"I'll need to micronize the oxidized 64 light silver powder and blend it with a moisturizing oil."
Laojun was busy developing the sunscreen Jin had requested. Using his mobile terminal, Laozi, and assisted by Smith 1—a golem proficient in Craft Magic—he ran experiments, adjusting the formulation ratios and the particle size of the 64 light silver oxide.
The goal was to make the product transparent while maximizing its ability to block or reflect ultraviolet rays. He also evaluated various moisturizing bases, considering plant-based, animal-based, and synthetic oils.
"While I can measure its effectiveness by checking the UV transmittance, I won't know about potential side effects without applying it to a human..."
However, he couldn't simply perform unauthorized human experimentation. Just then, Saki arrived at Hourai Island, and Laojun decided to consult her.
"Wait, sunscreen? You can actually make something like that? Sure, I'll help!"
"Thank you, Saki-sama. We will have Lise present to monitor the process and perform checkups, so we won't be putting any undue burden on you."
Lise was the medical automaton Jin had created.
Most of the base oils were already commonly used in this world, and since 64 light silver oxide was known to be harmless, it was unlikely that the combination would be toxic.
"Hmm, I see. These combinations..." Saki nodded as she reviewed the list Laozi had spread out. "Personally, I think these two would be the best choices for the oil."
She recommended oils typically used for winter chapping. "Dragonic eel oil and kemeria oil."
Dragonic eels were a specialty of the Klein Kingdom, and their fat was notably stable for an animal-based oil. Kemeria oil was a traditional hair care product with a long, proven history of safety.
"I see. You're saying there's no need to use an unproven oil when we have reliable options."
"Heh, exactly."
Having suffered from urushi poisoning in the past, Saki was being extra cautious.
They focused on refining the particle size and mixing ratios. Three days later, the prototype was complete. After Smith 1 performed an Analyze and confirmed the absence of toxins or unknown substances, Saki decided to test it on her own arm. Her curiosity, as usual, got the better of her.
Despite her eagerness, the development had been handled with extreme care. She left it on for a full day without any issues. While they had been prepared for Lise to treat any itching or redness immediately, it proved to be a needless worry.
"Jin mentioned taking me to a southern island for our honeymoon soon, so we can probably do some more testing then."
"Indeed. I shall report that to My Lord."
"All that's left is the distribution route, but Laojun, you're better suited for that than I am."
"Yes. Kemeria oil is produced in Kaina Village and Toka Village. I'll suggest that Lishia-san increase production in Toka Village."
"Ah, good idea. Will the 64 light silver powder be supplied directly from Hourai Island?"
"For now, there are no magi craftsmen capable of processing it elsewhere. I plan to either purchase raw 64 light silver from them or process it under contract."
"Heh, trust Laojun to think of everything. I could never keep track of all that."
"I am honored... Saki-sama, thank you for your help with the development."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Kemeria oil?"
Lishia Fahlheit, the Lord of Toka Village, considered the proposal after hearing from Laojun. It was late summer; the kemeria fruit would soon be ripe.
"Yes. Simply advertising that it uses oil from this village should provide a significant boost."
"The timing is perfect. Harvest starts in about a month. I'll increase the workforce this year."
"If you need oil presses, I'll consult with My Lord and have them prepared."
"Oh, that would be wonderful! If it's Jin-san, I know the tools will be top-notch." Lishia's faith in Jin was absolute.
"We still have some kemeria oil in stock; should we start with that?"
"Yes. Please provide about twenty liters for the initial run. Does fifty Tolls per liter sound fair?"
"That's a bit high. The market rate is closer to thirty."
"Then let's go with that."
High prices didn't always mean more profit. If the wholesale price drove up the retail cost too much, sales would slow down, potentially lowering overall earnings. For a new product, setting the right initial price was vital.
"Since this is a consumable, I'm aiming for high-volume sales with a modest margin," Laojun explained.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Sunscreen?"
Next, Laojun checked with Erik, the shopkeeper in Kaina Village, using Butler B as his proxy.
"Hmm... I could see it selling to nobles and wealthy merchants in the capital, but I don't think there's much demand here..."
"I'd buy it if the price was right!" Barbara interjected before Erik could finish. "Women worry about sunburn in the summer and dry skin in the winter....Erik, you should be more attentive to these things."
"Ugh, right..."
"I see. That was very helpful."
＊ ＊ ＊
"So, a total 'skin care' package, then."
Laojun immediately refined the plan. Jin had already been making moisturizing cream for Kaina Village. It was made by pressing oil from ornut—a nut similar to a walnut—then mixing it with a bit of beeswax, citran peel fragrant oil, and a dash of medicinal persica juice for preservation. Finally, it was blended into a uniform consistency using the Craft Magic Homogenize.
Laojun experimented with the ratios until he found the perfect formula. The combination of this cream and the sunscreen appeared to have a significant anti-aging effect.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Ho, so this is the sunscreen."
As promised, the "Skin Care Set"—a combination of the sunscreen and the moisturizing cream—was presented to Princess Lieschen.
Eventually, when the set was released in Alban, the capital of the Klein Kingdom, via the Raglann Company, it was an immediate hit. The moisturizing cream was also sold individually to the general public, leading to a dramatic decrease in the number of people suffering from chapped or rough skin. The wealthy bought the full sets, and glowing reviews soon spread across the kingdom and into neighboring nations.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Heh, skin care really is important."
Saki smiled to herself, stroking her now-silky skin.