Volume 1, Act 05: Attempting the Trial Product
A few days after shed gotten acquainted with Vernoux, Cordelia tried to talk to the head chef about the matter regarding rosemary.
If she could get her hands on rosemary in its fresh state, then she should be able to make a superior version of the dried rosemary being sold at the markets. She wanted to get her hands on them, grow them and increase the amount.
Then, she wanted the head chef to make the best cuisine from it; or so she tried to ask.
Without delay, the head chef accepted those words; which came off as overly self-conscious for a small child. He also promised that he would obtain stock for her from abroad.
As a matter of fact, it seemed that the head chef, who had only seen dried rosemary before, had obtained a potted rosemary sapling in the past. He wanted to prepare the materials to make the best dish. He wholeheartedly tried towards that goal.
However, perhaps because of magic-related reasons, the rosemary wasnt able to take root properly and soon withered away. Therefore, he frankly told Cordelia that if there were a possibility, then he would like to cooperate with her.
Hearing those words, Cordelia decided in her heart that if she could procure rosemary stock, then she would perfect the way to make good quality dried herb.
In the first place, the quality of the rosemary that she could obtain was still not bad, even if it couldnt be judged as good as what Cordelia saw in her previous life, she wouldnt go as far as to say that the quality was poor.
Drying itself was typically done to prevent mould and would commonly be used, even if the result wasnt the one she desired.
However, common just wouldnt do. Magic, which existed in this world, was evidently reduced when drying the herbs. If magic was retained in the herb, then the results would probably be better.
The head chef said that rosemary, with a fragrance strong enough to negate stenches, grew in kingdoms to the west; the ones in the east had a weaker scent and the ones planted in the north had an even weaker smell than the ones in the east.
That knowledge was probably obtained due to the enthusiasm of chefs. Cordelia thought that the experience acquired by tradesmen was terrific, and at the same time, she was delighted that her plan was progressing.
Well then, Im sorry to ask this of you, but could I trouble you to obtain some rosemary from these three places; the eastern and western kingdoms, as well as our own? The rosemary from our kingdom may by no means be inferior to the others.
For example, if the manner in which it is dried isnt good, it might be a splendid specimen for all we know.
Are you sure?
I wouldnt know unless I see it, but I believe that comparing both would be best. What do you say?
Well, I think a large quantity would be difficult, but I think we should be able to get one or two relatively fast.
Then, Ill trouble you with that. If we consider that it would increase by time, then it shouldnt be a problem. Im looking forward to eating more delicious food cooked by you. After all, its a shame to not be able to utilise those skills of yours fully.
While talking to the head chef in such a manner, Cordelia felt like a load had been taken off her shoulders at the promise of obtaining rosemary. It was regrettable that she might only be able to procure a small amount, but it shouldnt be a problem if she could get her hands on them.
It was possible for her to increase her stock since it was rosemary, and, if she didnt need them immediately, then she could get her hands on more. Including cultivation, mass production could be considered in the span of a few years.
Even if it turned out that the ones from the western kingdom were the best for cooking, there might be a possibility that the ones from her own kingdom would be more favourable in terms of scent.
If she could get her hands on both varieties of rosemary, then it would be too much for her to want more than that.
(But, theres no way that there are only three varieties of rosemary. Which means that there are varieties that arent mentioned in books, or if there really are only three kinds of variations, then Ill need to improve them myself. If thats the case, then it will be hard but also exciting.)
After talking with the head chef, Cordelia returned to her room, but on the way there, she witnessed the analysis magician, Ronnie, going to the main building from another, while holding a stack of books.
It was an unusual sight since the analysis magician who worked at the Pameradia House, seldom showed up at the main building. He was holding books, so hed probably borrowed magic books from the library.
Thank you for your hard work, Ronnie.
Ah, Ojou-sama Or is it better to ask, How do you do? at times like this?
Thank you for your consideration, but I dont mind, please feel at ease.
Well, if you insist.
Ronnie was, just as the head magician had said, no good with etiquette and, on top of that, he didnt seem mind. However, Cordelia didnt care much. It wasnt like he was a hooligan; he handled the books with care, and his personal appearance was actually rather neat.
