Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 7: Incense Mixing Is the Beginning of Alchemy
Incense mixing was the beginning of alchemy. Many self-taught alchemy apprentices got stuck at the Incense assessment and ended up merely as Incense makers mixing body powders for nobles.
In previous alchemy lessons, Harrington had already explained a considerable amount of Incense theory, even sharing some basic formulas for incense and body powders—formulas that were tested and popular among the upper class.
Don’t underestimate the formulas Harrington taught. While they weren’t exactly secrets within the Arcane Academy, outside, every Incense maker cherished them as precious knowledge. Such recipes wouldn’t be handed over lightly, not without paying a hefty price or enduring the trials of apprenticeship.
Merlin watched as Fitt crushed a large pile of black pepper and star anise, mixing it into honey, and his lips twitched slightly—what a dark combination.
Meanwhile, Kris flipped through her scrawled, almost illegible notes, scanning the classic incense recipes. Yet this delicate work of crafting Incenses was a bit challenging for her rough-and-tumble nature.
Kris, puzzled by Merlin’s inaction, asked, “Merlin, why aren’t you making anything? Could your family’s bankruptcy really be affecting you that much?”
Merlin’s lips twitched. If your family went bankrupt, could you really keep a cheerful mood? Could it not affect you?
On the other side, the rat-like Sigma sneered with disdain, his eyes glinting with scorn as he said to Merlin, “Kris, isn’t the reason Merlin isn’t using these precious spices because his family went bankrupt? He’s clearly planning to sell these valuable ingredients for some gold coins.”
“After all, Merlin’s going to be broke. Who knows if he can even stay in school next month? The fees for the senior dormitories are due monthly.”
Sigma’s words made Kris and Fitt glare at him. Kris slammed her hand on the table. “Shut up, Rat! If you didn’t speak, no one would think you’re mute!”
“Exactly! Even if Merlin wants to make money, he wouldn’t just sell the raw spices. Making body powder to sell would be far better,” Fitt huffed.
“That guy? What good could he even make? Alchemy requires both talent and effort. Merlin may have a handsome face, but what else does he have?” Sigma sneered.
Merlin’s mind was in a whirl. He couldn’t tell if Sigma was praising him or mocking him. He touched his face and looked down at his reflection in the basin. Damn it, he couldn’t even argue with Sigma—why did he have to be so handsome?
“What’s all this arguing about?” Harrington’s voice broke through. He set his book aside and walked over to Merlin and the others, noticing Merlin holding spices without making any move.
“Merlin, are you facing some difficulty?” Harrington genuinely liked Merlin—he was the obedient type of student who paid attention in class and never caused trouble. Besides, he bore a striking resemblance to Harrington’s younger self… or so Harrington liked to claim, though no one truly believed that.
“No, Professor Harrington. I just haven’t decided what I want to make yet,” Merlin shook his head.
“Not sure what to make? How about trying something simple, like incense? You could experiment with rosemary and mint, or even craft a classic honey body powder,” Harrington suggested thoughtfully.
“Thank you, Professor. I actually have some new ideas for using these spices, but I haven’t worked them out yet,” Merlin politely declined. Harrington nodded, not pressing further.
“Then follow your own ideas. The Arcane Academy values innovation. Merlin, if you discover a new formula, it might even help your family’s situation,” Harrington said with a smile, noting Merlin’s surprised expression.
“Alchemy has limitless possibilities. Even the most basic perfume, if turned into a new formula that people accept, can be worth far more than you imagine.”
“Of course, failure isn’t a problem. These spices are already included in your tuition. But I hope to see your creation tomorrow,” Harrington said, placing a small cloth bag of spices in front of Merlin on the table.
Merlin glanced at the bag, noting the peppercorns, cinnamon, bay leaves, and other spices. When he looked up, Harrington had already returned to the front of the podium.
“Apprentices, incense mixing isn’t easy for those just beginning alchemy. If you encounter any issues, feel free to ask me or consult senior students,” Harrington instructed.
“You have one day. Bring your creations to class tomorrow, and I will personally inspect them.”
After tidying the books on his desk, Harrington left the classroom.
Sigma gathered his things and, with his cronies, left as well, casting a sharp glare at the three of them on his way out.
“I really dislike those venomous little eyes of his. Thank goodness we’re in the Arcane Academy. Outside, I’d beat him senseless,” Kris muttered, watching Sigma depart.
Fitt nodded in agreement. “Right. One of these days, we should give him a proper thrashing. I’ll check when he leaves next.”
“By the way, Merlin, you’re not really going to sell these spices like Sigma said, are you? These ingredients are only worth a few dozen gold coins. If you make high-quality incense or body powder, that’s when they become valuable—hundreds of coins depending on the quality.” Fitt pointed at his concoction of black pepper body powder, a dark, ominous-looking mixture.
“Well, we have a day, no rush. Let’s see how it goes. I’m a bit hungry anyway. Let’s get something to eat,” Merlin said, tossing the spice bag into his bag and standing, heading to the Arcane Academy’s dining hall with Kris and Fitt.
The dining hall was located in the southwest corner of the school, its architecture matching the teaching buildings—nothing particularly remarkable.
Passing through carved wooden doors, they entered a spacious, bright area. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, shimmering softly in the afternoon sunlight.
Long tables were arranged neatly, each covered with pristine white tablecloths, polished silverware, and delicate porcelain.