Kays Translations

Chapter 108: Do I Like Her?

Fabienne watched closely as I shaped the remaining glass bottles. I thought her attention was fixed on my hands, although she occasionally seemed to glance at my face.

“These should hold the rest of the toner,” I said. “Let us fill them.”

“How do you manipulate glass so easily?”

That was difficult to explain. Aptitudes existed in this world, but Fabienne might not recognise Craft for what it was.

“I learned the technique while making magic tools. I guide mana through the material and reshape it.”

“Guide mana through it…”

She repeated the words thoughtfully.

“Would you like to try?” I asked. “A magic pharmacist needs suitable containers as well as good potions. Some products even require specific types of bottle.”

“You know so much.”

“Grandmother taught me.”

Once again, I borrowed Margaret’s reputation as cover for knowledge she had never given me. Forgive me, Grandmother.

I handed Fabienne a plain commercial bottle.

“Hold it firmly, picture the shape you want, and try directing your mana through the glass. Saying something such as ‘Change shape’ may help you focus.”

“Change shape?”

She looked doubtful but obediently tried. The glass didn’t move. Her uncertainty disrupted the flow of mana.

“It may take time. Keep the bottle and practise. Don’t force it or work near your face. If Craft is compatible with you, the sensation should eventually become clearer.”

“All right.”

“Now let us finish bottling the toner before we forget why we made these.”

Fabienne blushed and gave a small embarrassed smile. She had indeed become absorbed in the new challenge.

Between filling bottles and attempting to reshape glass, the afternoon disappeared. Fabienne’s attendant eventually entered to remind her that it was time to return home.

Sunset coloured the windows. I hadn’t realised how late it had become.

“Time passed very quickly,” I said.

“Yes. It did.”

We looked at one another and smiled.

I packed the glass bottles in a sturdy box cushioned with straw and placed the metal hand-cream tins in a separate bag. Fabienne removed her work coat, and I escorted her to the entrance.

“Thank you for today,” she said.

“I enjoyed it as well. Please return whenever you need to make more—or whenever you simply wish to practise.”

“I will.”

She entered the carriage, and I watched until it vanished down the drive.

I still needed to clean the compounding room and produce additional toner for Mother and the servants.

“Big brother.”

“Kyu.”

I turned. Rosalia stood behind me holding Mira.

“When did you return?”

A servant should have announced her arrival, but perhaps everyone had decided not to interrupt my farewell.

“You look happy,” Rosalia said.

“Do I? I suppose I’m pleased to have found a companion who enjoys potion-making.”

“Do you like her?”

“Kyu?”

The direct question stopped me.

Fabienne was kind, careful, and pleasant to be around. I certainly didn’t dislike her. I was more conscious of her than I was of Chloe or Caro, and she appeared to regard me favourably.

Did that mean I liked her romantically?

I possessed an adult’s memories, but my present body and social position were those of an eight-year-old noble boy. Children in this world matured quickly under private tutors and family expectations, yet that didn’t mean I had to decide anything now.

“Big brother, you’re thinking very hard,” Rosalia observed.

“Kyu.”

I changed the subject.

“How was your visit to Edward?”

“It was wonderful. He showed me the magic tools he’s developing, and we made something together.”

Rosalia’s radiant expression showed how fulfilled she felt. If their friendship continued, she might retain both collaborators and support for her craft as she grew older.

“That’s excellent. We should go inside. Dinner will be served soon, and I must clean the compounding room. You and Mira may rest.”

I guided them towards the house, believing I had escaped.

“So, Big brother,” Rosalia persisted, “do you like Fabienne?”

“Kyu.”

Mira stared at me with equal curiosity.

I hadn’t escaped at all.

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