Several times while Cordelia was talking with Ronnie, he would disclose matters of his past to her. So I used to talk this way to the Earl, even before it was decided that Id work here; crazy isnt it?
Now it feels more like the house took me in. That was to say, what Earl Pameradia looked for in a magician was their abilities and nothing else.
Ronnie spoke to Cordelia in a soft tone.
The request from Ojou-sama looks like itll be finished soon.
Even though you were saying that it would be difficult, you work rather fast.
Ah, Im not cutting corners. Dont worry. If by chance something were to happen to Ojou-sama, Ill be killed by the Earl.
She couldnt tell if Ronnie was joking or being serious, but at least Cordelia didnt have to worry about him in that aspect. At any rate, Elvis hired him despite knowing that he talked like that. There was nothing to worry about in terms of his abilities.
Im going to the library now. Will you be joining me, Ojou-sama?
Ronnie invited Cordelia in the same way as before; in a manner that wasnt like an employees. Cordelia didnt really have anything she had to do and accepted Ronnies invitation. She also had something to ask him.
Say, Ronnie, I also want to be able to analysis plants by myself, do you think I could do it?
Youll be able to. Probably.
You said it rather easily. But can I really do it?
Of course, it would be impossible now, but if its only to analysis if the plant is poisonous or not, then you would be able to do it if you were to acquire knowledge about the worlds poisons, increase your magic attribute knowledge, and then brush up on reading about plants magical circuit Ojou-sama, please open the door.
Both my hands are occupied.
Here you go What do you mean by, if only?
Like this time, if you want to predictwhat kind of effects it would have on the human body after processing, then it doesnt end with just that. It would be exhausting without technical knowledge, and even if you have technical knowledge, youll only understand if its poisonous or not.
Even if you understand the active components, you wouldnt be sure of the effects at the time of use. It is only a prediction. In practice, you have to look at the manufactured product and investigate After that, there are also individual differences, so a test subject would be necessary.
Ronnie said that and headed towards a bookshelf.
Cordelia understood his point. Take for example chamomile; German chamomile, itself, didnt have any anti-allergic effects, but, during its distillation, a compound called chamazulene is synthesised. When it becomes an essential oil, the anti-allergic effect manifests.
In short, a chemical reaction occurs. In that case, a good outcome was produced, but in contrast, there was also a possibility that an adverse outcome could be created as well.
I dont really mind teaching you. Analysis magic that is.
Really?
Yes. Well, my ability as a tutor may be frighteningly low, and I wont be able to say for sure that Ojou-sama would be able to master it if analysis isnt your forte.
Even though you were saying it so easily before, this time youre rather harsh from the start, arent you?
I apologise. Besides being honest, I tend to calculate things negatively rather than positively.
Ronnie spoke nonchalantly as if he didnt think it was terrible at all.
Cordelia once again thought that the easy-going him had the aura of aneighbourhood onii-chan. She was thankful for his rude way of speaking. As an employee, his speech and conduct was by no means something to be complimented, but he was invaluable as an existence that was able to advise Cordelia.
But, I dont think theres a need for you to learn something like analysis magic. There are professionals here as well, so its unnecessary for a novice to go out of their way to learn it. After all, there is a thing called distribution of roles, is there not?
Its not always useful, even if you could do it all by yourself.
For example?
Lets see. For example, if Ojou-sama were able to do everything and anything by herself, then our jobs would diminish.
Thats a misunderstanding. Ronnie, your primary duties are different, arent they? Isnt this extra work for you?
As expected of Ojou-sama. But since this is more interesting than my original job, if possible I would like to maintain the situation where Im away from my regular work using the front of, because Im doing Ojou-samas request, you see.
Ronnie said and laughed.
Are you returning to your room? Or going to the greenhouse? Ill send you off.
Although those are usually words to be appreciated, since youre the one saying them, I could only hear it as you want to skip work. Is it because of the conversation earlier?
Ahaha, it might be.
Ronnie declared that, without hiding anything. Cordelia also shrugged her shoulders.
