There were many prominent pharmacists. However, Eileen immediately realized that the person Glenda was referring to was her.
There was a reason for this. Although Glenda appreciated deepening her own knowledge, she also valued intellectual exchanges with new people. As a result, she maintained extensive connections with notable figures in the field of pharmacy in the archduchy, and all the prominent pharmacists had established ties with her.
Given that interacting with an authority figure like Glenda was advantageous, many were eager to get close to her. However, there was one notable exception.
"I sent a letter some time ago, but I haven't received a reply. Perhaps it wasn't delivered correctly, so now that I'm here in the archduchy, I intend to visit in person, " Glenda explained.
When Eileen received the letter in her laboratory on the second floor of the inn, she thought it was a mistake. After all, she wasn't a prominent enough pharmacist to deserve such attention.
Although she was happy to have been chosen by Glenda, she felt unworthy of a response due to her abrupt interruption in her studies. Eileen silently put the letter away in her drawer.
Since she hadn't received any further news, she assumed that was the end of the matter. However, it seemed that Glenda was still following its progress.
— There must be many competent pharmacists here, right? I heard there are some on Venue Street too…
Eileen tried to mention another pharmacist.
But Glenda frowned and replied with conviction:
Absolutely not.
Next, Glenda passionately explained why the pharmaceutical company in question was unique.
It all began when a nobleman sought her guidance for an incurable disease. Despite her best efforts to alleviate the suffering of the nobleman's wife, even Glenda, a master of pharmacology, was unable to solve the problem.
Desperate, the nobleman sent word that he had found a pharmaceutical company capable of supplying a painkiller. Naturally, Glenda became deeply interested.
'Count Domenico,' Eileen thought.
Count Domenico, the President of the Chamber, had been consistently buying medicine from Eileen for his wife's illness. It seems he contacted Glenda before seeking out Eileen. The connection arose in a completely unexpected way.
"I started investigating this pharmaceutical company from that point ," Glenda explained, placing a small glass bottle on the table. "Could you take a look?"
Inside the bottle were small pills. Eileen was surprised and struggled to contain her reaction.
'That is my medicine.'
It was a painkiller frequently bought by Luca, a watchmaker on Venue Street. It was a popular remedy, sought after by other customers as well. Glenda must have obtained it from one of those customers.
Upon seeing the painkiller, Elio, who had been watching silently, suddenly became animated and interrupted:
This is a pain reliever made from willow bark. I was amazed when I first saw it!
Medicinal plants were a research interest shared by Elio and Glenda. Glenda calmed the man down to prevent him from getting too excited and continued speaking calmly.
— I wanted to show you this medicine. I'm sure you'll recognize its remarkable quality. In fact, I'm asking for your support, although I know it's quite direct of me. Eileen, this is a medicine that could benefit everyone.
Both Glenda and Elio were driven by a strong sense of mission. They felt it was their duty to introduce this remedy to the world and hoped that the Archduchess's support would be crucial in making it widely available.
Surrounded by enthusiastic teachers, Eileen felt a wave of embarrassment as she opened her mouth to answer.
— About that pharmaceutical company…
Glenda and Elio looked at her expectantly, clearly hoping she had some information.
— Currently, they are not accepting new clients. I believe they only sell to existing clients, through the inn owner…
What? Why?
Is there a problem?
Faced with the now serious expressions of the pair, Eileen hesitated, unsure how to proceed.
Well, um…
How could I explain it?
After a moment of reflection, Eileen confessed, her face flushed:
She became the Archduchess…
The pair were speechless. Eileen, feeling a wave of embarrassment, blinked in surprise.
She didn't intend to reveal that she was manufacturing and selling medicines. The title of pharmacist seemed too grandiose for her, especially since she hadn't officially graduated. She always felt self-conscious about her role, referring to her work as research rather than pharmaceuticals. The term had been used by clients, not something she would apply to herself.
Despite her discomfort, Eileen felt she had no choice; she needed to be honest. It seemed that Glenda and Elio would follow her across the empire if she didn't tell the truth.
Once revealed, the teachers were momentarily speechless. Their expressions froze in shock. Upon regaining their composure, they erupted in a frenzy of enthusiasm.
- Oh my God!
They leaned toward Eileen, nearly knocking the table over with their enthusiasm. They showered her with admiration, astonishment, joy, praise, and an avalanche of questions.
The tea house, once filled with casual customers, now had many eyes fixed on the scene. Eileen, surprised by the fervent reaction, felt her embarrassment intensify.
"Hmm, perhaps we should return to the residence first? " suggested Eileen, hoping to avoid further attention.
Glenda and Elio, still bubbling with excitement, clung to her as they made their way to the carriage, never stopping their conversation.
Even during the return trip, the questions and excitement continued relentlessly. Fortunately, Lucio was also in the carriage, offering Eileen a brief respite from the incessant barrage of questions.
— I wasn't expecting this… —
Eileen murmured, looking at Lucio, who remained silent and expressionless. She wondered if he was tired; he had remained unusually quiet during their time at the tea house. Deciding not to disturb him, she instead reflected on the preparations for the guest rooms in the residence.
— … I thought I could improve through my own efforts.
Lucio spoke suddenly, breaking the silence. When Eileen turned to him, the man wore a stern expression, but his face softened into a smile as their eyes met.
Eileen, you've come far beyond what I could have imagined. You've reached a level that even I can't aspire to.
His words, though spoken with a gentle smile, carried a slightly intimidating tone. Despite the subtle tension, the atmosphere soon lightened, and Lucio continued to converse pleasantly with Eileen.
Upon arriving at the residence, Lucio promptly exited the carriage, walked around to open the door, and extended his hand to assist Eileen. She gratefully accepted his help and got down.
Thank you, Mr. Lucio.
Eileen smiled, her joy evident as she greeted the unexpected visitor. Her happiness increased when she saw Cesare standing at the entrance of the mansion. It was unusual for him to arrive home early, and even rarer for him to wait for her at the door.
Cesare, still in uniform, looked as if he had just returned from an engagement. This rare gesture of coming to greet her filled Eileen with happiness.
Just as he was about to run towards Cesare, Lucius suddenly squeezed his hand.
To be continued…