Chapter 518: Passion for Hair

As Nero had said, it seemed that the Baron Amber and his family had already finished their preparations. Our luggage was swiftly loaded onto the carriage, and everything was ready for departure. Since I had already mentioned that this would be a long stay, spending a month in the Kingdom of Raven would likely be no problem at all.

After exchanging heartfelt farewells with the Baron and Baroness Amber, the carriage began to move. For the foreseeable future, I would be accompanying Fabienne at all times. I suppose it was up to me to act as her guardian in the absence of the Ambers.

“Julius-sama, did anything happen while I was away?”

“Anything happen? Hmm… I don’t think so, nothing really…”

What’s this feeling? Somehow, Fabienne seems more like the guardian here. Surely, nothing significant could have happened in just three days.

“Julius-sama, you remember the groundbreaking report, right? You and Rosalia-sama made a Dry-Wind Device together, didn’t you?”

“Oh, that’s right, yes… that did happen, didn’t it?”

This is bad. I can’t meet Fabienne’s eyes. When I sneak a glance, I catch her giving me that “I knew it” look. It seems far more appropriate for Fabienne to be the guardian than me.

“Oh, once we get to the mansion, I’ll introduce you to Giovanni-sama,” I said.

“Julius-sama…”

“Kyuu…”

Clearly, my attempt to cover things up had failed. Fabienne and Mira were both looking at me as if to say, what a hopeless guy. Ugh… how did it come to this? I’m supposed to be far more mature than this. Something is definitely off here.

Back at the mansion, I immediately went looking for Giovanni-sama and the others. It seemed they were touring the greenhouse.

Better not go there just yet. If I did, I’d definitely be grilled about how everything worked.

Besides, the conversation would inevitably turn to the experimental medicinal herbs I was currently growing. I could never admit that I was preparing to cultivate a World Tree. A potted plant, though… that might just be manageable. As long as it’s a sapling, it should be safe.

For now, I decided to show Fabienne the magical Dry-Wind Device first. If she liked it, I could bring it with us to the Kingdom of Raven—or perhaps even give it to her as a gift.

Neither Rosalia nor Lillie were in the workshop. When I asked the servants, they said the two were with Sister-in-law Daniela in the grand bath. So, they were testing it already.

I headed toward the bath, intending to watch the demonstration.

“Julius-niisan, Fabienne–oneesan, you’ve returned! We were just trying it out,” Rosalia greeted us warmly.

“I see. I was hoping to watch together, but I guess I was a little late. How did everyone react?”

As Rosalia and I were talking, Mother arrived from the back, accompanied by Sister-in-law Daniela, who was carefully holding the Dry-Wind Device. It seemed they were both quite pleased with it.

“Julius, this Dry-Wind Device—Rosalia developed it, right? It’s incredible. Honestly, I want one myself,” Mother said.

“I did make it, but Julius-niisan helped me think through some of the details,” Rosalia replied modestly.

“Oh, I see,” Mother said with a gentle smile. Yet there was a glint of knowing certainty in her eyes—she had suspected all along that I had been involved in this magical device from the start.

Had Rosalia perhaps mentioned how we produced that “perfect wind”? Then I suppose it was only natural she would suspect my involvement.

“Such an amazing magical device? I want to try it too,” Sister-in-law Daniela said with excitement.

“Then we shall test it together during the bath today,” Rosalia replied cheerfully.

“Thank you very much, Rosalia-chan,” Daniela answered politely, beaming.

Both of them were laughing joyfully, and then Rosalia exclaimed, “Me too!” Excellent—looks like I won’t have to join them in the bath myself. That settled, I needed to make a second Dry-Wind Device. Leaving Nero and Mira to handle things here, I returned to the workshop.

The workshop was finally empty—a rare luxury. Only one thing to do: craft a super Dryer exclusively for Fabienne. My excitement surged as I gathered the materials, quickly assembling the device.

This one had interchangeable tips. Not only could it produce a straight, focused wind, but it could also be swapped for a comb-like attachment.

Now, hair could be waved or styled directly as it dried. I hadn’t used it much myself, but for the ladies, this was an indispensable item.

“Heh heh… another trivial little invention, but this should make Fabienne quite happy,” I muttered.

“Julius-sama…”

“Whoa! Nero? You’re here? You could’ve told me!”

“I called your attention several times, but it seemed you were deeply focused and didn’t hear me. By the way… is that a… new magical device?”

“No, it’s not. I just made a few improvements to Rosalia’s original Dry-Wind Device.”

“Just a few improvements…?”

Nero took the device in his hands, examining it skeptically. When I removed the tip to show him the modification, his face twisted into the familiar expression—utter disbelief.

“Julius-sama, isn’t this essentially a new magical device?”

“No, it’s not! You’re mistaken, Nero!”

“Julius-niisan, I could’ve sworn I just heard the words ‘new magical device’… What is this device, exactly?”

“It’s not! Really!”

Why does this always happen? Rosalia burst into the workshop, eyes shining with excitement. She must have heard that I was coming here. Behind her came Fabienne and Sister-in-law Daniela. Things were starting to feel… precarious.

And so, I found myself explaining the modified Dry-Wind Device to three very eager ladies. Naturally, the first device Rosalia had made underwent immediate upgrades right there. The ability to comb and dry hair simultaneously sent the women’s excitement through the roof.

For some reason, I even ended up being pulled into the bath to test it firsthand. And of course, Nero didn’t escape either—his slightly resentful glare was unforgettable. Excellent. Next, I need to include Mira and Lillie as well. No objections allowed.