Chapter 489: Fabienne’s Soothing Presence

After relaxing in the salon, we looked around Baron Ambert’s compounding room and visited Fabienne’s room, where she showed me her favourite books.

Naturally, we also strolled through the garden of which the Ambert family was so proud. Mira seemed to enjoy it immensely, wagging their tail happily as they walked.

“It’s already evening, isn’t it?”

“That went by fast.”

When I looked up at the sky after Fabienne said that, I saw the orange light gradually overtaking the blue sky. It really did go by quickly. Somehow, I feel like I was finally able to take it easy for the first time in a while.

Fabienne’s soothing presence was remarkable. Mira’s company helped too, of course, but Fabienne was still incredible.

“Starting tomorrow, I’ll come to pick you up like usual.”

“Yes. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Let’s get started on a new magic potion first thing tomorrow.”

“You’ve already come up with one? As expected of you, Julius-sama.”

Fabienne laughed happily. Looks like I’m not the only one excited about this. Mira, who doesn’t know what’s going on, tilted her head in confusion, but Nero seemed to get it and was smiling.

We politely declined Baron Ambert’s invitation to dinner and left the Ambert estate.

We had already accepted a lavish lunch, so accepting dinner as well would have been too much. I did not want to impose any further, though I greatly appreciated their hospitality.

“Looks like things will finally go back to normal starting tomorrow.”

“I certainly hope so…”

“Kyu…”

“What’s with that tone?”

“Lady Fabienne developed a plant nutrient, and now you’re creating new magic potions called shampoo and conditioner, right? I merely thought things might become busy again.”

“…That’s certainly possible.”

What should I do? Should I stop developing magic potions merely to preserve my lazy lifestyle? But I wanted to commercialise the improved plant nutrient Fabienne had refined and make it available to people throughout the margraviate.

Alright, let’s start by marketing the improved plant nutrient and see how things go.

In the Raven Kingdom, I had somehow become involved in restoring the Holy Sword and creating Legendary Armour before I realised what was happening—a major blunder. I needed to be more careful this time. I wished someone would stop me… but no one ever did.

“Nero, if it looks like I’m about to do something reckless again, please stop me.”

“Uh, sure…”

He gave me an extremely ambiguous answer while wearing a painfully awkward expression. Mira narrowed their eyes in the same conflicted manner. It was as though both of them were saying, “That was impossible from the start.” Do not give up, you two. Once you give up, it is all over.

I’ll tell Fabienne the same thing tomorrow.

“I’ve returned.”

“Welcome back, Julius. From the look of you, it seems you had a good time.”

“Yes. I was able to relax.”

“Ufufu, Fabienne-chan seems to be your healing balm.”

“Kyu, kyu!”

“Oh my, of course Mira-chan is your comfort too. Not just Julius’s—she’s everyone in the family’s source of healing.”

“Kyu!”

Mira leapt into Mother’s chest. Her breasts bounced generously. Scandalous. Father might become jealous if he saw that.

Right, I needed to discuss Fabienne’s plant nutrient.

“Mother, where is Alex-niisan right now?”

“He hasn’t returned from the company yet, but he should be back soon. It seems both Alex and Daniela-sama have been concerned too.”

Mother looked troubled, her eyebrows lowered. It was true that neither of them had rested much since returning to the Heine Margraviate. That was certainly cause for concern. I was beginning to worry too. Perhaps I should wait a little before raising Fabienne’s proposal.

Later that evening, Alex-niisan approached me during dinner.

“Julius, I heard you were looking for me? Mother told me.”

“Uh, well, yes.”

“What’s up? No need to hold back.”

My brother smiled at me. Beside him, Sister-in-law Daniela also smiled warmly in my direction. Meanwhile, Father and Mother both wore slightly concerned expressions. Mother must have hesitated about telling Alex-niisan I was looking for him, but probably decided it was better to let me handle it early. In a way, I suppose that shows they trust me.

“Lady Fabienne improved the plant nutrient, and the garden she created with it is filled with lush greenery and beautiful flowers. It was truly impressive. Could we perhaps sell the improved plant nutrient through the Heine Trading Company?”

“I see, an improved version of the plant nutrient. The one you made was too potent and a bit hard to use. If it’s been made easier to handle, I’d like to try it out.”

“If it works on flowers and plants, could it also be used on crops? If so, it might increase the harvest.”

Sister-in-law Daniela immediately recognised the plant nutrient’s potential. As expected of her. I wondered whether the Royal Academy taught subjects such as national food self-sufficiency. Alex-niisan nodded thoughtfully and folded his arms.

Maybe this wasn’t the best topic for dinner. The conversation stalled for a moment. If this keeps up, the head chef’s pride-and-joy dinner will be ruined. That would be a bit of a shame.

“Yes, exactly. I’d like to talk more about this after we’re done with our bath later. Could I have some time then?”

“Of course. We’ll use the time to gather our thoughts as well.”

“Thank you.”

And with that, dinner resumed. That was close. I shouldn’t bring up business talk at dinner. I’ll make sure to keep the conversation light and pleasant during meals.