Chapter 241: Before Going

After the king’s envoy left, Rudolf said with genuine regret:

"I’m sorry, but from tomorrow I must pay a courtesy call on the noble who lent the money from the previous ambassador’s debt. Lord Robin won’t be happy about it, but unfortunately there’s no choice. If I don’t go, the lender will suspect that the new ambassador has no intention of repaying the debt. That would only cause more trouble."

He spoke with real pity.

"I understand. It’s unavoidable. That’s part of the new ambassador’s duties."

Rudolf’s shoulders relaxed. He’s not carrying the debt himself, yet he still looks like he’s shouldering the whole thing alone... I thought.

"Then before I make those calls, could you arrange an appointment with the Duchess for the very first thing tomorrow morning?"

Rudolf looked puzzled.

"It’s fine. The Duchess will definitely see you. She makes time for me first thing in the morning. No one else comes before me."

He still looked uneasy, but he nodded.

"Understood. I’ll arrange it."

The next morning Rudolf and I headed to the Duchess’s residence. Yesterday, when Rudolf had gone to deliver the message, she had replied with open enthusiasm:

"Please, come at any time!"

We arrived at the ducal mansion just as the Duke was leaving. Instead of ignoring us, he waited until we stepped out of the carriage, then greeted us with a wide grin.

"Welcome! My wife has been waiting for you too! Ever since you came before, my wife’s mood has been fantastic! She’s been so cheerful lately—such a happy wife! I’m thrilled for her!! Please, take your time and enjoy yourselves!!"

He shook my hand and left in a hurry, still talking.

What the—? I thought. This is the classic example of "happier husband when happier wife." I had no idea.

A voice called from behind:

"Welcome, Lord Robin. I’ve been expecting you! Please, come inside."

When I turned, the Duchess stood there with a radiant smile—nothing like her stern expression from the last visit.

Things are clearly moving in a good direction. Rudolf looked bewildered, eyes wide.

Once we were inside, the Duchess didn’t even wait for the maid to serve tea.

"Lord Robin, you brought the medicine today, didn’t you? You said ten days, but when Elle drank it at the embassy, she said it was extremely effective, so I decided to come ask for it myself. Ehehe~"

She was beaming. Rudolf was blinking like an owl.

Rudolf stayed outside the tent as usual, so I pulled two glasses from my mana bag and placed one in front of the Duchess.

"Duchess, please accept this."

She drank it in one gulp. She stared at the second glass, then nodded resolutely.

"Elle, drink this. This is your last cup. The effect is clear enough. Is it good?"

"Yes, I understand," Elle said, and drank.

Last one...? I thought there’d be more to try... I was disappointed, but I couldn’t do anything. I’ve never had experience with a forty-something male, and I’d be in trouble if anyone accused me of it. I can’t walk that dangerous bridge... but I really want to! The temptation was unbearable...

"Ah... I feel the medicine spreading through my body."

The Duchess sighed happily after finishing.

It’s probably just her imagination, I thought. Nothing could possibly feel like that.

"Actually, when Elle brought back the medicine last time, I didn’t think it worked much. But she said she drank fresh medicine from Lord Robin, and she looked so much younger! I can see it myself!"

She spoke with genuine delight.

"Ever since I started drinking, my whole body feels wonderful. Embarrassing as it is, I have bowel movements every day now. My acne has decreased, my skin feels moist. Before, my skin was dry and itchy all the time, but now it’s gone. Even before the rejuvenation, the fact that I feel so much healthier is wonderful! I can definitely recommend this to the Queen. Lord Robin, I’m counting on you!"

She spoke decisively. Did it work on eczema too?

"Duchess, there’s one request I’d like to make."

I said casually.

"What is it? If I can help, I will. But I will not sign any debt request!"

She cut it off sharply.

Of course I have no such intention, I thought. Fine!

"First, do you know the wife of Baron von Kirchhoff?"

"And if she exists, are you on good terms with her?"

The Duchess looked slightly puzzled.

"Baron von Kirchhoff’s wife? Yes, I know her. We often meet at dinners, so we’re close. After the previous ambassador’s scandal, I drifted away from the husband, but I’ve stayed on good terms with the wife. But... what does that have to do with anything?"

Perfect! This is gold!!

"Actually, I’m going to pay a courtesy call on Baron von Kirchhoff later today. I plan to sell this medicine to his wife."

The Duchess’s expression changed.

"Oh? Is that so? Why her?"

She asked for the reason. The medicine is mine; I can sell it to whoever I want, I thought, but it seemed the Duchess had already made up her mind that I would only sell to people she approved. Makes sense. She’s like an influencer now that she introduced it to the Queen.

"Yes. I want to help repay the debt as quickly as possible by selling this medicine to her. Of course, after reserving some for you and the Queen."

"That’s fine, then."

Relief washed over her. She’s clearly happy I’ll be giving the Duchess’s portion for free.

"So... the production of this medicine is limited to at most two cups per day. Therefore, the portions for the Queen and Duchess will be sold as is, and any extra will be diluted. Since I don’t know where to sell it, I plan to sell only to those you approve. Is that all right?"

The Duchess’s eyes sparkled.

"By the way... what should I do if someone comes asking about the effect? Should I tell them the truth? Or lie?"

The Duchess’s expression changed.

"Oh! I see. You’re planning to sell more, aren’t you? Then... I’d like to be able to recommend it personally! And if the effect is even better than expected, I’ll want to tell people that too!"

She was practically purring.

"Understood. I’ll make sure no one outside this room knows the truth. I’ll start with five people. If they seem reliable, I’ll introduce them to you. That way, the sales stay discreet."

"Wonderful! Do as you like!"

She agreed instantly. This is a win-win! she thought. It was like forming a secret hierarchy based on the medicine—two birds with one stone. And it would certainly please the Queen.

"Also... would you mind writing a letter of recommendation for me? I’m going to meet Baron von Kirchhoff’s wife today. She’s the future Baroness Mine. I’d like you to write a letter recommending her if she seems suitable. And if they ask about the effect, I’d like you to tell them it worked wonders for you personally. Is that all right?"

The Duchess’s eyes widened.

"Absolutely! I’ll do it! I can show off how young and beautiful I’ve become!"

She’s okay with me taking credit for the rejuvenation?! I thought, stunned. She’s really throwing herself into this!

"But... how many people should I recommend? The medicine is limited, you know."

"Keep it secret. Start with five, and only introduce those you think are truly reliable."

"Very well! I’ll be sure to be careful."

"Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have them ask, ’How did you become so beautiful? Is there a secret? Please tell me~’ and feel that overwhelming sense of superiority?"

The Duchess blinked.

"Lord Robin... you really say some things that make you sound like you’re not a child at all!"

Yeah, that’s just a cheap line from some TV shopping show, I thought. But the Duchess laughed brightly, already lost in the fantasy of becoming a secret medicine distributor and beauty influencer.