NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27
The Perfumer And The Aroma Pendant
“It’s really hard to get people to buy perfume, you know…”
Leopold murmured thoughtfully, and Yuuri responded with a casual “huh”, while Lelei and Tifaana exchanged looks that seemed to say, “What can you do?” Leopold had come over today, kidnapped Yuuri, and was now enjoying tea time in the hideout’s garden. Since he had been snatched away in the middle of discussing lunch plans, “kidnapped” was probably the right term.
Leopold’s reason for the abduction was, “You can’t keep making Yuuri cook every day! Sometimes, you guys should cook and give him a break!” Thinking back, Yuuri had indeed been in charge of meals since coming to the hideout. While Yuuri enjoyed it, he hadn’t had a break.
…Once, when Ali tried to make him rest, Yuuri had looked up with teary eyes like a small animal and asked, “Am I a nuisance?” Thus, he continued to help. For an otome, being deprived of beloved household chores is apparently as distressing as a child having their video games taken away.
“Perfume is already intimidating enough, but Leone, your prices are… a bit much.”
“Lelei dear, it’s not expensive without reason. I carefully select my materials and scents.”
“I know that, but it’s out of reach for beginners.”
“…That’s why I also sell smaller bottles that you don’t find in ordinary stores.”
Lelei smiled awkwardly, and Leopold pouted slightly.
His perfumes were known to be top-notch, and sold at reasonable prices for their quality. Many people in the royal capital of Draheln loved his perfumes, some even coming for custom blends. Despite his immense skill, Leopold remained unpretentious, deserving of praise as an artisan.
However, being an over-the-top character, only those who could handle his personality stuck around.
In general, common people didn’t use perfume. They didn’t know how to use it. Fashionable folks might, but others wouldn’t, or couldn’t. Adventurers, like those present, didn’t care about scents.
Leopold often complained about this. His perfumes could mask body odor and even repel certain monsters. Despite the practical uses and reasonable prices, no one seemed interested.
Leopold sighed about this as usual. Tifana comforted him, and Lelei sipped her tea with an awkward smile. Watching them, Yuuri mumbled,
“Why not use aroma pendants?”
“”…What?””
The three women looked puzzled, so Yuuri repeated, “Aroma pendants.”
Aroma pendants are accessories for enjoying perfume. A metal vessel is attached to the pendant top, with a cloth soaked in perfume inside. The vessel has holes to let the scent out. The structure isn’t complicated and is often handmade nowadays.
Yuuri hadn’t used one but remembered his female family members delighting in them. Personally, he preferred aroma candles in a dark room. Just a side note.
“Yuuri dear, what’s an aroma pendant?”
“It’s a pendant with a metal vessel that holds a cloth soaked in perfume. Just a few drops can last.”
“Let’s go to the artisan’s workshop right now!”
“Huh?”
Leopold grabbed Yuuri’s arm and lifted him up effortlessly. Despite his delicate appearance, Leopold was a man and a former renowned adventurer, easily carrying the slight Yuuri. Though he didn’t go that far.
“Leone, calm down!”
“Leone, Yuuri is surprised. Maybe explain before moving?”
At their words, Leopold calmed down, apologized with his usual smile, and sat Yuuri back down.
“Have you used an aroma pendant, Yuuri?”
“No, but I’ve seen them used.”
“Do you understand the structure?”
“It’s not complicated. If you can make a pendant top that holds a perfumed cloth, that’s it.”
“I see.”
Leopold smiled brightly. Lelei and Tifaana thought, “He’s going to be kidnapped again.” Yuuri didn’t notice. The apprentices making lunch might be disappointed if their efforts went to waste. Today, Camille and the others were cooking as a thank you to Yuuri.
But stopping a determined Leopold? Impossible.
“Can you explain it to the artisan?”
“…Sure?”
“Let’s go, Yuuri!”
“Wait, Leone…???”
Still bewildered, Yuuri was dragged away by Leopold. Naturally, Yuuri followed without resistance. Lelei and Tifaana waved him off, knowing they couldn’t stop a determined Leopold.
Thus, Yuuri was taken to an accessory artisan Leopold knew. Most of Leopold’s accessories were unique pieces. Being picky, he couldn’t tolerate anything less.
“So, you want a vessel on a pendant?”
“Yes.”
The artisan’s name was Bright. A young, up-and-coming artisan, he grew up making things from a young age as the son of a metalworker. More of an artist, he made both mass-produced items and unique pieces. He and Leopold shared mutual respect’s uncompromising standards.
Bright didn’t mind Leopold being flamboyant. He saw him as a partner bringing in work, ignoring other attributes. Common for artisans.
“A cylindrical shape?”
“It doesn’t have to be a cylinder, more like… it opens up…”
“Opens up?”
“Like…”
Using gestures, Yuuri explained his idea, like a locket pendant where a cloth could be inserted.
Bright was excited about the new accessory concept. Leopold hoped this would help people use perfume more. The prototype would be sold in Leopold’s shop. After all, the perfume inside was what mattered. The aroma pendant was more than decoration; it was for enjoying the scent.
While Yuuri explained, Leopold and Bright enthusiastically discussed designs and materials, leaving Yuuri idle.
Feeling bored, Yuuri started cleaning. He asked Bright, who half-listened and allowed it. So, Yuuri took cleaning supplies from his bag and began tidying up. Cleaning was fun for him, part of his nature.
When the two finally took a break,
“Was my workshop always this clean?”
“Yuuri, I told you to rest. Why are you cleaning?”
“Bright said it was okay.”
“Did you?”
“I don’t remember.”
“I did.”
Bright thanked Yuuri, who smiled, and Leopold sighed. They saw Yuuri as a workaholic, but really, he loved housework. It was his hobby, akin to play.
Afterward, they continued discussing the aroma pendant prototype over tea made by Yuuri. He occasionally provided input, though wondering why they were so excited.
Later, Leopold brought the finished prototype to the hideout and gave Yuuri one as well.