Chapter 73

It seems that Otoko, this time, has apparently made shampoo.

I am reporting the follow-up information on the book publication in the activity report. Thank you very much.

It is scheduled to be released on July 10th by Kadokawa BOOKS.

"By the way, Yurichan, have you changed your shampoo?"

"…Huh?"

In response to Leopold's question with a smile, Yurii was taken aback. They were enjoying tea together when Leopold came to visit, and it seemed that Leopold had chosen the moment when the conversation paused to point something out. Despite his smile, his eyes didn't laugh at all. Yurii couldn't help but blink repeatedly and stare at Leopold. In response, Leopold smiled at her with his beautiful face. …But his eyes still didn't laugh at all.

At that moment, Yurii's heart was filled with the thought, "Wow, he's observant." Women are known to be perceptive about beauty, so the women in the hideout had quickly noticed. Yurii had expected to be found out when she placed a different shampoo in the bathroom, but she didn't think Leopold would notice so quickly without even seeing it. It seems that women are indeed sensitive to beauty.

"Amazing. How did you know?"

"I can tell. The shine and smoothness are on a whole different level. What did you do?"

"Well, when you ask me that… I found some good materials, so I tried making it. It's still in the trial stage."

"Teach me how to make it."

"…It's still in the trial stage…"

Yurii waved her hands in response to Leopold's enthusiastic interest. She didn't think it was at a level where she could teach or recommend it to others. Currently, she was testing it with the women in the hideout because different hair types might react differently.

If asked what she used, the reason was that she found some materials while shopping and thought they might work, so she threw them into the alchemy cauldron, and it turned into shampoo. She also made conditioner and hair treatment for the same reason. Although different from what she made with her mother and sister at home, the unique plants of this world produced similar results. Thanks to this, her hair became shiny and smooth, and the cuticles were restored. …She hadn't realized it herself, but apparently, the cuticles were gradually dying with the shampoo used in the hideout.

Yurii, who has short hair, didn't notice much, but the long-haired women like Frau, Tifanna, and Hermine were very pleased with the effects. Incidentally, the only man who reacted positively was Camille. He has long blonde hair tied in a ponytail, and since he started using Yurii's homemade shampoo and conditioner, the texture of his hair has changed. Although he isn't particularly interested in beauty, he noticed that his hair was easier to comb.

When asked how it was made, the process was very simple: just put the materials into the alchemy cauldron. …However, the ability to make it is limited to certain individuals. Once the compatibility with different body types is confirmed, Yurii plans to talk to Halloz about commercializing it. She intends to leave all the complicated business matters to Halloz.

"Once the recipe is finalized and the compatibility is confirmed, I'll talk to Halloz and have them commercialize it."

"That would be great, but I'd like to try making it myself. How did you do it?"

"With the alchemy cauldron."

"…Ally! This kid is using the alchemy cauldron completely wrong! What kind of education are you giving her!"

"Don't yell at meee!"

Leopold couldn't help but shout in response to Yurii's calm answer. However, the target of his shout was Ally, who happened to be passing by. The father, as the representative of the guardians, was once again receiving an unfair critique. While it might be Ally's responsibility to manage Yurii and prevent her from going overboard, the fact that Yurii uses the alchemy cauldron as a convenient tool in the wrong way is her own doing. No matter how many times he tells her, it doesn't change. It's almost like a bad habit. Ally is probably not at fault.

Leopold couldn't help but sigh. Then, he opened his mouth to speak to Yurii, who was standing there with a puzzled look. He knew a lot about the high-spec magical tool, the alchemy cauldron, and couldn't help but criticize her.

"Yurichan, the alchemy cauldron isn't a tool for making daily necessities, you know?"

"Why not?"

"Why not, you ask… What do you usually make with the alchemy cauldron?"

"……Condiments?"

"Ally!"

"That's why I keep telling you not to ask me!"

Leopold's shout was met with another passionate shout from Ally. He is not at fault. He is not at fault at all. No matter how many times he tells Yurii not to make condiments, she refuses with the excuse that it's convenient. In the end, he even involved Halloz (though Halloz practically volunteered) to have the alchemy guild mass-produce granulated broth. …The idea that condiments can be made with an alchemy cauldron was gradually spreading. What a mess.

Yurii watched the two of them with a tilted head and then spoke up with a thought that came to her.

"Ally, do you want some tea?"

"……"

"Ally?"

Otoko was as usual. Leopold and Ally looked at each other in silence and shrugged their shoulders. Ally then pulled out a chair and sat down. Realizing that this was his way of saying he wanted tea, Yurii walked to the kitchen to get the cups. As she left, Leopold reached for a cup with an elegant gesture and sighed softly.

