The sun hung low on the horizon as Kael returned to the manor, the crimson light casting long shadows across the estate grounds. With the twin swords and staff completed, a sense of satisfaction lingered in his chest. But there was no time to bask in accomplishment. If he was to transform their territory, he needed to take the next step.
Seated in his study, Kael waited as his father, Edgar, entered. The Count's expression was as composed as ever, though the lines of fatigue etched across his face betrayed the weight he carried.
"You've been busy," Edgar said, lowering himself into the chair opposite Kael. "Those weapons you forged... They've already made waves among the knights."
"They're just the beginning, Father," Kael replied, leaning forward. "I want to do more, but to create truly innovative artifacts, I'll need a dedicated laboratory—a place where I can work freely without interruption."
The Count regarded him in silence for a moment, his sharp eyes assessing. Finally, he sighed, rubbing his temples.
"I admire your ambition," he began, his voice steady but tinged with weariness. "But there's something you need to understand. The coffers of this house are nearly empty."
Kael blinked, taken aback. "Empty?"
He nodded, his expression grim. "The money from the mine—the red crystals and other ores we sell—is barely enough to pay off our mounting debts and secure food to keep the people alive for the next few months. Our expenses have outpaced our income for years. Even with your contributions, we're on the brink of financial ruin."
The gravity of his father's words hit Kael like a blow. He had known their territory was struggling, but he hadn't realized the extent of the problem.
"What about the voidsteel ores?" Kael asked. "The Voidsteel we mined could fetch an incredible price."
"It could," Edgar admitted, "but Voidsteel is an incredibly important material. We cannot sell it. Even if we could, forging a reliable trade agreement would take time—time we don't have."
Kael leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. His father's gaze remained fixed on him, his confidence in Kael unshaken despite the dire circumstances. If Kael wanted to secure a laboratory and help stabilize the territory, he needed a solution.
And then, an idea sparked.
"Father," Kael said, his tone resolute. "What if we didn't just rely on mining or selling raw materials? What if we used what we have to create something more valuable—something unique that could attract buyers from neighboring regions? Our own specialty product."
Edgar raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
Kael drew a breath, steadying himself. "We've been focusing on mining and raw materials, but those have limits. What we need is a product with broad appeal—something that can command high prices and ensure a steady demand. And I believe I've found just the thing: cosmetics."
His father's brows furrowed. "Cosmetics? You mean powders that noblewomen use?"
"Exactly," Kael said, nodding. "The kind that noblewomen in the capital covet: Flawless skin creams, enchanting perfumes, and vibrant lip tints. These are luxuries that never go out of demand. If we can manufacture high-quality cosmetics with unique properties—perhaps even enhanced with subtle magical effects—we could dominate the market."
While taking a bath, Kael couldn't help but notice how this world lacked basic hygiene products like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. This realization sparked an idea: to create a specialty product that could be introduced to their territory, tapping into a market ripe for innovation.
Kael decided to consult Keira about the products most noblewomen used in the capital. She informed him that their beauty routines were quite limited, with most noblewomen only using white powder to enhance their faces and red-dyed paper to redden their lips. When he asked her if they used perfume, her response was, "What is that?"
It became clear that perfume, a product commonplace in his previous world, simply didn't exist here. This discovery presented a unique opportunity. If Kael could introduce a high-quality, beautifully packaged perfume, it could become a coveted item among the nobility, generating significant revenue for their territory.
His father's skeptical gaze lingered on him, but Kael pressed on.
"I've already considered the logistics," Kael continued. "We'll construct a facility dedicated to producing these products. The mine's resources, like minerals and rare herbs from the surrounding forests, can be used as ingredients."
Edgar sat forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "And you believe there's enough demand to sustain this?"
"Absolutely," Kael replied confidently. "Cosmetics are a status symbol among nobles, especially in the capital. If we market them as exclusive products from the Valtieri estate, tied to our region's unique resources, they'll become highly sought after. The key will be quality and presentation—both of which I can ensure."
His father's eyes narrowed slightly, and he sighed. "It's a compelling idea, but there's a problem you may not have considered. We don't have the funds to start such an enterprise. The income from the mine is already stretched thin, paying off debts and keeping our people fed. There's nothing left for new ventures."
Kael expected as much, but his father's words still felt like a cold wind through the room. His mind whirred as he weighed the options.
"Then we start small," Kael said after a moment, his voice firm with determination. "We'll focus on a single product—something simple yet elegant. How about a perfume made from the rare herbs found in the nearby forest within our territory? We can cultivate these herbs to ensure a steady supply for mass production. We won't need a full facility, just a small workshop to produce the initial batch. We'll send samples to the capital to generate interest, secure preorders, and gather investors. Once the orders start coming in, we'll reinvest the profits to expand our operations."
Edgar frowned. "Perfume? What is that?"
"It's a fragrant liquid made by combining oils and essences from flowers, herbs, and other natural ingredients," Kael explained. "When applied to the skin or clothing, it leaves behind a pleasant, lingering scent. Noblewomen in the capital would love it."
"Why would they want such a thing?" his father asked skeptically.
"Because it's luxurious," Kael replied, leaning forward with growing excitement. "A noblewoman's appearance is paramount, but their scent is just as important. A unique, captivating fragrance becomes a mark of distinction—a way to stand out in a crowd. And here's the key: perfume is a product that doesn't exist. If we're the first to introduce it, we could corner the market."
He paused, gauging his father's reaction. The Count's expression was skeptical but thoughtful.
"We have all the resources we need," Kael continued. "The rare herbs and flowers from the nearby forests are perfect for creating exotic scents. We could even enhance the perfume with subtle magical effects—a calming aura or a confidence boost—to make it truly irresistible."
"And you believe this would sell?" his father asked, his tone still cautious.
"Without a doubt," Kael said firmly. "Cosmetics and luxury goods are always in demand among nobles. If we package it as an exclusive product from House Valtieri, it will become a symbol of prestige."
Edgar's gaze remained fixed on Kael, his expression unreadable. After a long moment, he exhaled and nodded.
"All right," he said. "But understand this, Kael—if you fail, the consequences will be dire. I'm trusting you with what little we have left."
"You won't regret it," Kael promised, determination hardening his voice.