Chapter 526: The Gifts

We pressed deeper into the forest, each step taking us further into the quiet embrace of the trees. From the look of things, the creatures that appeared here were nothing more than low-level slimes and small wild rabbits with tiny horns. Compared to the threats we’d faced elsewhere, this was manageable. No wonder Erwin-sama hadn’t objected to our venture—this area was safe enough.

“Lionel, don’t forget to collect the magic stones,” I reminded.

“Understood, my lord. But… will such tiny stones be of any use? Even for activating magical devices, aren’t they too small?”

Sharp as ever, Lionel’s observation struck me. He had been watching Rosalia and me develop magical devices in the House of Count Heine, after all. Lying to him now would only cause problems later, so it was better to be honest from the start.

“They might be ingredients for a potion to restore the Blighted Land,” I said.

“Impossible! Could it be that Julius-sama already has a method in mind for revitalizing the Blighted Land?”

“Well… perhaps. But we won’t know until we try. That’s why this has to remain a secret for now.”

“Of course, my lord. If you say so, we shall keep it confidential.”

The other guards, who had worn similar expressions of surprise, nodded solemnly at my instructions. I hoped they would remain discreet. Even if word leaked, it wouldn’t cause a major stir—but I didn’t want to spark any unnecessary curiosity yet.

From that point on, the guards fought the monsters with renewed seriousness. Perhaps seeing that I was carefully collecting even the smallest magic stones had inspired them. Not a single creature escaped their attention as they worked meticulously. For their efforts, I decided they could be excused from the grueling task of breaking magic stones in the underworld.

“Julius-sama, from what I can see, this forest only has common materials,” one guard reported.

“Seems so. Rare materials only appear where stronger monsters roam,” I replied.

Nero had become remarkably skilled at gathering materials. Daily expeditions through the herb garden and greenhouse were clearly paying off. Fabienne, too, moved with practiced ease, collecting samples efficiently.

At first, Fabienne had squealed at the sight of slimes, but after crushing one, she fell silent. Clearly, she judged them to be insignificant threats. Yet whenever she watched us defeat the rabbit-like creatures, a subtle sadness lingered across her face, as though pity and guilt were mingled together.

“Julius-sama, my basket is full,” Fabienne announced.

“Mine too. It’s a bit early, but let’s head back,” I said.

“We can’t let you and Fabienne-sama carry any larger baskets. This is the limit,” Nero added, looking troubled. He had anticipated that we might request bigger baskets—and he was right—but he’d preempted us. I suppose this is what I get for wishing for an item that could hold infinite objects. Alas, no such convenient magic exists.

Returning to the mansion, we found the materials we had requested the night before had already been delivered to our room. That was faster than I expected—clearly, the staff had hurried to prepare them. I made a mental note to thank them properly later and decided to make a little extra shampoo and conditioner as a gift.

Since palace magical apothecaries accompanied us on this trip, we had a basic set of tools for creating magical potions. I borrowed them and began crafting potions first, knowing Sophia-sama had shown particular interest. There was no time to waste.

“Fabienne, let’s start with the shampoo and conditioner. It seems she wants this fragrance,” I instructed.

“Understood. This is rose-scented, isn’t it? It’s certainly the best choice,” Fabienne replied.

As soon as the perfume bottle was opened, the room was immediately bathed in the rich, sweet aroma of roses. This was what high-quality perfume smelled like—there was no mistaking it. We took care not to make the scent overpowering while preparing the shampoo and conditioner. The fragrance was merely an accent; the main goal was to enhance the user’s own presence.

“All done. Now let’s make some for the staff as well, with just a subtle scent,” I said.

“They’ll surely be delighted,” Fabienne replied, smiling. It seemed she was pleased that I intended to give the staff gifts, though in truth, I hoped this small indulgence might spread the products among the people of our country.

If word reached merchants from the Kingdom of Raven, they would surely come to purchase our goods from the House of Heine. That would be quite profitable—what a satisfying thought.

Once we finished the additional batches of shampoo and conditioner, I moved on to crafting magical devices. Naturally, the first project was the Dry-wind device. We worked on it in stages, taking short breaks as needed. By the time we finished, the rest of the group had returned. Of course, Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama had also helped with the material gathering.

I wondered if it was wise to let them assist, but they had insisted, claiming they wanted to contribute in some way. From Raven’s perspective, escorting us here was already plenty helpful, but apparently, it wasn’t enough for them.

With that, we carried the newly completed potions and devices to the salon where Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama were resting. Since we had items for the staff as well, it took all three of us to manage the load.

“Apologies for disturbing you, but the requested items are ready,” I said, placing the bottles and the Dry-wind device on the table. Immediately, Nero began preparing tea, and the other servants moved to assist.

Erwin-sama examined the items with interest. I had almost forgotten that he had not seen them before.

“These are shampoo and conditioner specially made for Sophia-sama, and these are for the staff,” I explained.

“Thank you. Are you sure?” Sophia asked, a gentle smile on her lips.

“Of course. And this magical device is identical to Fabienne’s. Do you know how to use it?”

“Yes, Fabienne taught me yesterday,” Sophia said happily, cradling the device in her hands.

Erwin-sama, on the other hand, looked puzzled. Sophia-sama mischievously aimed the Dry-wind device at his face, and when the airflow hit him, realization dawned.

They shared a natural, playful camaraderie, teasing each other in front of everyone. I couldn’t help but think—maybe I should try this on Fabienne. Wait… she’s giving me that look. Looks like I’ll be on the receiving end this time.