Chapter 655: The Pursuit of Beauty
Once everyone began making Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion, I wrote my letter to Commander Giovanni in the royal capital.
I needed to explain the Rapid Growth No. 2 recipe, how to grow Holy Clover and how to make Holy Droplets clearly and carefully.
There was quite a lot to write. Should I include the Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion recipe as well?
I should ask Brother Alex first. He might want the Heine Trading Company to retain an exclusive monopoly.
If the company controlled production, the method could remain secret, avoiding any major problems.
While I wrote, everyone completed the lotion. They wore proud expressions as they inspected the finished bottles.
“Lord Julius, we’ve made a reasonable quantity.”
“As expected of you, Lady Fabienne. Thank you. Mother and Sister-in-law Daniela will no longer hurry us. Let’s deliver it immediately. I also have something to ask Brother Alex.”
I checked every bottle with Appraisal. All were safe and should delight their recipients.
Carrying the lotion Lady Fabienne had made, we searched for Mother.
She was in the salon writing letters to noblewomen. Perhaps she intended to hold a tea party soon and advertise the gramophone there. As expected of House Heine’s leading promoter. She would soon become busy.
“Mother, Lady Fabienne has made the Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion.”
“Thank you, Fabienne.”
“It was my pleasure.”
I made sure Lady Fabienne received full credit. I was not greedy enough to steal someone else’s achievement, and a warm relationship between her and Mother was highly convenient for me.
“May I try it immediately?”
“Of course, but use it only once a day. More frequent application could have adverse effects upon the skin.”
“Once a day. Understood. It’s still a magic potion, so I shall obey the instructions carefully.”
Even revolting potions had their uses. They had instilled a powerful instinctive deterrent: careless use of magic potions could have terrible consequences.
As we watched, Mother applied the lotion to one hand. She apparently hesitated to place it over the cosmetics on her face.
“This is…!”
“W-What is it?”
Mother cried out, and we leant closer. She raised both hands.
Looking carefully, was only the treated right hand shining?
“Look. The wrinkles have vanished.”
“Now that you mention it, perhaps they have.”
“It’s true. Your hand is glowing.”
Lady Fabienne could see it too. Mother applied the lotion to both hands and examined their texture.
“They’re so smooth. Here, touch them.”
Lady Fabienne and I obeyed. Her skin certainly felt silky. I did not know what it had felt like beforehand, but it had clearly improved.
“It seems to have worked properly. Thank goodness.”
“Everyone will want this. I guarantee it.”
“Then we must discuss how to sell it with Brother Alex.”
Mother looked ready to cover her entire body immediately, but we told her we were going to the Heine Trading Company and left the salon.
The servants’ gazes were intense. We should make lotion for them as well. They always cared for us, so such preferential treatment was reasonable.
“This appears likely to become more serious than I expected.”
“It does. I underestimated women’s pursuit of beauty.”
“I think I understand it somewhat.”
Had Lady Fabienne already reached that age? Girls grew up so quickly. I still wanted to remain a child.
We went directly to the Heine Trading Company. I had also wanted to inspect the artisans, so the timing was perfect.
They greeted us the moment we arrived.
“Welcome, Lord Julius. Welcome back, Lady Fabienne. We’re delighted to see you well.”
The artisans approached one after another. They were evidently pleased to confirm with their own eyes that Lady Fabienne had returned safely. I should have brought her sooner.
Still, everyone’s eyes shone unusually brightly. Had something happened?
“We heard the news, Lord Julius. You created a new magic tool?”
“Has word of the gramophone already reached you?”
“Of course. We hear it allows wonderful performances to be enjoyed at any time.”
Apparently, the workshop was already abuzz. We had no intention of keeping it secret, and they would soon be asked to produce the devices, so I explained the general design while warning them not to share it yet.
“Ah, I can’t wait to build one.”
“Will people like us be able to purchase them?”
“The blueprints are complete. Wait just a little longer. I’m also designing a version that will be easy to mass-produce so everyone can obtain one. If you have ideas, please share them.”
“Of course. Leave it to us!”
The artisans answered enthusiastically. As expected of the skilled craftsmen employed by the Heine Trading Company, they were exceptionally dependable.