investigate how popular it became. Depending on its influence, we might need to send the Royal Magic Pharmacists in the royal capital written instructions for making it.

After leaving the office, we returned to the estate. It was nearly lunchtime, but we seemed to have enough time for a walk through the garden.

Everyone needed a break now and then. Working as though we were employed by an exploitative company was no good. I would have to tell the magic pharmacists and the trading company’s artisans that as well.

“The Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion is sure to become a sensation. You’re amazing, Lady Fabienne.”

“Thank you, but I merely combined the magic potions you created, Lord Julius.”

“That’s not true. As you know, simply mixing things together won’t produce a properly effective magic potion.”

It was true. Magic potions were not so easily made. One had to fully understand the properties of every ingredient and determine the correct proportions. Sometimes ingredients had to be added or removed.

Lady Fabienne had overcome all those difficulties to complete the Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion. She was remarkable.

Perhaps because I had praised her so enthusiastically, Lady Fabienne turned red. I took her hand and led her through the garden. An occasional walk like this was pleasant. I usually counted trips to the herb garden as my walks.

“I think I’ll try improving the Holy Droplets this afternoon.”

“You intend to use Mira’s fur as an ingredient, don’t you?”

Lady Fabienne’s face seemed to ask whether that was really safe. It might not be, but I had not thought of another effective method, and I could not suppress my curiosity.

If the effect proved too powerful, we could lock the potion away. It felt better to try and regret it than never try at all.

When I explained that, Lady Fabienne smiled wryly and gave me permission, but with one condition.

“If you complete a magic potion that might cause problems, please make sure it’s stored securely.”

“Of course. I keep my promises, so don’t make that face, Nero.”

Both of them were evidently determined to obey Father’s instructions: if I tried doing something strange again, they were to stop me with all their might.

Personally, I thought I was helping everyone rather than doing anything strange, but this was apparently one of those differences of opinion.

After lunch, we headed to the compounding room. Naturally, I had brought Mira’s fur from my room. The supply of this ingredient was limited, so I had to use it carefully. Of course, shaving Mira bald would solve that problem.

Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Mira seemed to be moving back and forth between Rosalia and Mother. I felt a little lonely.

“Mira dislikes you now.”

“I’ll give Mira some sweets later to restore our relationship.”

“Why not simply promise that you won’t do such a thing?”

While chatting with Lady Fabienne, we arrived at the compounding room. I told everyone there what we had discussed with Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela that morning.

“Understood. We promise not to let any leave the estate.”

“Then we’ll need to make additional Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion.”

“Um, may we use it too?”

I answered each question. I instructed them to make more Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion and naturally gave everyone permission to use it. I also asked them to report on the results. They readily agreed.

“That settles it. Let’s begin our work too.”

We occupied an empty workbench and gathered the necessary ingredients. Would it be enough simply to add Mira’s fur to the Holy Droplets? Mira’s fur probably amplified a magic potion’s effects. The Holy Coating Agent I had made before seemed to support that theory.

Lady Fabienne and I made Holy Droplets together, adding Mira’s fur as we worked. We did not know the correct quantity, so we had to feel our way forward. We tried various proportions and produced several versions.

“How about this one? It seems promising.”

“That one looks good too. What about this?”

“I think… its effect may be too powerful.”

I see. That was another way of looking at it. I had been focused on choosing the potion with the most powerful effect, but that was not necessarily best.

Highly effective magic potions attracted attention. If we wanted to avoid that, we needed one with moderate strength.

In the end, we could not decide which was best, so we chose to test them. Appraisal could reveal most of the details, but seeing was believing. Using them would reveal everything, including any dangers.

The territorial knights were the obvious choice for the test. If any of the potions possessed an outrageous effect, we could have the order store it “for emergencies”.

It should prove useful if a ghost-type monster even stronger than a wraith ever appeared.

Better safe than sorry. Lionel would surely understand.

And so, carrying the completed improved Holy Droplets, we headed to the training ground.