Chapter 362: A Slightly Expensive Sweets

“Well then, let’s have everyone try the cold cookie potion right away.”

“In that case, I’ll volunteer.”

“I want to try it too!”

A few knights, who were slightly broader than the others, raised their hands, along with a female knight. They probably hoped that eating the potion would prevent them from sweating by cooling their bodies down.

Since I wanted to make sure everything was safe before having everyone try it, I decided to let these people give it a go. Of course, I had already checked the potion’s effects with my ‘Appraisal’ skill, so there were no issues. If there were to be any problems, it would likely be with the duration of the effect.

It would be troublesome if it lasted too long or too short. If they started shivering from the cold even after getting into bed, that would definitely be a problem.

The knights who received the cold cookies ate them without hesitation. As expected, they had developed a resistance to extremely unpleasant potions, so perhaps they thought it was just a simple treat. Well, they weren’t wrong—visually, it did look like a cookie.

“How does it taste?”

“It’s delicious.”

“It’s sweet and tasty. A bit like a fancy treat.”

“Well, it does have sugar in it, so that makes sense.”

“Sugar!”

For commoners, sugar is still a luxury. The knights receive decent pay, so they could probably afford sugary treats, but based on their reactions, it seems it’s not something they can casually buy.

“I should’ve volunteered too.”

“Me too…”

When I told the disappointed knights that if everything went well, we would officially distribute the potion, they seemed very happy. During this time, Fabienne was observing the knights who had eaten the potion.

She was probably using her ‘Appraisal’ skill to check on them. If there were any negative effects on their bodies, she would know right away.

“How is it, Fabienne?”

“It seems fine. I can see the words ‘Heat Resistance.'”

“Very good.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, I mean it’s really good.”

We whispered to each other, our heads close together. I wanted to keep the fact that Fabienne had acquired the ‘Appraisal’ skill a secret for a little while longer. After all, ‘Appraisal’ is quite a rare skill. I would do everything I could to protect Fabienne from any unnecessary attention.

The surrounding knights were watching us with warm eyes. They probably thought we were very close. I didn’t mind, but it was a bit embarrassing.

I also used my ‘Appraisal’ skill to check the knights who had eaten the potion, and the result was the same as Fabienne’s. So far, everything seemed fine.

“Well then, I’ll come back in the evening. Until then, please be careful of any changes in your condition.”

“Understood. Leave it to us.”

The temperature hadn’t risen too much yet, but the effects should start becoming apparent soon. After some training, as the sun gets higher, the potion’s effects should become more noticeable. I said my goodbyes to Lionel and the knights and returned to the mansion.

“I’m going to the trading company now.”

“Got it. I’ll make some sunscreen cream to give to my sisters-in-law.”

“I’m counting on you.”

“Yes, it’s a request I’ll take care of.”

Fabienne smiled brightly. My face must be grinning as well. Thanks to Fabienne, it feels like I have two bodies now. This should make the development of magical potions progress smoothly in the future.

After sending Fabienne to the potion room, I headed straight for the merchant association. Rosalia and Mira were both at the mansion, so it should be fine. Just to be safe, I asked Mira to look after Fabienne. The reward, of course, was dried fruits. She wagged her tail and seemed very pleased.

When I arrived at the merchant association, I was immediately called to the conference room. My father was supposed to be arriving shortly. In the meantime, it seemed he wanted to settle on the general plan.

At the table, besides my older brother Alex, there was a master builder who was likely in charge of constructing the greenhouse. I recognized this person.

“Long time no see, Master. It’s been since you built the shower room for us.”

“Julius-sama, you remembered me!”

“Of course.”

According to the conversation, the shower room had become a topic of discussion at other noble houses as well. I didn’t know that. Apparently, it had been built in several places that I wasn’t aware of.

Nobles, whether big or small, hire knights for protection. They likely made the shower rooms for those knights.

While other nobles installed shower rooms to show appreciation to their knights, the idea of not doing so themselves seemed to go against their pride as nobles. When it involves nobles, the profits just seem to increase. I’m sure the master and his workers made a lot of money. I think the smile on his face here has something to do with that.

“I’ve heard you’re building a new greenhouse. Please, leave it to us.”

The craftsmen who came with the master all bowed their heads in unison. They looked confident. It seemed that their experience building in various noble houses had given them that confidence.

Immediately, a discussion began with my older brother Alex joining in.

We decided to separate the room into a testing area and a practical area, and to have a dedicated room for placing magical tools so that they could be easily inspected.

“What about the magical tools?”

“I’d like to use the ones that are used in other greenhouses.”

Hmm? The master and his workers are making uneasy faces. There seems to be a problem. When I looked at my older brother Alex, he had the same uncertain expression.

“There are still few houses that build greenhouses, so magical tools used in greenhouses aren’t generally sold. We’ll have to order them from the Magical Tools Guild.”

“Oh, I see. In that case, I’ll make them myself. Of course, with Rosalia’s help…”

I quickly added that. If I try to make them on my own, it would definitely cause problems. It’s better to mention Rosalia’s name here to help divert Alex-niisan’s attention. With that, my father shouldn’t make a displeased face.

Rosalia’s talent is already fully realized. There should be no problem.

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