Kays Translations

Chapter 334: Greenhouse Date

After the basic stamina-recovery potion, the next proposed product was the elementary healing potion. The reason was simple: House Heine's version had been sweetened.

“Perhaps I should have left it tasteless and odourless instead of making it easier to drink.”

“I think it is wonderful that you considered the person who would have to take it.”

“Do you really?”

Fabienne's earnest gaze made me slightly embarrassed. Was that admiration in her eyes? If so, the effort I had spent improving the flavour had not been wasted.

“We should place a mark on the cap so that customers can distinguish it from potions made elsewhere,” Nero suggested.

“That is a good idea. What kind of mark should we use?”

A mark would make counterfeits more difficult to sell, but it had to be something that could not easily be copied.

“What about the House Heine crest?”

“That would certainly discourage imitation,” Nero said. “Anyone who copied it would effectively be challenging House Heine.”

“I agree.”

The three of us discussed the design. Mira also wished to participate and snorted enthusiastically from Fabienne's arms.

Had the basic stamina-recovery potion been too strong for them? I should give Mira only half a dose next time.

Once we had settled on a crest-based design, we decided to visit the greenhouse. Officially, we were going there to tend the plants. In truth, it was a greenhouse date.

Beautiful flowers bloomed there throughout the year, making it an excellent place for one. Recently, Mother had begun caring for them alongside Rosalia.

“I will show the design to Brother Alex before dinner. He is probably busy at the moment.”

“That sounds sensible.”

Nero checked his pocket watch. It was shortly after three in the afternoon. The trading company would be enjoying a brief lull before people finished work and the busiest period of the day began.

Since we were already going to the greenhouse, we might as well have tea there. I asked a servant to arrange it, and everything should be ready by the time we arrived.

“What will you do in the greenhouse today?”

“Harvest herbs, most likely. We use them more than anything else, so we may need to expand the planting area.”

“That is true. Brother Alex recently ordered additional ingredients as well.”

Fabienne frowned with concern. She had noticed the same problem: the greenhouse was reaching its limit. We would either have to enlarge it or construct another.

Perhaps we should separate the herb-growing area from the flower greenhouse. Tea could be served among the flowers, while Mother and Rosalia managed that space. The idea seemed increasingly practical.

Warm air carrying the distinctive scent of herbs greeted us when we entered. Even in the middle of winter, it was always spring inside.

Mira covered their nose. The scent was unusual and required some adjustment.

“The plants are healthy, but their growth has slowed during winter.”

“You are right. I had not noticed until you mentioned it. As expected of you, Lord Julius.”

“A magic pharmacist must pay close attention to the plants used as ingredients.”

In truth, I was relying on knowledge from Earth. Plants naturally grew more slowly when the sunlight weakened.

Few households in this world possessed greenhouses, so most people had little opportunity to notice. Botanists probably understood the effect, but it would take a long time for their findings to reach the public.

Magic and mana also slowed the development of science. Too many invisible factors could influence a single phenomenon.

After harvesting the herbs, we sat at one of the greenhouse tables and rested over tea while admiring the flowers. It was also one of Rosalia's favourite places, though she was not there that day.

“This herbal tea is delicious.”

“The quality of the herbs has probably improved. It goes wonderfully with the cake.”

Several kinds of butterflies fluttered among the flowers, giving the greenhouse an almost magical atmosphere. Their scales were useful potion ingredients, and they also pollinated the plants.

Two butterflies with one stone.

“I am considering building another greenhouse. What do you think, Fabienne?”

“I think it is a good idea. You must have many experiments you want to try.”

“Yes. Ideally, I would like to improve the ingredient quality by another level. For that, I need a dedicated experimental space.”

Fabienne understood immediately, and Nero was nodding as well. Was I truly so easy to read? It would be a long time before I mastered Brother Alex's composure.

“I will mention the new greenhouse when I show him the crest design.”

“That would be wise. Constructing a greenhouse will take time, after all… Wait.”

Fabienne tilted her head as she studied Nero's expression and mine. She had realised what we were thinking.

During the Snow Worm expedition, I had built shelters not entirely unlike the structure we needed.

With Craft and enough glass, I could begin construction almost immediately.

But if I started without permission, I would certainly be scolded.

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