Using the fluid from the chameleon-like monster in Village Four, we successfully completed several transparent cloaks. When you put on the cloak, you become invisible to your surroundings. It was an incredible piece of equipment.
The major drawback was that once you were completely covered by the cloak, you couldn’t see anything on the outside. Even when we tried making the interior out of a transparent material, the exterior remained invisible to the wearer. It seemed that without a light source on the inside, nothing could be seen.
Since the other side was visible through it, I had assumed it was true transparency, but perhaps it was actually a highly advanced form of assimilation. Magic truly was a marvel. However, if the wearer couldn't cover their head completely, wouldn't the effect of the transparent cloak be cut in half?
"It’s not that we couldn't improve that part if we wanted to," Lu said. "But it would be dangerous if these fell into the hands of villains, so maybe it's best to leave them as they are."
She had a point. A transparent cloak could be easily used for all sorts of crimes. If we were ever to mass-produce them, they would require strict management.
Still, was there really enough demand to warrant mass production? To move around while using the cloak, you had to leave your head or at least your eyes exposed. Wouldn't that actually make you stand out more?
"It all depends on how you use it," Lu replied.
"Like at a party? You'd look like a floating head."
"That might be amusing, but that's not what I meant. For example, during a fight, a normal cloak can hide your body's movements, but with a transparent cloak, the movement of the cloak itself is hidden."
So it could conceal every movement except for the head.
"Exactly. Plus, you can keep your weapons hidden until the very last second."
That made sense.
"Also, this fluid seems to have the effect of suppressing scent. If you wrap yourself in it, it should make it much easier to escape trackers like dogs."
I called over one of Kuro’s children who happened to be nearby and asked for a professional opinion. He confirmed that the scent did indeed become significantly fainter.
"Let’s prepare a few of these cloaks and have Ria and the others test them out," I suggested.
I’d have them use the cloaks during their hunts in the forest.
I also managed to learn a bit more about the monster itself. The species name was Meleocarn. Their maximum body length was about five meters for both males and females. They were predators that hunted by turning transparent and waiting in ambush. They were troublesome creatures, but apparently, they had been overhunted nearly to extinction in the past by people seeking their fluid. Being able to turn transparent was just that valuable.
"That’s not the only reason," Lu added, beginning her explanation. "This fluid has incredible cosmetic benefits. As I mentioned, it suppresses odors. Not that I have any strange odors myself, even without it."
"R-Right."
"If you mix the fluid with this lotion, it removes blemishes. Not that I have a single blemish."
"I see."
"If you mix it with this powder, it gives the skin more elasticity. Not that my skin needs any more tension."
"Uh-huh."
"Just by adding a few drops to a bathtub, unwanted hair becomes less noticeable. Not that I have any unwanted hair to begin with, but—"
"Okay, okay."
I realized it was time for a tactical retreat. One should never meddle in a woman's discussion about beauty products.
"Wait." Lu gripped my shoulder, blocking my escape. "So, how much of this fluid can we harvest per day?"
"Eh?"
"I don't think it's right for Village Four to keep this all to themselves."
"Y-You're right. Monopolizing it isn't good. I’ll go talk to the Meleocarn and see what we can work out regarding the harvest amount."
"Do it as quickly as possible, please."
"Understood."
"And one more thing..."
Was there more?
"That monster... people think it went extinct due to overhunting, but survivors do exist."
"They do?"
"Yes. Royalty and the extremely wealthy breed them in secret."
"Because of the cosmetic benefits?"
"Exactly."
In that case, I wondered if I could secure a mate for our Meleocarn if I asked the Goroun Company. Or perhaps they were already breeding them themselves.
When I heard that Michael-san had arrived in Village Five, I went to see him immediately to ask about finding a Meleocarn's mate.
"Unfortunately, the Goroun Company does not deal in Meleocarns," Michael-san said. "However, I do know of someone who breeds them."
"Oh! Is it possible to negotiate with them?"
"I believe it would be faster if the request came directly from you, Village Head, rather than through me."
I tilted my head in confusion.
"The one breeding them is Silkyne-sama, the wife of Count Beezel."
Beezel's wife? In other words, Frau’s mother?
"Yes. She should have several in her care. The company Silkyne-sama owns produces several high-end products that utilize Meleocarn fluid."
I hadn't realized. It would have been faster if I’d just asked Frau from the start.
"Indeed. I apologize for not being of more assistance," Michael-san said.
"No, not at all. Just knowing where to look is a huge help."
"Think nothing of it. Well then... regarding the sale of the fluid if the Meleocarns happen to multiply..."
I laughed. "Sorry, but that’s going to depend on the negotiations with Silkyne-san. If she’s using the fluid for her own business, she might not want to share. Even if she lets us have a mate for ours, she might impose restrictions on how we use the secretions."
"I see..."
"I'd consider it if you were the one doing the negotiating, Michael-san."
"Hahaha. I'm afraid I lack the standing to negotiate with her firm."
I was surprised. "The Chairman of the Goroun Company lacks the standing?"
"It’s more that we operate in different worlds. The Goroun Company handles beauty products as well, but her firm is at the absolute pinnacle of the industry."
"Is that so?"
"Their concept is 'beauty over gold.' I understand the words, but I only understand them on the surface. Because I don't grasp the true essence of their philosophy, my attempts at negotiation are always flatly rejected."
I didn't want to blame it on his gender, but it was true that the obsessive pursuit of beauty could be a difficult thing for a man to fully grasp. I suggested sending a female employee who understood the industry to negotiate instead.
"There are very few people I could trust to negotiate with the Countess's firm. In fact, even just going there as a customer to buy products is a hurdle."
"Wait, is it not for general sale?"
"The prices are astronomical. It is almost exclusively for the high nobility."
I see. But if money was the only issue...
"Furthermore, transactions are only conducted with those whom Silkyne-sama personally likes."
So money wasn't the solution.
"Her beauty products also serve as vital gifts that help maintain the unity of Count Beezel's faction."
This was sounding more complicated by the minute. Negotiations were going to be difficult. Well, for now, I’d talk to Beezel and Frau first, then try to set up a formal meeting with Silkyne-sama.