Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 408: A Problem Child?
After finishing our duties in the infirmary, we left the rest to Lionel and headed to the alchemy room that Marquis Mulan had prepared for us. The room was located in a slightly secluded area, dimly lit with little natural sunlight.
“Hmm, this is the perfect place to make magic potions.”
“Indeed. The temperature is stable, and there is no direct sunlight. This should prevent the ingredients used for magic potions from spoiling too quickly.”
As expected of Marquis Mulan. He had considered all of this when preparing the room. Could it be that he intends to hire a dedicated magic potion master for the Mulan household? And perhaps he wants me to teach that person how to make magic potions?
Thinking about this, I stepped inside. At a glance, the necessary tools seemed to be all there. With this setup, I should be able to create basic magic potions without any issues. However, making high-difficulty magic potions would be a challenge. There were no precision instruments for detailed work.
“This should be enough to start making magic potions right away.”
“Indeed. As long as we have the ingredients…”
Fabienne’s gaze stopped at a certain box. It looked like it contained something, but it was just an ordinary box. I had a bad feeling about this. Apparently, Fabienne felt the same, as her expression started to darken.
We cautiously approached and gently lifted the lid to peek inside. Inside, we found herbs, antidote grass, and other ingredients. Fabienne grimaced at the sight, and I wanted to scream, “Oh my God.”
“This is… what should we do?”
“The quality is terrible. There’s no way we can make high-quality magic potions with this.”
“Kyuu!”
Ah, Mira pinched her nose and let out a distressed cry.
The ingredients were wilted and shriveled. Some even emitted a foul odor. How did this happen? Ah, I see. They must have tried to secure a supply before all the herbs in the forest ran out.
I appreciate the thought, but if the ingredients aren’t fresh, even we have our limits.
“Alright, Fabienne, time for Plan B.”
“Plan B?”
“Kyuu?”
“That’s right. We’re going to make an herb garden here!”
I declared boldly, and Fabienne and Nero gave me confused looks. Their expressions clearly said, What is he talking about? But I was completely serious. The only one who seemed happy was Mira, who wagged her tail excitedly. Good girl, good girl.
“Julius-sama, even if we create an herb garden, it will take some time before we can harvest anything, won’t it?”
“To speed up the growth, we’ll use plant nutrients. The quality doesn’t have to be top-notch since it’s for plants. Plants don’t complain, saying ‘This tastes horrible!'”
“Then we’ll need permission from Marquis Mulan to use the garden.”
Fabienne seemed to have accepted the idea—or maybe she just realized that I wouldn’t stop. She placed a hand on her chin and started seriously considering it. Seeing this, Nero also appeared to make up his mind. His previously drooping eyebrows sharpened with resolve.
“Then, we must obtain herb seedlings.”
“That’s right. It looks like there aren’t any nearby anymore, so we’ll have to go deep into the forest. We should consult with Lionel about it.”
“I’ll head out immediately.”
With those words, Nero left the alchemy room. In the meantime, we should go ask Marquis Mulan for permission to create an herb garden in the estate’s yard. If the Mulan family is going to start making magic potions, having one would be beneficial.
As we wandered around the mansion in search of Marquis Mulan, we came across Carol in the salon. Naturally, Axel and Isidore were there as well.
Isidore-kun, aren’t you just getting in the way? Should I take you away for a bit?
“Julius, Fabienne-san.”
“Sorry to interrupt your fun.”
“Carolina-sama, please feel free to call me by my name without honorifics.”
“In that case, please call me Carol as well.”
I hadn’t intended to join them for tea, but as soon as the servants brought some over, we decided to sit with them. Axel looked uncomfortable. Did he still think he was keeping it a secret? That’s naive. Far too naive. Even Isidore has noticed, so of course I have as well.
“Carol, I’d like to speak with Marquis Mulan. Do you know where he is?”
“At this time, I believe he’s out inspecting the territory. Ever since that incident, various problems have been occurring everywhere. He doesn’t tell me anything, though…”
Carol looked dejected. As a father, he probably doesn’t want to worry his beloved daughter. I can understand that feeling. I also want to avoid worrying Rosalia as much as possible.
“Has something happened?”
“No, Axel. Knowing Julius, he’s planning to cause some kind of trouble from now on.”
“…Isidore-kun?”
“Eep!”
When did he start thinking like that? Could it be that he’s jealous that Axel and I both have someone we like? But that’s not our fault.
“If you say ‘causing trouble,’ then I suppose that might be true.”
“Wait a second, Fabienne-san?”
“Kyuu!”
A sudden betrayal! Carol, Axel, and Isidore all turned their gazes toward me. Why are all three of them looking at me with those crescent-moon eyes? To clear up any misunderstandings, I explained what I was planning to do.
“A field in the garden… no, an herb garden, is it?”
“Going deep into the forest to collect herbs… I’ve been waiting for this moment!”
“Axel, are you serious? It’s getting safer, but as Julius said, there might still be surviving Forest Wolves out there.”
Each of them had a different reaction. Axel seemed to be in favor of collecting the herbs. Carol and Isidore looked concerned. Now, the only thing left was convincing Marquis Mulan.
If it was going to take time for Marquis Mulan to make a decision, I should take the opportunity to convert the box in the alchemy room into a ‘preservation container.’ We’d need it anyway.
And if Marquis Mulan was thinking of having me teach him how to make magic potions, he wouldn’t be able to refuse this request. The only question left was—what kind of magic pharmacist would he bring in?