Wicked Husband-Chapter 92 - 91

In the Duchy, there were many distinguished pharmacists. However, Eileen immediately realized that the one Glenda was referring to was her.

There was a reason for this. While Glenda enjoyed deepening her own knowledge, she also valued scholarly exchanges with new people. As a result, she had extensive connections with notable figures in the field of pharmacy, and all the prominent pharmacists in the Duchy had established ties with her.

Given that interacting with an authority like Glenda was advantageous, many were eager to connect with her. However, there was one notable exception.

"I sent a letter some time ago but didn’t receive a reply. It might not have been delivered properly, so now that I’m here in the Duchy, I plan to visit in person," Glenda explained.

When Eileen first received Glenda’s letter in her second-floor study at the inn, she thought it was a mistake. After all, she was not a prominent enough pharmacist to warrant such attention.

Although she was pleased to have been chosen by Glenda, she felt unworthy of a response due to her abrupt halt in studies. Eileen quietly stored the letter in her drawer.

Since she hadn’t heard anything further, she assumed that was the end of it. However, it seemed Glenda had continued to keep an eye on her progress.

"There must be many capable pharmacists in the Duchy, right? I heard there are some on Venue Street as well..."

Eileen attempted to mention another pharmacist.

But Glenda furrowed her brow and responded earnestly, "Absolutely not."

Glenda then went on to passionately explain why the pharmacist in question was unique.

It all began when a noble from the Duchy sought her advice for an incurable illness. Despite her best efforts to alleviate the suffering of the noble’s wife, even Glenda, a master of pharmacy, was unable to resolve the issue.

Desperate, the nobleman had sent word that they had found a pharmacist who could provide a pain-relieving medication. Naturally, Glenda became deeply interested.

’Count Domenico, then,’

Count Domenico, the Speaker of the House, had been consistently purchasing medicine from Eileen for his wife’s illness. It seemed he had contacted Glenda before reaching out to Eileen. The connection was in an entirely unexpected form.

"I began investigating this pharmacist from that point on," Glenda explained, placing a small glass vial on the table. "Could you take a look at this?"

Inside the vial were small pills. Eileen was startled and struggled to suppress her reaction.

’That’s my medicine.’

It was a headache remedy frequently purchased by Luca, a clockmaker from Venue Street. It was a popular remedy, so it was sought after by other customers as well. Glenda must have acquired it from one of these customers.

Seeing the headache remedy, Elio, who had been quietly observing, suddenly became excited and interjected.

"This is a headache remedy made from willow bark. I was amazed when I first saw it!"

Medicinal plants were a shared research interest for Elio and Glenda. Glenda calmed Elio down to prevent him from becoming too enthusiastic and continued speaking calmly.

"I wanted to show you this medicine, Eileen. I’m sure you’ll recognize how remarkable it is. Actually, I’m asking for your support, though I realize it’s rather forward of me."

"Eileen, this is a medicine that could benefit everyone," Glenda added earnestly.

Both Glenda and Elio were driven by a strong sense of mission. They felt it was their duty to introduce this headache remedy to the world and hoped that the Duchess’s support would be crucial in making it widely available.

Eileen, caught between the enthusiastic professors, felt a surge of awkwardness as she opened her mouth to respond.

"About that pharmacist..."

Glenda and Elio looked at her with eager anticipation, clearly hoping she might have some insight into the situation.

"I understand they’re currently not accepting new customers. I believe they only sell to existing clients through the innkeeper..."

"What? Why?"

"Is there some issue with them?"

Confronted by the now serious expressions of the pair, Eileen hesitated, unsure how to proceed.

"Well, um..."

How could she explain this?

After a moment of consideration, Eileen confessed, her face flushing deeply.

"She has become the Grand Duchess..."

Glenda and Elio’s mouths dropped open in unison. Eileen, feeling a wave of embarrassment, blinked in surprise.

She hadn’t meant to reveal that she had been making and selling medicine. The title of "pharmacist" felt too grand for her, especially since she hadn’t officially graduated from university. She had always felt awkward about her role, referring to her work as research rather than pharmacy. The term "pharmacist" was used by her customers, not something she would apply to herself.

Despite her discomfort, Eileen felt she had no choice but to be honest; it seemed Glenda and Elio might pursue her across the empire if she didn’t.

Once Eileen disclosed the truth, the professors were momentarily speechless. Their expressions were frozen in shock. As they regained their composure, they erupted into excited chatter.

"Oh my god, divine beings!"

They leaned in towards Eileen, almost toppling the table with their enthusiasm. They showered her with admiration, astonishment, joy, praise, and an avalanche of questions.

The teahouse, previously filled with casual patrons, now had many eyes focused on the commotion. Eileen, caught off guard by such a fervent reaction, felt her embarrassment deepen.

"Um, perhaps we should return to the residence first?" Eileen suggested, hoping to avoid further attention.

Glenda and Elio, still bubbling with excitement, clung to her sides as they made their way to the carriage, their chatter unabated.

Even during the carriage ride back, their questions and excitement continued unabated. Fortunately, Lucio was also in the carriage, which provided Eileen with a brief respite from the relentless barrage of questions.

"I didn’t expect this..."

Eileen murmured, glancing at Lucio, who remained silent and expressionless. She wondered if he was tired; he had been unusually quiet during their time at the teahouse. Deciding not to disturb him, she instead reflected on the guest room arrangements at the residence.

"...I thought I could improve through my own efforts."

Lucio spoke suddenly, breaking the silence. When Eileen turned to him, he wore a stern expression, but his demeanor softened into a smile as their eyes met.

"Eileen, you’ve advanced far beyond what I could have imagined. You’ve reached heights that I can’t even aspire to."

His words, though delivered with a gentle smile, carried a chilling undertone. Despite the subtle tension, the atmosphere soon lightened, and Lucio continued to engage in pleasant conversation with Eileen.

Upon arriving at the Duchess’s residence, Lucio promptly exited the carriage, went around to open the door, and extended his hand to assist Eileen. She gratefully accepted his help and stepped out.

"Thank you, senior."

Eileen smiled, her joy evident as she greeted the unexpected guest. Her pleasure grew when she saw Cesare standing at the entrance of the mansion. It was unusual for him to come home early, and even more so for him to be waiting at the door.

Cesare, still in his uniform, looked as though he had just returned from an engagement. This rare gesture of coming out to greet her filled Eileen with happiness.

Just as she was about to rush over to Cesare, Lucio suddenly tightened his grip on her hand.