Kays Translations

Chapter 437: Having One’s Abilities Recognised

Marchioness Mulan picked up the empty potion vial and studied it intently. Seated beside her, Lady Hilda leaned over to look as well.

“I cannot believe a magic potion could be delicious.”

“Oh, I already knew that magic potions could taste good. Earlier, I was given a potion called a Cold Cookie. Thanks to it, I still feel pleasantly cool. I never imagined such a magic potion could exist.”

“A Cold Cookie…”

Marchioness Mulan was gradually becoming interested in magic potions, and the look in her eyes began to change. Even so, memories of the nauseating potions of the past still left a trace of doubt in her expression.

“Leon, you made a magic potion too, didn’t you? Show it to me.”

Seizing the opportunity, Leon eagerly presented the potion he had made to Lady Hilda. He probably believed that if she drank it here, his mother would have another chance to see his ability.

“Here it is. I made it under Master’s guidance, so I can guarantee both its effectiveness and taste.”

“Ah, well… I’m not going to drink it, you know?”

Lady Hilda hesitated. Knowing that it tasted good and having the courage to drink it were two different matters. She did not open the elementary healing potion, instead examining its colour. Even from its appearance, it was obvious that this was entirely different from the potions made by the old method.

“Leon, would you mind if I tried it?”

“Mother? Of course I don’t mind, but…”

Everyone’s attention turned to Marchioness Mulan. Perhaps she believed she needed to understand the current state of magic potions for herself. Her expression was filled with determination. Lady Hilda nervously handed the elementary healing potion to her.

“Hilda, you’ll drink it with me, won’t you?”

“Fweh! O-of course!”

Whoa, Lady Hilda had made a truly strange sound. She clearly had not expected to be dragged into this and was panicking badly. Marchioness Mulan paid no attention to her confusion and poured the elementary healing potion into two cups brought by a servant.

“Oh, it smells even better than the previous one.”

“It really does. As expected of someone studying at the Royal Academy.”

Lady Hilda appeared to acknowledge Leon’s skill. When she nodded, Marchioness Mulan seemed satisfied as well. The two lifted their cups, met each other’s eyes, and then drank with grim determination, both closing their eyes.

“It’s sweet! Truly sweet! And this refreshing sensation is wonderful!”

“Yes. As expected of someone taught by Julius. I feel as though all my assumptions about magic potions are being overturned.”

Marchioness Mulan exclaimed in surprise, while Lady Hilda nodded repeatedly. It seemed that Lady Hilda now regarded me as someone rather extraordinary as well.

The first impression had clearly been a success. Leon made a small victory gesture, and Caro looked pleased too.

“Julius-sama, this is wonderful, isn’t it?”

“Yes. It seems we’ve gained some new allies among magic pharmacists.”

Fabienne and I laughed quietly together, but Mira pushed between us as if to say, “Don’t forget about me.” That’s right. Thank you for waiting patiently, Mira. As the two of us stroked Mira’s fur, the members of House Mulan became increasingly animated in their discussion of magic potions. At this rate, magic pharmacists were unlikely to be looked down upon in House Mulan again.

At dinner that evening, the conversation returned to magic potions. Marquis Mulan joined in this time. He had apparently heard the details from his wife and the servants and already knew both about Leon’s ability and Caro’s interest in compounding.

“Caro, you should try many different things, not only magic potions.”

“That’s right. Becoming a magic pharmacist is only one possibility. You might also enjoy trying embroidery like Hilda.”

Marquis Mulan and his wife seemed determined to let Caro experience many things, then support whatever she truly wished to pursue.

I thought they were remarkably broad-minded parents. Most noble families would probably have insisted that she behave only as a proper young lady.

Thinking about it, my own parents were broad-minded too. They had allowed Rosalia to become a magic-tool artisan. The same could be said of House Ambert. In a more conventional noble household, Fabienne might simply have been told, “Concentrate on embroidery.”

“That’s right, Caro. Why don’t you try embroidery as well? You may enjoy it.”

“I think I will. It sounds worth trying.”

Caro accepted Lady Hilda’s invitation. After hearing her parents’ suggestion, she probably agreed that it was a good idea. I did too. Since we were alive, we ought to spend time doing the things we enjoyed.

“Perhaps Fabienne should join us too?”

“I would be delighted.”

Fabienne nodded. Making nothing but magic potions might become monotonous after a while. Besides, now that Leon had returned, she was probably reluctant to use House Mulan’s compounding room freely. I had the justification of teaching Leon, but Fabienne did not.

It seemed that Fabienne and I would be working separately for a while. I would entrust Mira to her so she would not feel lonely, while I still had my reliable partner, Nero. Then again, perhaps I should join the embroidery sessions too. My well-honed Sewing skill could finally shine! I would merely have to avoid overdoing it.

Afterwards, Axel and Ijidol asked me to visit the training ground from time to time. Both seemed eager to learn swordsmanship and magic from me.

I could not disappoint them. I would continue guiding Leon in compounding, but I should make time for other things as well.

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