Chapter 236: Elle Was Here

While I was still thinking about all sorts of things, I headed toward the entrance, of course bringing Lily along as well—one of the two parties involved.

When Elle stepped down from the carriage, to my eyes she looked... slightly younger, I’d say. At first glance it didn’t seem like anything shocking, but when I took a closer look... well, it wasn’t dramatic. So it was probably just the medicine she wanted, wasn’t it?

Anyway, we showed her into the ambassador’s reception room. Because this was a top-secret meeting with Rudolf, I told the maid firmly after bringing out the tea that no one else was to come in until we called them. Elle seemed to walk with a little more chest out and head held high...?

Once we were inside, the maid served the tea. Elle was smiling cheerfully. Before, she used to wear that stern "office lady" face as she managed the maids under the Duchess, but now I got a completely soft impression. But I had no idea what to say. I had no idea where the landmines were hiding. I’d had more than enough experience in my previous world where something said with the best intentions turned out to be a landmine. So what do I do? I’ll just say something safe and neutral.

"Have you... changed?"

I asked, and immediately felt a flicker of doubt in my own voice. I didn’t know what to say, so I shot Lily a panicked look for help. Of course, Lily instantly understood.

"You’re aware of the change, aren’t you?" she asked Elle.

Elle smiled brightly and touched her cheek (an old lady doing this was pretty gross, but anyway), then said:

"You can tell?"

"Yes, your skin looks much healthier. And your face looks a lot clearer too. I’m pretty sure it’s not just my imagination. What do you think?"

I was stunned. How did she notice that so quickly...? It was a trick that Stevie would never have pulled off. Wait... my head felt like it’d just been punched from behind?

Elle beamed.

"Yes, even the maids told me. Ehehe~"

She was practically grinning. Lily asked next:

"So does that mean Her Grace the Duchess has changed too?"

The moment the Duchess was mentioned, Elle snapped back to attention.

"Yes, but not to the extent I have. I can tell I’ve changed! I’ve become younger!" she declared with a firm voice.

Good, no side effects! Worst case I’d have to worry about allergies... I thought.

"How has it changed?" Lily asked.

Elle explained:

"Her Grace says her skin condition has improved the same way as mine. She’s had bad skin since she was young—breakouts, itching, constant trouble. She’s been suffering for a long time. But now it’s much better. She hasn’t changed her diet or anything else, so the medicine must be the cause."

Huh... so feeling healthier and looking younger are basically the same thing. I filed that away—valuable data. Thanks, Elle.

"That’s wonderful news! Thank you for bringing the report so promptly."

I bowed in thanks, and Elle waved a hand, still touching her hair.

"You’re welcome, it’s nothing. But... is my hairstyle different?" she said, looking a little embarrassed. Lily noticed immediately.

"I just realized your hair looks quite different too. It has a beautiful shine now, doesn’t it?"

Elle lit up again.

"You noticed?! Of course you would! The maids told me too. Ehehe. My hair has become shiny again. When I was young it had that luster, but with age it faded, and the white hairs increased. I thought it was just aging, but now... I’m truly amazed. I have nothing but gratitude to Lord Robin. Thank you so much!"

She bowed so deeply I thought she might knock herself out. I’m the one who should be bowing, but... I thought, half-laughing.

"So... what brings you here today?" Lily asked casually.

Elle’s face grew serious at once.

"Yes! You’ve guessed correctly. I’ve come for medicine. Her Grace said to bring as much as possible, and I have a small mana bag with me. I’d like to take some home. So... can you make two cups for me today? Of course I understand it might not work with my mana bag. Payment will be forty gold coins for two cups. Her Grace said she wants to try it once!"

She spoke in a rush. I didn’t mind.

"No problem. But we’re out of stock right now, so we’ll make it from scratch. Can you wait a moment?"

Elle looked reluctant but nodded.

"Lord Robin is said to be able to create a secret medicine that only he can make, according to the Queen’s letter. If you’d be willing, Her Grace would like to try it too. I understand you might be pressed, but she said she’d pay for the privilege of watching. Up to one hundred gold coins, she said, and she has it with her."

She opened her mana bag and pulled out a pouch of coins. When it hit the table it made a heavy clink!

This could save the embassy’s almost-bankrupt finances... I thought, throat dry. I could tell her later, but probably no one else could make it yet. If someone else could, they’d have talked about it long ago.

Lily was staring at the pouch too.

"Um... is it alright to look inside?"

Lily swallowed hard. I thought it was rude, but I couldn’t stop her. Elle, thinking Lily had been hooked, smiled calmly.

"Please do."

She gave permission. Lily hesitantly reached out, untied the string, and golden light spilled out.

"Wow—!!"

A delighted cry burst from Lily. Of course— one hundred gold coins was an amount most people never saw in their lives. I myself had never seen that much. Hell, I wasn’t even paying for the medicine.

Elle cleared her throat theatrically and looked down her nose.

"So... would you mind showing me how the medicine is made?"

"Yeaaah! Lord Robin, let’s do it!" Lily floated up, tugging my sleeve. Rude, Lily! I know it’s rude! But if she’s happy, I’m fine. The possibilities were making my excitement almost unbearable!

I had to confirm first, though. I couldn’t risk it.

"Elle, I’ll show you the process, but first let me confirm a few things."

Elle’s eyes sparkled with delight.

"Really?! Her Grace said you’d probably refuse, but... this means I can give her good news!"

She was beaming. I wonder what she’ll think when she sees the contents...

"First, you must promise not to tell anyone but Her Grace the Duchess about what you see here. Agreed?"

Elle nodded quickly.

"Of course! I’d never breathe a word to anyone but Her Grace. I swear on Sophia!"

"Second, no matter what you see, you will not receive a refund. Are you still willing?"

This was crucial.

"I understand. This is a special medicine that cannot be made by ordinary means, so I’m sure."

Elle nodded solemnly. Whew... it really is simple after all.

"So, we usually make it with Lily’s help, the three of us working together. Would you like to try it as well?"

"Ehh?!"

Before I could even finish, Lily shot up with an unhinged cry. Did she really not expect that? I thought. If it were me, I’d never assume Lily would say no. She’s clearly underestimating me.