Kays Translations

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 clearly considered the room’s conditions. Perhaps he intended to employ a resident magic pharmacist and wanted me to teach that person the improved formulas.

At first glance, all the essential equipment was present. We could make basic magic potions immediately, although difficult formulas would be impossible without precision instruments.

“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 approached cautiously and lifted the lid. It contained medicinal herbs, antidote grass and other ingredients. Fabienne grimaced, while I nearly cried out in dismay.

“This is… what should we do?”

“The quality is terrible. There’s no way we can make high-quality magic potions with this.”

“Kyuu!”

Mira pinched their nose and let out a distressed cry.

The ingredients were wilted and shrivelled, and some had begun to smell. They must have tried to secure as many as possible before the nearby forests were stripped bare.

I appreciated the effort, but even our skills had limits when the ingredients were no longer fresh.

“Alright, Fabienne, time for Plan B.”

“Plan B?”

“Kyuu?”

“That’s right. We’re going to make an herb garden here!”

I announced the plan boldly. Fabienne and Nero stared at me in confusion, but I was entirely serious. Mira alone seemed pleased and wagged their tail excitedly. Good, good.

“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 accept the idea—or perhaps she merely realised I would not stop. She placed a hand on her chin and began considering it seriously. Nero also made up his mind, his formerly drooping eyebrows sharpening 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.”

Nero immediately left to consult Lionel. In the meantime, we needed Marquis Mulan’s permission to create an herb garden in the estate grounds. If House Mulan intended to produce its own magic potions, the garden would remain useful long after our departure.

As we searched the mansion for Marquis Mulan, we found Caro in the salon. Axel and Ijidol were naturally with her.

Ijidol, were you not getting in the way? Perhaps I should take you elsewhere for a while.

“Julius, Fabienne-san.”

“Sorry to interrupt your fun.”

“Lady Carolina, please call me Fabienne without an honorific.”

“Then please call me Caro as well.”

I had not planned to join their tea, but servants brought enough for everyone, so we sat down. Axel looked uncomfortable. Did he truly believe his secret remained hidden? Far too naive. Even Ijidol had noticed, so naturally I had as well.

“Caro, 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…”

Caro looked dejected. Her father probably did not want to worry his beloved daughter. I understood the feeling; I also tried to spare Rosalia unnecessary anxiety.

“Has something happened?”

“No, Axel. Knowing Julius, he’s planning to cause some kind of trouble from now on.”

“…Ijidol-kun?”

“Eep!”

When had he begun thinking of me that way? Was he jealous because Axel and I both had someone we loved? That was hardly our fault.

“If you say ‘causing trouble,’ then I suppose that might be true.”

“Wait a second, Fabienne-san?”

“Kyuu!”

A sudden betrayal! Caro, Axel and Ijidol all fixed me with the same half-lidded stare. I hurriedly explained my plan before the misunderstanding grew worse.

“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 reacted differently. Axel favoured collecting the herbs, while Caro and Ijidol looked concerned. All that remained was to convince Marquis Mulan.

If Marquis Mulan needed time to decide, I could use the interval to convert the box in the alchemy room into a preservation container. We would need one regardless.

If Marquis Mulan truly intended me to train a local magic pharmacist, he could hardly reject the garden. The only remaining question was what sort of person he intended to appoint.

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