Chapter 1: The Alchemist's Arrival
Opening Scene:
The chapter begins with Aiko traveling to a noble estate, having been summoned by a prestigious noble family to demonstrate her groundbreaking invention: a powder capable of healing burns when mixed with water or oil. This sets the stage for her entry into noble society and establishes her reputation as a skilled practitioner of "Seiyaku" (herbal alchemy).
The letter had been delivered by an ornate courier, its wax seal pressed with the crest of the prestigious Yukimura clan. Aiko had stared at it for days before finally deciding to accept.
Now, as her rickety carriage bumped along the uneven road to the estate, she wondered—for the tenth time—if this was a mistake.
Her satchel, heavy with jars of her burn-healing powder, shifted at her feet. She adjusted it, her fingers brushing against the worn leather.
"Be impressive, Aiko," she muttered to herself. "Be curious, not… whatever this is."
The carriage jolted to a stop. A footman opened the door, bowing stiffly.
"Miss Aiko, the Yukimura estate welcomes you."
Aiko stepped out, smoothing her travel-worn kimono. The estate loomed before her, its tiled roof and intricately carved beams gleaming in the afternoon light. Nobles were already gathered in the courtyard, their silks whispering as they turned to stare.
Inside the estate's grand hall, Aiko stood before a table lined with curious nobles. A brazier burned at the center, and an attendant nervously held out his arm, baring a faint burn for demonstration.
Aiko pulled a small jar from her satchel, her movements calm and precise. "This," she began, her voice steady, "is a powder derived from mugwort and other herbs. When mixed with water or oil, it forms a paste that accelerates the healing of burns."
She sprinkled the powder into a bowl and added a few drops of oil. The mixture hissed softly as it thickened.
"Apply it evenly," she instructed, smoothing the paste over the attendant's burn. Almost immediately, the redness began to fade, and the tension in the room broke into murmurs of astonishment.
A younger noble leaned closer, his voice skeptical. "And what guarantees its safety? Surely such claims require proof."
Aiko turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Would you like to test it yourself?"
The room fell silent. The noble paled and quickly shook his head, eliciting a ripple of laughter.
As the demonstration ended, Aiko noticed the glances exchanged between nobles—some impressed, others calculating. She wasn't naive; this was more than curiosity. This was an audition, a test to see if she could be useful.
A dignified woman approached, her gaze sharp but warm. "Miss Aiko, your talent is undeniable. The Yukimura clan appreciates innovation. We may have further need of your skills."
Aiko bowed, her expression composed. "I am at your service."
But as the woman walked away, Aiko's thoughts drifted. She wasn't here for wealth or favor. She was here because the Yukimura family had ties to her father's last known location
Later, as the gathering dispersed, Aiko wandered through the estate gardens, her thoughts heavy. Her invention had impressed them, but she knew the nobles were dangerous in their own way.
She stopped by a koi pond, staring at her reflection in the rippling water. "Curiosity," she whispered to herself. "It drove him away, and now it's bringing me closer."
A rustle in the bushes behind her broke her reverie. A servant approached, bowing low. "Miss Aiko, the master wishes to speak with you privately."
Aiko straightened, her mind sharpening. "Lead the way."