About what we talked about earlier Even if it doesnt apply to this case, I also understand that your opinion is correct.
What do you mean?
About it not being necessary to be able to do everything alone.
Its a case-by-case basis, but someone who has been conducting research for many years aside, there is a possibility that an inexperienced person, such as myself, will make decisions by themselves without being aware of any mistakes, and proceed onwards just like that Was what you meant, wasnt it?
No, I was purely thinking of my own interests.
Oh my, is that so?
It seemed that Ronnie was an honest person up to the point that he would correct people.
For Cordelia, living while being true to ones emotions and words was a lot more difficult than being courteous. That wasnt only true in her current world, but in her past life as well.
Ojou-sama? Is there something on my face?
Eh, well, anyway essential oil is Ojou-sama, you are going to mix this with a carrier oil to make the palm, arent you?
Yes, but after the distillation is over. We have to find the proper concentration first.
Indeed, this supernatant is too thick to use The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects can be seen, but if its too thick, then it might be harmful to people. Well, to ascertain the level which could be said to be harmless is close to my main occupation so I can help.
Cordelia was amazed that Ronnie was able to find out a number of the properties by just glancing at it.
Excellent.
Thank you for your very reliable words.
Not at all. Im used to plants and poisons, but its good to have a new experience in trying to make cosmetics.
The words that hed said smoothly contained disturbing words that at least shouldnt be told to a young child. However, as a Parmeradia escort, it was a competent remark. Cordelia could do nothing but smile wryly.
Then she realised.
When Elvis isnt here, isnt it possible for Ronnie to be my escort when I go outside?
If that is granted, then it might be possible for me to collect more flowers.
While Cordelia was thinking such things, Ronnie stared at the essential oils.
This is really amazing, Ojou-sama. But, why dont you channel magic power in while its being distilled?
Eh?
Cordelia didnt understand the meaning behind his words and tilted her head in curiosity.
He continued in a carefree manner.
Even though Ojou-sama went through the trouble of increasing the dry mints vitality and magic at the same time with your magic, a large portion of that was damaged by the heat. It feels as if a portion of the magic fell off when the mint was vaporised.
Its thick enough, even with that, but if that didnt happen, then I think that the fragrance, magic and effect could remain after processing. Therefore, if youre going to make an excellent product, then you need to protect it with magic when youre heating it up.
Ronnie spoke with a severe look on his face and Cordelia was surprised again.
He had discovered the effects at a glance just a while ago, but he wasnt just watching during the experiment, he had analysed the movements of magic while looking nonchalant.
Cordelia received Ronnies instructions; she once again prepared the mint and tried to channel magic into it as a new challenge, but that didnt go so well. She decided to channel magic through the glass, into the air-tight container that contained the herbs, but it wouldnt reach the herbs.
It wasnt directed into the herbs.
Cordelia frowned, and Ronnie spoke as if talking to himself:
Ojou-samas magic Or rather, the compatibility of plant-related magic and the glass might be the worse. This might be tough.
The compatibility of the glass and plant related magic was the worse.
Cordelia never imagined that such a wall would hinder her. However, glass was favourable because impurities dont get mixed in during the process. It wasnt like she didnt have any other choices, but glass was the most suitable out of all the tools she saw in the laboratory in the magicians wing.
In the first place, even if it was said that the magic peeled off, it was only the increased portion of it; if some of it remained, then she should be able to make something that was at least close to the level as the ones shed dealt with in her previous life.
If that was the case, then it shouldnt be a bad product.
However, even though there was a possibility to make something better, it was regrettable that she had to readily give up because it was impossible. It goes against Cordelias principles to compromise, even though she was she was in a pleasant environment. It was still the first day.
It was still too early to give up.
Cordelia once again held her hands towards the flask in silence. Then she drew a breath and once again turned her consciousness towards the magic inside of her own body She felt the magic that was released from her hands bounce back from the glass again.
Do I have to find another way? The moment Cordelia felt that:
Ah. Thats right, Ojou-sama. If its a shop that specialises in selling experimental tools for magicians, then they might have glass that lets Ojou-samas magic pass through.
