Kays Translations

Chapter 333: A Product Sure to Be a Hit!

I did not object to selling potions bearing House Heine's seal. The question was whether doing so would cause trouble. If we were careless, other magic pharmacists might resent us.

“Brother Alex, will the Magic Pharmacists' Guild complain?”

“They might. However, you and Fabienne cannot produce enough to satisfy all the demand. As long as the quantities remain limited, the other shops should still have plenty of customers.”

In that case, there was little reason to sell my potions merely for profit. Perhaps Brother Alex intended to use them as flagship products that drew people into the shop. If so, a small supply would be enough.

If we did not need mass production, Fabienne and I could make the potions together. I had wanted to teach her more compounding techniques.

“Understood. If the company only needs what Fabienne and I can reasonably produce, I have no objection.”

Fabienne covered her mouth and gave a small, delighted hop. Brother Alex noticed and smiled at her.

“Ahem. Which potions do you want us to make?”

“For now, two kinds: the elementary healing potion and the basic stamina-recovery potion.”

“The basic stamina-recovery potion has not yet spread through the territorial capital, has it? Did the Royal Magic Pharmacists' Corps never circulate the recipe?”

“Apparently not. According to Daniela, it is not being sold in the royal capital either.”

That was strange. I was certain I had taught the royal magic pharmacists how to make it. His Majesty had even said that, if the Crown needed more, they should produce it themselves.

Brother Alex also looked puzzled.

“If we begin selling the basic stamina-recovery potion, this may become a major undertaking.”

“If that happens, we will have to rely on you and Lady Fabienne.”

“Only while the ingredients last.”

“I understand. Tell me whenever supplies run low, and I will arrange another order.”

With that, Brother Alex left.

Would this really be all right? I was not merely a little worried; I was extremely worried. The basic stamina-recovery potion was already enormously popular among the territorial knights. If it went on sale to the public, it was almost certain to become a best-seller.

“What should I do?”

“Is something troubling you?”

Fabienne's eyebrows drew together anxiously. I should not make my fiancée worry.

“Come to think of it, you have never tried a basic stamina-recovery potion, have you?”

“Now that you mention it, I have not. Is there something unusual about it?”

“You will understand once you taste it.”

The compounding room held plenty of the necessary materials. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I carefully taught Fabienne the recipe while preparing a batch.

Naturally, I made both the original and improved versions. Their ruby-red colour was beautiful.

“So this is the basic stamina-recovery potion. Why did you make two kinds?”

“The original version is too powerful. It is also spicy and rather difficult to drink.”

“Too powerful…”

“I see…”

For some reason, Nero seemed to understand immediately. He had tried the improved version before, so he could probably imagine what the stronger one would do. The first trials among the territorial knights had caused quite a commotion.

“Would you like to try the improved version, Fabienne?”

Fabienne, Nero, and Mira all swallowed audibly. Mira clearly wanted some as well. I wondered whether the carbonation would trouble them, so I would have to watch carefully.

I handed bottles to Fabienne, Nero, and Mira, who eagerly held out both hands.

The corks came free with satisfying pops. I opened one for myself as well.

“Then let us taste them,” Fabienne said.

Everyone drank. Mira held the bottle in both paws and managed it skilfully.

“This is so refreshing! The sparkling sensation is wonderful!”

“Lady Fabienne, it is especially good when you are tired,” Nero whispered. “Please try it after a difficult day.”

Nero, what exactly were you encouraging? His advice was true, but Fabienne's eyes were already shining. She was undoubtedly planning her next bottle.

“Kyuu! Kyuu!”

“No, Mira. You must not take too many potions at once.”

“Kyuu…”

I refused Mira's outstretched paws. They had clearly loved it, and their disappointment was so dramatic that I almost felt guilty.

No. I could not allow myself to be defeated by cuteness.

“You see the problem now, do you not?” I said. “This is certain to become a popular product.”

“Yes. Now I understand why you were worried.”

Fabienne gave me a sympathetic smile, and Nero nodded in agreement.

I had clearly told Brother Alex that we would produce the potion only while supplies lasted, so I should not be forced to compound it without end.

Even so, it would require far more time than Hot Cookies. On the other hand, it was an excellent opportunity for Fabienne to improve her skills.

We would work steadily and remain within our limits.

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