Isekai Nonbiri Nouka

Chapter 878: Chameleon-like Monster’s Body Fluid

Using the body fluid from the chameleon-like monster of Village Four, we’ve managed to create an invisibility cloak.

When you put on the cloak, you become invisible to those around you.

It’s an impressive cloak.

The downside is that if you fully cover yourself, you can’t see outside. Even with the inner side of the cloak made from a transparent material, you still can’t see.

It seems you need light inside to see.

I thought it was transparency because you could see through to the other side, but maybe it’s actually high-level camouflage?

Magic is quite amazing.

Still, if you can’t completely cover yourself, the invisibility cloak’s effectiveness is halved, isn’t it?

「Well, we could improve that if we wanted to, but… it’s safer like this to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.」

…I see.

Indeed, an invisibility cloak could be misused.

If we were to mass-produce it, we’d need to keep strict control.

……

Would there even be demand for a mass-produced version?

To use an invisibility cloak effectively, you’d have to expose your head or eye area. Wouldn’t that make you more noticeable?

「It depends on how you use it.」

Maybe at a party, with only your head showing, like a floating head effect?

「That might be amusing, but that’s not what I mean. For example, in a battle, even a regular cloak can hide body movements, but with an invisibility cloak, even the cloak’s movements are hidden.」

So it can hide everything except your head.

「Exactly. Plus, you can hide any weapon until the last moment.」

I see.

「And this fluid seems to suppress scent, too. If you wrap yourself in it, you’ll be harder for dogs or other trackers to trace.」

Is that so?

I asked one of kuros nearby, and sure enough, it said the scent weakens.

Interesting.

「I’ll prepare a few of these invisibility cloaks and have Ria and the others test them.」

Good idea.

We could use them for hunting in the forest.

-0-

I also learned a bit more about the chameleon-like monster.

Its species name is Mereokan.

Both males and females grow up to about five meters long.

They ambush prey by turning invisible and waiting patiently.

Though troublesome, their fluid was once highly sought after and led to their near-extinction due to overhunting.

I guess invisibility is quite useful.

「That’s not the only reason—their fluid has beauty benefits.」

Loo explained further.

「As I said, this fluid suppresses scent. I don’t need it, of course, since I don’t smell.」

Y-yeah, of course.

「When mixed with this lotion, it removes spots. Not that I have any spots.」

Heh.

「When mixed with this powder, it adds firmness to the skin. My skin is firm enough without it, though.」

I see…

「Just adding a few drops to bathwater reduces body hair visibility. Not that I have any.」

Ehto.

Yeah.

Retreat.

Best not to say anything about beauty products to women.

「Hold on.」

I was stopped with a hand on my shoulder, my retreat thwarted.

「So, how much of this fluid can we harvest daily?」

Eh?

「I don’t think it’s fair for Village Four to have an exclusive supply.」

Y-yeah, true.

Monopolizing it isn’t good.

Understood.

I’ll talk with the chameleon-like monster and figure out a sustainable harvesting rate.

「As soon as possible.」

O-okay.

「And by the way…」

There’s more?

「That monster might have been driven to near-extinction, but there are some still alive.」

Is that so?

「Yes. Royals and wealthy individuals have them.」

Royals?

Wealthy people?

「For the beauty benefits.」

Ah, I see.

Maybe the Goroun Company can get us a wife for the chameleon-like monster.

Or perhaps they’re already raising one at the Goroun Company.

Let’s hope.

-0-

I heard that Michael-san was visiting the Village Five, so I went to see him and asked if he could help find a wife for the chameleon-like monster, the Mereokan.

「Unfortunately, the Goroun Company does not handle Mereokan. However, I know someone who does.」

Oh!

Could negotiations be possible?

「It might be faster if it came from the village chief instead of me.」

?

「The one raising them is Count Chrome’s wife—Shirukine-sama.」

Beezel’s wife?

So, Frau’s mother?

「Yes. She should have several of them. Shirukine-sama’s company also sells products using Mereokan body fluid.」

I see, that’s good to know.

I should have just asked Frau.

「Indeed. My apologies for not being of more help.」

No, no, the information alone is helpful.

「Not at all. By the way… regarding the sale of Mereokan fluid if their numbers increase…」

Haha.

Sorry, but that would depend on negotiations with Shirukine-san.

If she’s already using Mereokan fluid commercially, it’s unlikely she’d part with any.

Even if we’re lucky enough for her to agree to a transfer, she might impose restrictions, such as prohibiting commercialization.

「I see…」

I wouldn’t mind if Michael-san could help negotiate.

「Hahaha. Negotiating with them is beyond my capabilities.」

The head of Goroun Company, unable to negotiate?@@novelbin@@

「Let’s just say it’s a different field. We also deal in beauty products, but they’re considered the pinnacle of the industry.」

Heh.

「I try to grasp the concept of ‘beauty over wealth’, but it seems I only understand it on the surface. Not truly understanding it has caused them to decline negotiations.」

As a man, I can understand why the pursuit of beauty is challenging to grasp.

What about sending a female employee who understands beauty?

「We have few capable enough to negotiate with the Countess’ company. Even going as a customer would be difficult.」

Areh?

Are they not available to the public?

「The prices are astronomical; they’re essentially exclusive to nobility.」

Got it.

Though if money’s all it takes to resolve things…

「Even so, she only deals with those who catch her fancy.」

So, money isn’t the answer.

「Moreover, the beauty products from that company are also critical diplomatic gifts for Count Chrome’s faction.」

Hmm.

This sounds like a tough negotiation.

For now, I’ll talk with Beezel and Frau and see if they can help arrange a meeting with Shirukine-san.