Chapter 77

After the meal, I proceeded with the discussion with Ast.

Regarding the oil residue, since it's uncertain whether it will be accepted, we will initially distribute it as a new product for free to households, and at the same time, teach them how to use it.

For the animal fat lamps, since the concept already exists, they can be sold easily. Although it overlaps with the candle monopoly, it's just a small part of a small village, so it won't be a big issue.

"The fat and organ parts were giving us trouble, so this is a great help."

Ast showed a slightly relieved expression.

"No, as a member of the household, I'm glad if everyone's life becomes more prosperous. That's all."

Ast and I smiled at each other and adjusted the details. In the future, we will also consider drying the oil residue, turning it into a preserved food, and using it as a protein source in winter.

"Hunting is possible in winter, but the prey is scarce. Moreover, hunting in the cold is dangerous."

Indeed, hunting with a body dulled by the cold is dangerous. Even when finishing off prey, there are risks involved.

"Even with fewer prey, if we can reuse more parts, it will be a great help. I thank you again."

Ast bowed his head.

Next, we went over the details. The candle monopoly is the domain of the杂货公会 (Miscellaneous Guild). While it can't be called an infringement, it needs to be noted.

Regarding the use of animal fat, in the past, it was used on a moderate scale. However, due to the limited methods of reuse, it seems to have become an obsolete technique.

Unless frying becomes a regular practice, it's only used to a limited extent, such as spreading lard on bread.

After the discussion with Ast, I went to check the state of the soap in the shed. It seems to be saponifying.

I scooped up a small amount of the greasy, misshapen block that resembled failed tofu, rubbed it with wet hands, and it started to foam.

"It seems to be a success for now."

Honestly, the exact quantities were known from past research, but actually doing it is a different matter. I waited with a prayerful heart.

I used water magic to produce water and washed my hands. The soap felt nostalgic, as it had been a while since I last used it.

However, if the alkalinity is too strong, it's not suitable for the skin. I thought about having Liz and Teesia do a patch test in a week.

In the future, if we can extract the saponified components from the soap gel and salt them out, we will have a pure, odorless soap. But...

"Salt... it's expensive..."

As common as rock salt is, sea salt is hardly available. Honestly, developing the sea is easier than developing iron mines.

While salt damage makes it unsuitable for crops, with the concept of nets, fishing can improve food production. Moreover, if salt can be mass-produced, salted fish can be sold to inland areas.

The Salt Guild exists, but if we can produce a large amount of salt at a low cost, our financial situation will improve significantly. I might discuss this with the viscount.

For now, I will investigate the soap's suitability for the skin and temporarily halt development. The smell is noticeable, but I have confirmed the availability of plant-based essential oils and a small amount of olive oil.

If the patch test goes well, I will use this soap gel to wash my body, moisturize with oil, and mask the smell.

Starting tomorrow, I will spend a week in the forest. During this time, I will ask Teesia to stir and promote saponification.

With the goal set, I returned to my room, prepared a basin, and produced hot water.

"Ah, it's really convenient. Thanks to water magic."

Thanks to the constant training during my commutes, my proficiency in water magic has improved significantly. If I'm prepared for an excessive return, I can produce a full bathtub of water at about 40 degrees.

The bath plan is progressing smoothly.

However, developing a large bathtub is challenging. While small buckets are fine, we haven't developed a bucket that can support the weight of a large amount of water. There are large barrels used for wine production, but the concept of a bathtub hasn't been developed.

Considering the effort required to develop a bathtub, it might be faster to develop a small bathhouse. Looking at the buildings in town, I think at least something similar to concrete has been developed.

I thought about using the 'Recognition' skill to clearly see the composition, but it doesn't work that way.

The 'Recognition' skill shows the skill composition and detailed ecology of animals, and the detailed ecology of plants.

So, what happens when I use it on inorganic materials? When I picked up a stone, it said 'a lump of stone,' and when I looked at a stone wall, it said 'a wall made of stones.'

It feels like the 'examine' command in a game.

When I tried to examine the composition of plaster, it said 'a stone wall,' and I almost wanted to punch something. If I saw a site where concrete or something similar was mixed, it would probably say 'mud.'

At least, if someone asks if this ability is a cheat, I would definitely say no.

Including the 'Scholar' skill, the various skills I received initially only provide hints, not answers.

If someone asks if the 'Scholar' skill is convenient, it is, but when I asked about the goblin's weakness,

<Notice. The ecology of the relevant creature is similar to humans. It is considered equivalent to human weaknesses.>

I thought, "Well, that makes sense," but it doesn't give a definitive answer.

In that sense, I recognize these skills as tools to obtain hints. Still, it's much better than having nothing.

While thinking about these things, I cleaned my body, changed clothes, and finished the laundry. As I was hanging it out to dry, Liz came in.

"Are we going to discuss the plans for tomorrow after we gather?"

"Regarding food and consumables, yes. Also, should we use party funds for Lot's throwing knives instead of personal funds? It feels a bit unfair."

"Hmm. I agree. The management is a hassle, and the loss if the knives get stuck in prey and they escape is significant. It should be considered a party expense."

When Lot joined, we initially split the party funds and started raising them again among the four of us. However, in just under two weeks, we have accumulated a considerable amount.

We are at a stage where we can actively invest in things that affect the entire party, not just food and consumables.

While talking about these things, I slipped into bed and started to doze off.

Tomorrow, another night in the wild. In Japan, the word 'camping' used to make me excited, but sleeping under the cold sky wrapped in a blanket is tough.

Well, we still have some oil residue left, so I will enrich our diet and boost morale.

As we talked, the wind rattled the window. Winter is almost here.