It was a feeling of "What can you do?" Yurii's offbeat actions were nothing new, but even Leopold was caught off guard this time. He was almost regretting bringing up the topic of her beautiful, shiny hair.

"…By the way, Ally."

"What?"

"Are the materials that kid used to make the shampoo strange?"

"The materials themselves were just plant oils you can buy at any store. No rare materials were used."

"Good. As long as that's confirmed, it's fine. …Really, you're quite exceptional, aren't you?"

"Huh?"

Yurii, who had returned with a cup in hand, blinked repeatedly at Leopold's sudden question. She had no idea what he was talking about. Yurii had no real awareness that she was a cheater or exceptional. She knew that her abilities like the "Eye of God" and her job as an explorer were somewhat special, but she didn't equate herself with those abilities. She usually forgot about them completely. After all, they weren't necessary in her daily life.

Pouring tea for Ally, Yurii reached for a cookie on the table. The cookies, which were a side product of the bakery, were made by the shop's daughter. They had a simple, delicious taste. The cookies with dried fruits were also good, but the plain butter cookies had a flavor that made her want to eat more.

"I'm just trying to make things that would be nice to have."

"That kind of thinking is what makes you exceptional."

"Well, I guess…"

"It's fine. When it's commercialized, let me know. I'd like to try it."

"Sure."

Leopold, with his long, neatly braided hair, always took care of his appearance. His hair always had a beautiful shine, and there wasn't a single split end. Yurii thought that with such beautiful hair, he didn't need to be interested in her shampoo. But knowing the passion women have for beauty, she didn't say anything. In such situations, the passion of an older woman can sometimes surpass that of a woman.

Yurii wasn't particularly interested in beauty, but she had noticed that her hair was starting to get damaged and felt a bit rough. She realized that it was losing moisture, minerals, and other necessary hydrating components. So, she made shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment to replenish them. After making them, she realized, as usual, that they would be important.

Shaken by the excessive reaction of the women in the hideout, especially Rerei, and questioned, she was told to prepare enough for everyone. Since the materials weren't that expensive and the alchemy cauldron could handle it, it wasn't a problem. However, it was surprising that all the shampoo in the hideout was now made by Yurii.

As for the shampoo they used to use, she gave it to the innkeeper next door, saying, "I'm sorry it's only half-used, but…" The inn, which only offered room-only stays, also lent out the bath if asked, so having extra supplies was always useful. She was glad it was appreciated and not wasted.

"Still, it's amazing how much a change in shampoo can do."

"Ah, I also use conditioner and hair treatment."

"Yurichan, please explain in detail."

"Understood, Leopold."

Smiling at the slightly intimidating older woman, Yurii nodded. She didn't mind the subtle pressure. To Yurii, Leopold was just a fun, kind, and enjoyable older woman. Ally, who had a shaved head and thus didn't care much, was drinking tea without a care. …However, even with a shaved head, sebum can accumulate on the scalp, so he still used Yurii's shampoo. But without hair, he didn't notice much of a difference.

"Both the conditioner and hair treatment are used after shampooing."

"…Is it like a honey mask?"

"Sort of. The hair treatment is like that. It moisturizes and protects the hair. The conditioner neutralizes the shampoo's components to prevent damage to the hair."

"…Why did you make such things?"

"…In my hometown, they were common."

Looking away from the serious face of the beauty-conscious older woman, Yurii whispered. She felt like, "I might have done it again." After all, in her bathroom, there were always shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment. So, it was natural to make all of them. She sometimes used them herself.

"It's fine, it's not bad," Yurii whispered to herself. The tap on the head from Ally was his way of saying, "That's why I keep telling you not to do unnecessary things." She understood and apologized sincerely.

"Ally, you don't have to be angry."

"Why not, Leopold?"

"Call me Leopold. …Wanting to keep your hair beautiful is a common desire among women. I think Yurichan did a good thing. If it's properly commercialized, that is."

"…I will. By the way, I think Halloz will be here soon."

"You're a man, you know."

"Stop it, Ally."

"That guy has an amazing sense of smell," Yurii whispered, and at the same time, Ally pointed out that he was calling her a woman. Yurii listened to their usual bickering, knowing that if she knew they were old party members and close friends, this would be a form of communication.

Later, the shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment, commercialized by Halloz, became a savior for people with damaged hair.

There might be shampoo and conditioner, but the concept of hair treatment seems less common.

That's the author's impression.

Hair treatment makes hair smooth.

Looking forward to your comments and feedback.