Parallel World Pharmacy

The inspection of the Archduke of Marsielle province continued.

By the time Bruno had begun eagerly listening to the citizens story, it had already become noon. Occasionally, he would also assist with the inspection by using his Divine Art. In the evening, they ate the signature dishes that were offered up from the various regions as tribute. A few days had passedduring which, he lived a substantial life of inspection, eating, more inspection, and more eating.

One daywhile spending time at the Lords mansionFalma received a sudden notification. It was a message from his father which said:

This is very urgent; I have been invited to Count Chillons castle tonight. It appears that all family members and servants are allowed to attend as well.

Count Chillon was was a young feudal lord who ruled over a territory that was right beside the province of Marsielle.

Bruno, who had already eaten his dinner, still wanted to proceed and meet him. As he wanted to introduce his butler, Adam, as the acting feudal lord.

Have a safe trip!

Lotte sent them off with a smile after she heard they were going out.

You know that Lottelita is coming as well.

Ellen smiled wryly.

Eeh, I can come too? But I am just a servant!? Right!?

This time everyone is invited, even the servants. Come, lets dress for the occasion.

A banquet was a social gathering. It was also a way to test how generous and influential a feudal lord could be.

Thinking about all the kind of dishes and desserts that would be served, Lotte got hungry and became delusional. She almost unintentionally drooled, but she managed to gulp it down and hold her mouth shut.

I, I, I, I, I! What if I? What will we do if the dress I am going to wear is not elegant enough for the banquet?

Dont worry, youll be wearing this. I bought it for Blanche, but its still too big for her.

Is it okay if I wear it!?

Lotte put on the dress that Falmas mother, Beatrice, presented to her and became ecstatic.

Waa, thank you very much my Lady!

But still. . . I wonder if its okay to go.

After Lotte put on the dress, Ellen shifted her glasses and began to apply Medique cosmetics. She brought her face closer to the mirror and muttered those few words to herself.

Huh? Why? I thinks its fine if Ellen comes with us.

Falma, who had received the clothes prepared by Lotte, looked back at the rather anxious Ellen.

But Ive only heard bad rumors regarding that Earl. I wonder if we are going to be poisoned.

Ehh!?

When Lotte shrieked after hearing this, Falma just shrugged and held her cheeks to reassure her:

Its going to be alright, since I will know right away if something is poisoned.

Something like trying to poison a party consisting of the Royal Court Apothecary and First Class Apothecary would be a bad plan.

The young Count Chillon was also known as The Blue Earl (Le Comte Bleu). It was said that hes been married countless times, but each time the wife would disappear within a month.And thats not all, Ellen brought her face close to Falma and pushed up her glasses. It was a habit of hers to do so when she wanted to emphasize her words.

There have been rumors that theres a forbidden room inside his castle. They say that the wives were killed there. . . I heard the story from a servant who had claimed to seen the bodies of his wives in there.

You sure do know a lot, Ellen.

Falma thought they were just false rumors after seriously thinking about it.

Enough already. You sure do know various pieces of information from trivial to useful though, Miss Ellen~

Ellen was at an age where she wanted to be act an adult lady. Ellen was still a woman despite being a First Class Apothecary. She seemed to get her information from socializing with the upper classes of the nobility, like a ballroom dance party for example. Gatherings such as those, which are held regularly, provide a good opportunity to learn new rumours. Even today, she was wearing an evening dress with high degree of exposure that emphasizes her breasts.

Bodies of the wives that were killed. . . Falma felt a cold sweat upon hearing this. That was because,

This is completely an episode from Bluebeard(!). . . The wives are missing, and theres a small room in the basement.

Falma was bewildered after listening to the story. He wanted to believe that it was all just a coincidence.

One more thing, there are rumors that the Earl is ghastly blue.

Ellen put on her stylish glasses with one hand, while using the other to comb her hair. Her movements appeared to be strangely seductive.

Doesnt this mean he has abloodlesscomplexion?