Kays Translations

Chapter 317: Mother Puffs Out Her Cheeks

Mother was in the salon. With a hangover that severe, she should have rested in her room instead of forcing herself to get up. Perhaps she was trying not to worry everyone. It was far too late for that, so I decided not to press the matter.

“Mother, I brought you a potion for hangovers.”

“Could it be…?”

“Yes, exactly. It is Mandragora’s Strength.”

I set the bottle of Mandragora’s Strength on the table with a thud. Mother’s complexion was dreadful—though it had already been poor before I arrived.

Despite her wary question, Mother seemed interested. Her hangover must have been severe. Her hands hovered over the bottle, moving back and forth like a DJ’s as she debated whether to take it or retreat.

“I found one high-quality mandragora among the materials in the alchemy room. Since I used that, the potion should not taste too terrible.”

“What does it taste like?”

“Probably a very strong broth.”

“A strong broth…”

Mother hesitated. The tiny bottle before her would relieve her suffering, but its chestnut-brown contents looked decidedly unappetising. I watched in silence as she pursed her lips, gathered her courage, and picked it up.

“Julius made this especially for me. I suppose I have no choice but to drink it.”

Mother was trying to persuade herself. If she disliked the idea that much, she did not have to drink it. She opened the bottle and cautiously sniffed it. Her face twisted slightly, but the smell did not appear unbearable.

She had become accustomed to foul-tasting potions by now. This one should be manageable.

Mother swallowed it in one gulp. Once she made up her mind, she was decisive.

“Surprisingly, it is not bad. I can drink this without much trouble. Oh…?”

Mother noticed the change almost immediately. Her complexion visibly improved, and a bright smile spread across her face.

“As expected of a potion made by Julius. I feel much better!”

“I am glad. Please try not to worry us so much. Whenever you are in a foul mood, everyone has to walk on eggshells.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Mother puffed out her cheeks and lightly pinched one of mine. It was her way of hiding her embarrassment. When she made that face, she looked so young that I almost doubted she was a mother of four.

While Mother and I were teasing each other, Rosalia and Mira arrived. The moment they saw that she had recovered, they hurried over and clung to her. They had clearly been worried too.

“Mother, you feel better now!”

“Yes!”

“That is right! Julius brought me this potion.”

“What!?”

Rosalia stared at me as though she had seen a demon. How rude. I was not a demon; I was her older brother. Did she think I had forced Mother to drink some hideous potion? That was terribly unfair.

“Brother, did you make Mandragora’s Strength?”

“Yes. Mother looked unwell.”

“So Mother actually drank it…”

Rosalia scrutinised Mother’s complexion. Mira sat on Mother’s lap, while Lelie stood beside Rosalia; all three watched Mother’s face with trepidation.

“It is all right. I used high-quality mandragora. Here, smell it.”

I handed Rosalia the small bottle. She sniffed it cautiously, and her adorable face crumpled. Evidently, she did not like the smell. She quickly replaced the cap and returned it to me.

“I do not need any.”

“Good. That means you probably will not drink too much when you are older.”

Lelie nodded emphatically beside Rosalia; she must have caught a whiff too. Hopefully, that smell alone would keep both of them from ever suffering a hangover.

After leaving Mother and the others, I headed to the office. Father should have been there at this hour. I rang the office bell and immediately received a response.

“Excuse me. I brought Father something useful.”

“Julius? Something useful? What is it?”

Lionel was with Father and looked curious. Apparently, he was not hungover; he must have been able to hold his liquor. I placed the bottle of chestnut-brown liquid on the desk. Naturally, it was Mandragora’s Strength.

“This is the Mandragora’s Strength we discussed at breakfast. Mother was suffering badly, so I had her try it first.”

“Is Amelia all right?”

“Yes. She has completely recovered.”

At my smile, Father’s expression stiffened. Lionel tilted his head in confusion.

“Lord Julius, what exactly is Mandragora’s Strength?”

“It is a potion that relieves indigestion and hangovers. Mandragora is difficult to obtain, so I could make only a small amount.”

“I see. I did not know such a potion existed. It should help you keep up with your duties, my lord.”

Lionel smiled, and Father’s expression grew even tenser. There was no escape now; he would have to drink it. I saw him swallow nervously. Hopefully, this experience would make him more cautious about overindulging.

“Do not worry, Father. I used the last high-quality mandragora I had. It tastes like a very strong broth, but it is drinkable. Mother said it was fine.”

“I-I see. Very well, then…”

He finally seemed to make up his mind and slowly reached for the bottle.

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