Ronnie told that to Cordelia as if hed just remembered.
Hes an artisan who makes experimental tools for magic, but he also makes tools that suit the magic of the person using them. Therefore, he might be able to make something that could alleviate the bad compatibility of the glass.
He also deals with pots, kettles and flasks; so he might also have air-tight containers.
Will it be expensive?
Well, for example, I would hesitate quite a lot to buy a flask on my salary.
Cordelia recalled the number of gold coins she had on hand. If it were enough, then she would like to buy it, even if it was somewhat unreasonable.
If you look at it, could you determine whether I could use it?
However, it wasnt worth considering if, by chance, it was something that she couldnt use. She wanted to treasure money, even if only slightly. She hesitated to rush into any purchase that had uncertainties.
Although, if she were to say that she wanted an experimental tool, then Elvis would surely buy it for her, but he had already invested a considerable amount on her.
Ronnie also put a hand to his chin at seeing Cordelias severe expression and groaned.
Its difficult, isnt it? I also want to go to that store and try it, but my magic and Ojou-samas are different, so I cant test it. Its not like I cant come to a conclusion, but it wont be with certainty.
But if the thing I bought were of no use, then Id be troubled. There is one thing Id like to confirm, which is, would I be able to touch it if I went to the shop?
Even though she had a chance, it was out of her reach.
Cordelia was vexed and immediately thought of trying to solve it by going there herself. If her magic was unique, then there was no other way to explain it.
That is Wait, dont tell me youre planning to go, Ojou-sama? Youre joking, arent you?
We wouldnt know unless we see if my magic can pass through the product or not, isnt that right?
I, I dont think the Master will allow it.
I dont think itll be dangerous if its on the main street, do you? Or is the shop not located on the main street?
No, I dont think hed allow it even if its on the main street But its on the west artisan street. I wouldnt go as far as to say that the public order is bad, but its not a place where a noble would enter out on their own accord since its bustling in its own way.
It was outrageous, and Ronnie shook his head as if rejecting her proposal. Cordelia purposely sighed loudly.
I understand. Well then, Ronnie
Yes?
Cordelia smiled widely and declared to Ronnie, who clearly looked relieved.
Please choose clothes for a town girl of about my age Or an apprentice magician clothes for me to wear, by tomorrow afternoon.
What?!
Ill immediately go to collect the tool. I can count on you, cant I?
Nonono, thats impossible!!
Ronnie, who had turned a ghastly pale, finally shouted.
However, Cordelia didnt change her mind, even though she thought he was a bit pitiful. That was why she continued with her unreasonable claim with an expression that was as if it was natural, and as if she was saying something that sounded obvious.
If a noble went, they would stand out, wouldnt they? Since thats the case, I dont think theres any other way except for this.
No, um, Ojou-sama, even if you have the clothes, what about Masters permission?
Father wont be coming back from the fief until the day after tomorrow. Did you forget your Masters schedule?
But.
We only have tomorrow.
Cordelia stressed those words to Ronnie with a severe expression on her face.
Cordelia could do nothing if he were to say, If I cant confirm the masters intentions, then I cant agree with you, right then. So she had to persuade him somehow.
I understand. However, please bring along a minimum amount of escorts with you. If I could use magic as I please, then I could protect you as well, but I could end up killing my opponent if I lost control.
Ronnie raised both his hands in the air, as if hed given up, and said a slightly disturbing remark. Cordelia softened her expression.
However, the words she uttered next contradicted her sympathy and contained the final blow.
Thank you, but escorts are impossible. Youll have to protect me while holding back since Otou-sama might find out No, I hope that we wont get caught up in trouble in the first place.
She felt apologetic towards Ronnie, who was hanging his head, but she didnt feel like retracting her words at all.
Ill be expecting a special reward for this.
Although his gaze was slightly mixed with resentment, this magician was also someone who worked for the Pameradia House. When life gave you lemons; make lemonade. He was an exceptional person that had such a disposition, after all.
Translator: Blushy
Editor: SenjiQ