Chapter 35

"I only intended to stay for a brief greeting, but I ended up staying longer. Since I’ve managed to slip away, I need to head back soon."

I didn’t expect to finalize the plan to build a factory for increased alcohol production today. In my previous life, business negotiations only started moving forward after trust was established.

First, I need to honestly explain that I’m using alchemy to create it and make sure she understands the drawbacks of using impure ingredients, which could affect the taste.

If I can still confidently say that it will sell a hundred times better, I’m sure Molly will be willing to listen again.

I give Helcof a nod.

"Ah, consider this note as a token of our acquaintance. You can follow the recipe, but keep in mind that the alcohol made through alchemy is the base, and using impure ingredients will make it less tasty. Please be aware of that."

As I was about to leave the warehouse, Molly let out a huge sigh behind me.

Turning around, I saw her pressing her forehead, her white hair disheveled.

"Ah, terrifying."

"Right?"

For some reason, Helcof agreed.

"You don’t just leave an improved product lying around. If you think I’m just a child, you’re either careless or too kind. But from your actions, I can tell you’re not."

Molly looked at me with her elongated pupils.

"You have multiple ideas that you wouldn’t mind parting with, right? Ideas that you think could sell even better than this one?"

It seems she’s read me well.

I only intended it as a token of acquaintance.

But she’s right.

"Yes, this is made using easily obtainable materials. I believe using rarer ingredients or those more appreciated as delicacies could enhance its value and uniqueness as a brand."

In my previous life, cocktails were diverse, and many liqueurs were invented, so ideas don’t run out easily.

I never thought my lonely weekend drinking routine would come in handy here.

Especially, sweeteners and flavorings are more in the realm of science.

And in this world, they fall under the domain of alchemy.

"Alright, yes. This is an investment. If I don’t secure it now, someone else will buy your ideas and make a fortune in the future."

"I hope you believe I can bring my ideas to fruition myself."

"That’s even more terrifying."

I tried to be a bit more assertive, but Helcof was unimpressed.

"Basically, the alcohol made through alchemy is the key. If we can mass-produce it, the first to do so will control the wealth."

Molly’s eyes, fixed on the note, were brimming with enthusiasm.

"Alright! I’ll invest in this!"

"Thank you!"

Her immediate decision was unexpected.

Honestly, I didn’t think she’d be this adventurous without knowing the full details.

I intended to take more time, but Molly’s decisiveness far exceeded my expectations.

"So, about this……"

"Wait, wait!"

Helcof stopped Molly, who was looking at me expectantly.

I was also puzzled and looked at him, but he shook his head.

"Remember, Dinker, you need to get back to the palace."

"Oh, right."

That’s right, I need to return to the palace.

Helcof also needs to go back, so we need to be mindful of the time.

Using the excuse of forgetting something, but if I’m too late, I might be told to come back the next day.

If I can’t keep time on the first day, it will be even harder next time.

For now, I’m satisfied just confirming that Molly is interested.

"Molly, can we meet another day?"

"Of course. You’re still a child, after all. When should we meet next? Helcof, when?"

"You need to work on your impatience."

I thought it was her decisiveness, but it seems she’s just that kind of person.

"Since this is my first time slipping away, let’s observe for a few days. If it’s not discovered, we can meet again."

"Quite cautious, aren’t you?"

"There are a lot of things to consider."

Molly seemed to expect more, but she quickly backed off.

"Alright. If you’re being this secretive, it’s probably better for me to know. What I need to focus on is whether Dinker’s ideas are genuine."

"Right. To build a factory, we should first prove that we can make alcohol through alchemy."

"Ah, that’s true."

"So, let’s talk next time."

Helcof intervened.

It seems that when Molly and I set a goal, we tend to rush into things.

I need to be more careful.

A few days later, I slipped out of the palace again.

I asked Helcof to mediate our communication while I was away.

"Here, I’ve managed to gather the alchemical equipment."

"Wow, I’ve never seen this shape before."

"Is it wrong?"

Molly, lacking knowledge, asked uncertainly in response to my comment.

I specified the equipment needed to make alcohol.

To mass-produce it, we need to create new devices, so I wanted to start with the basics.

However, the equipment I received was different from what I use.

"I see, since it’s not a standardized product, the specifications aren’t uniform. But the basic principles should work……"

I quickly checked and started with sterilizing the equipment.

We’re making a drink, after all.

So, I boiled them in hot water.

Since most of the equipment is glass, this method is simple and effective.

"This is already beyond my understanding."

As I started boiling the glass equipment, Molly’s eyes widened in confusion.

"Heat sterilization is simple for heat-resistant containers."

"By the way, Dinker, this method requires unlimited access to firewood and water."

Helcof warned me as I was about to recommend it.

I finished sterilizing and, while the equipment cooled, I used the alcohol I brought to demonstrate the process from the note.

Apparently, the alcohol tastes better if left to sit for a while.

The fact that the distilled alcohol wasn’t used as a drink might be due to this.

"Do you want to try, Molly?"

"Eh, isn’t it alchemy?"

Surprised, Molly asked, and Helcof proudly explained.

"Alchemy is a technique that produces the same results regardless of race."

I had told her this before.

And so, the impromptu alchemy class began.

It was more like a cooking class.

"Chop the herbs and mix them with the distilled water to release the aroma before distilling."

"Why? Why?"

Molly, curious, asked many questions and was eager to participate.

She took it seriously, and I enjoyed teaching her.

"Mix it slowly, and it’s complete."

"The process requires time and manpower, but mass production is indeed possible. If we can ensure a steady supply, we can create a separate production line for expensive versions for the nobility, and this drink could even make it to my table! Let’s taste it right away!"

I thought she was serious, but she just wanted to drink.

Helcof also joined in for a taste test.

I just watched.

No one would blame me for drinking, and the law here considers adulthood to be between fifteen and twenty.

There are no penalties, just a warning.

But I know from my previous life that it’s harmful to drink at a young age, so I didn’t.

"……Dinker"

"What?"

Suddenly, Molly hugged me.

Her body was cool, and her skin had a leather-like texture.

"I won’t let you go!"

"Let go."

Helcof immediately pulled me away from Molly.

Yeah, I was surprised, but it seems she was genuinely impressed by the taste of the alcohol.

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