Chương 20: Scent of Profit
For days, Alden and Samuel immersed themselves in their experiments, testing various sets of ingredients and diligently noting every detail. Alden meticulously documented each step in his notebook—the type of oil, the specific ash, the timing of each process, and even the subtlest changes in texture or scent. With every trial, their confidence grew, their movements becoming more assured and fluid.
With their stockpile of ingredients depleted, they entered a waiting period. Alden had initially expected the soap to take several weeks to cool and harden properly, but to their astonishment, it solidified in just two weeks.
Samuel's jaw dropped as he lifted the hardened mixture. "It's done!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with disbelief.
Alden examined the bar closely, his brow furrowed in thought. "That was quicker than expected," he murmured. "The mana in the air must've sped up the process," he mused, eyes scanning the solid soap. "I wonder if a metal container could speed up the cooling process even more."
Buzzing with excitement, they decided to test the soaps. After examining countless batches, they realised some were superior to others. They scrutinised each one closely, ultimately selecting four that met their standards.
The rejected batches had various issues. Some were too squishy, others had odd discolourations, and a few failed to lather at all.
Alden held up the first bar, its pale yellow-coloured surface gleaming in the sunlight. "Look at that," he said, passing it to Samuel. "Perfect colour."
Samuel ran his fingers over the soap, a grin spreading across his face. "This feels amazing," he exclaimed.
They eagerly tested the soaps. "Whoa!" Samuel shouted, laughing as he admired the big, foamy bubbles. He blew on them, watching as they floated through the air.
Alden took a deep breath, savouring the soft, flowery scent. "Perfect," he said, smiling. "Not too strong, and the scent lingers."
Samuel picked up another bar and inhaled deeply. "Smells like a forest," he said, grinning. "Earthy and woody."
They moved on to the citrusy soap, its refreshing aroma filling the room. Next, they tested the herbal soap, which had a calming, slightly sweet fragrance. Each scent was distinct, offering a unique sensory experience.
They eagerly tested the soaps on their hands, the lather rich and satisfying. "This cleans up nicely," Alden commented, rubbing the soap into his skin. "And it's surprisingly gentle."
Samuel rubbed his hands together, grinning. "Hey, this is pretty good," he said. "My skin feels soft and smooth."
The failed batches were a total disaster. Some left their skin feeling dry and itchy, while others wouldn't foam at all.
They pressed the soaps, pleased to find them solid and firm. "This is good," Alden said, nodding in approval. "I think it'll last."
Samuel was jumping up and down, laughing so hard his sides hurt. "We did it, Alden! We actually did it!" he shouted, his face beaming. "This is way better than I thought!"
Alden carefully selected their four finest creations. Each bar had a unique character, from the soft, pale yellow-coloured floral to the vibrant green citrus.
Alden's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is just the start," he declared. "We can create countless variations—different scents, textures, even colours. The possibilities are limitless."
Samuel could hardly contain his excitement. "This is unbelievable!" he shouted. "We're going to be rich with this stuff!"
With precision, they began cutting the large blocks of soap into smaller squares. The process was meticulous; Samuel's steady hand and keen eye ensured uniformity as he expertly sliced through the soap. Alden stacked the squares neatly, admiring their handiwork..
"Beautiful!" Samuel said, his voice filled with ecstasy. "Look at these!"
Alden raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes as he watched Samuel's growing excitement.
With a satisfied sigh, Alden stepped back to admire their handiwork. Rows of perfectly cut soap bars stood before him, a testament to their hours of labour. The sense of accomplishment washed over him, almost overwhelming in its intensity. Yet, alongside this triumph came the weight of responsibility. What came next? The question hung heavy in the air, demanding an answer.
Alden's goal was simple, a lot of money. The soap business was a means to an end, a way to acquire the rare techniques and resources necessary to wield magic.
Alden knew wealth was a double-edged sword. He wanted to minimise the impact of external forces on the barony, knowing that newfound prosperity could attract unwanted attention. The barony's tranquillity was paramount, and he dreaded the vultures that often accompanied success. His mind raced with thoughts of how to navigate this delicate balance between success and safety.
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