Chapter 652: Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion

The magic pharmacists were still in the compounding room, closely examining a small bottle on the table.

“Thank you for your hard work. Did something happen?”

“Welcome back, Teacher Julius. We were curious about this potion Lady Fabienne made.”

“We hear it can preserve the quality of one’s skin?”

Women were naturally concerned about their skin. The men seemed less excited, but the novelty still stimulated their curiosity. It certainly stimulated mine.

“Mother and Sister-in-law Daniela requested it. Lady Fabienne, allow me to examine it.”

I stared at the potion and used Appraisal.

Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion: High quality. Prevents and repairs the ageing of the skin. Effect: Major. Duration: Half a day. Leaves skin silky smooth.

As expected of Lady Fabienne, it fulfilled every requirement. One application a day should provide ample benefit. I would warn everyone not to use it morning and night; that might grant genuine agelessness.

“Well? What do you think?”

“It is incredible, Lady Fabienne. As expected of my future wife.”

By the time I turned, she was red as a boiled octopus. My bride was adorable.

I shielded her from everyone and explained the potion. Naturally, the women cried out in delight.

“You may change the name if you like. This is only provisional. What about Fabienne’s Skin Lotion?”

“That would be far too embarrassing. I think Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion is perfectly suitable.”

‘Anti-ageing lotion’ was long, but if Lady Fabienne preferred it, we could leave the name. We could reconsider if a better idea appeared.

“Teacher Julius, may I try it now?”

“I see no problem, but… Lady Fabienne?”

“Of course. I know it is safe, but I shall test it too.”

“Then so shall I.”

“And I.”

In the end, everyone in the compounding room tried it. By volunteering as our own clinical subjects, we were models of dedication—though we used every drop Lady Fabienne had made.

“If there are no problems, let us mass-produce it tomorrow.”

“Will you teach us too?”

Everyone looked at Lady Fabienne. She nodded as though the answer were obvious.

“Of course. I want many people to benefit from it.”

As expected of my bride. She understood the essence of being a magic pharmacist: potions possessed value only when people could use them.

We then discussed the Holy Droplets. Everyone was astonished that they had significantly harmed a wraith.

“I never expected them to defeat a wraith. Even silver swords barely injure one.”

“I heard that concentrated magical bombardment is the usual method.”

So that was why Lionel had looked exasperated. The moment the spear inflicted heavy damage, he must have recognised that the potion was exceptional and continued the attack. Had it been inadequate, he would have ordered a retreat immediately.

“I still regret that it could not defeat the wraith in one blow. I believe there is room for improvement.”

“As expected of Teacher Julius. Even a potion of this calibre does not satisfy you. That is how you continue reaching greater heights.”

“Truly remarkable.”

Their eyes were dazzling. My motive was not so noble; I merely wanted fewer people injured in battle. Overwhelming power reduced our losses.

We postponed the rest and dispersed. Otherwise, the discussion would have continued into the recipes for the lotion and improved Holy Droplets.

We all loved potions, but making them without pause all day was unhealthy. Balance was important.

Naturally, dinner centred on the ghost subjugation. It was hardly a suitable mealtime subject, but Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela had been concerned. Father and Mother had heard Lionel’s report, yet wished to hear from me as well.

I felt sorry for Lady Fabienne and Rosalia, but told the story. Their gloomy expressions eased once they learnt that we had returned safely.

“Lionel also reported that the Holy Droplets worked properly. It seems we shall not need to purchase more silver weapons.”

“Avoiding that expense is certainly welcome.”

Father and Mother smiled. Acquiring silver weapons must have cost a fortune. I was almost afraid to ask their price.

“Naturally, the saved funds will be spent on other equipment for the knights. Do not worry.”

“Thank you. The knights do so much for us. I am sure they will be delighted.”

Father smiled, and so did I. At last, I had contributed something tangible to the knights’ welfare.