Chapter 56: Cold Shower Fantasy

Beneath the ink-black canopy of medieval Europe, the firmament seemed cursed by some mischievous and cunning little fiend with an evil, mysterious spell.

The moon, which ought to have hung high in the heavens like a silver disk casting its pure radiance, was for the most part obscured. Only a few faint slivers of light, slender as spider silk, managed to squeeze through the gaps in the dense clouds and fall limply upon the earth.

Carlo curled up like a lazy cat inside his mottled, rust-stained bathing tub.

The water within had long since lost its warmth in the chilly night, and wisps of coldness, like countless tiny ice needles, slowly pierced his skin. Yet, immersed in his sweet dreams, he remained utterly oblivious to it all.

His eyes were tightly shut, and the corners of his mouth twitched upward from time to time, looking very much as though he were sleeping in the embrace of countless gold coins, his mind filled with wonderful fantasies of striking it rich.

"But for most peasants, this is undoubtedly something they cannot afford. In these difficult times, wealth and resources are tightly clutched in the hands of the lords. What I control are merely two tiny villages. Want to get land and population support from other lords? That's harder than ascending to heaven. Under such predicaments, relying on expanding production to make money is practically impossible."

Carlo sighed helplessly, the sound echoing in the silent room.

Droplets of water slowly slid down his well-defined chest, dripping into the water and creating tiny splashes.

He slowly rose from the wooden tub, casually grabbed a soft robe, and draped it loosely over himself. In the somewhat dim room, he began to pace slowly, every step seeming to measure the distance between himself and wealth.

"Therefore, I must forge a new path and turn the product into a luxury item! I'll take the personalized, customized route, specializing in taking the money of the wealthiest nobles and the Church of this era!"

A gleam of excitement flashed in Carlo's eyes.

"Take this soap, for instance. I think this red rose scent could be named 'Sweet Dreams of Love: Fragrant Illusion Soap.' How could people of this era have ever heard of a product with such a beautiful name?"

As he spoke, Carlo excitedly picked up a piece of soap. Against the candlelight, which danced within his pupils, he carefully measured it with gestures.

"It must be made in a heart shape using exquisite molds, with delicate patterns on the surface. The patterns should feature a bouquet of blooming roses, each flower as lifelike as if kissed by a fairy, with morning dew seemingly lingering on the petals. Along the edges of the heart, delicate gem-like textures should be embedded, their radiance shimmering and fading like twinkling stars in the night sky. This symbolizes the preciousness and uniqueness of this gift, tailored specifically for noblewomen. In this day and age, chivalric romance prevails, and stories of valiant knights and beautiful princesses are passed from person to person. Although men cannot rescue princesses from dragons like knights, they can at least present noble ladies with a gift symbolizing sweet affection."

Carlo's lips curved upward into a confident smile.

"Then we'll make some blue lavender and green mint scents, combining them into the 'Twin Enchantment: Fragrant Romance Soap' couple's set."

Muttering to himself, Carlo walked back and forth across the room, his steps growing lighter.

"The blue lavender soap mold will be crafted into an oval shape, its surface depicting an exquisite ocean panorama. Blue, surging billows will crest, and amidst the waves will ride a sailing ship as magnificent as a dream, its mast flying a banner representing love. Several white seagulls will soar around the ship, symbolizing freedom and romantic love, their cries sounding like the ocean's blessing upon the lovers."

He waved his arms as he spoke.

"The green mint soap will be designed in a circular shape, featuring a pattern of a lush forest on its surface. In the corners of that dense woodland, large patches of tender mint will grow, every leaf exuding a cool fragrance. A few cute little deer will be running and playing in the forest, their bounding silhouettes seeming to play a joyful melody."

Carlo closed his eyes, his thoughts wandering far away.

"Add some alluring advertising slogans, find a noblewoman of high status to help promote it—how could medieval people ever resist this? Once launched, these meticulously designed soaps are bound to cause a sensation."

The more Carlo thought about it, the more excited he became. The light in his eyes grew fiercer, and his cheeks flushed slightly with agitation.

"I'll also design a new knight-patterned soap, infused with rosemary. Rosemary possesses a unique herbal fragrance that clears the mind and refreshes the spirit, symbolizing the vigilance of a knight. This soap shall be named 'March of Glory: Knight's Holy Soap.'"

Carlo walked over to the window, gazing at the faint outline of Calais in the distance.

"The soap mold will be forged into a square, and its surface will feature a mighty knight clad in armor shining like the sun, wielding a razor-sharp sword and straddling a tall warhorse. Surrounding the knight, exquisite patterns will be carved, resembling ancient totems and symbolizing the knight's glory and nobility. This soap is bound to attract nobles who revere chivalry, becoming a symbol of their status and taste."

"As for the Church, though myrrh is expensive, a small amount can be added to impart the scent beloved by the devout. A natural milky white is the pure color favored by the Church; thus, while increasing the cost of myrrh, it saves on dye expenses. The front of the soap will feature an exquisite holy chalice as the central motif. The chalice will appear as though forged from heavenly light, surrounded by angelic wings and dotted with tiny crosses. The back of the soap will bear the pattern of a magnificent, grand cathedral building."

"This soap will be named 'Divine Grace: Pure Soap.' 'Pure Soap' highlights the soap's function, not only cleansing the body, but also allowing the utilizing believers to feel a spiritual purity of the soul, as if they had undergone baptism—perfectly aligning with the pure and holy doctrines advocated by the Church."

"This shall be a unique offering presented to the Church."

A trace of cunning and smugness flickered in Carlo's gaze.

"All these soaps will sell for thirty pence a bar, taking the refined niche route. This business is bound to succeed!"

Carlo crossed his arms, pacing the room with absolute confidence.

"Others might guess other colors, and the scent is easy to explain, but this white—who could possibly guess that I made soap using lard? Furthermore, as long as I grind the oats fine enough, how could anyone imagine such exceptional cleansing power? It won't be so easy for others to copy me."

Carlo smiled smugly, as though he could already see gold coins pouring into his pockets like a surging tide.

"However, I must keep the secrets of my workshop hidden. This is my lifeline, the foundation upon which I stand in this cruel world."

Carlo's previously relaxed expression instantly turned stern. He stood up abruptly, a cold, sharp gleam flashing in his eyes.

"I will have the peasants cultivate a few more acres of land so they can reap the benefits. Then I'll institute a collective liability system; if anyone dares to leak the workshop's secrets, their family members will be implicated as well, letting them know the price of betrayal. Find a few loyal, tight-lipped people to keep an eye on the workshop, and that should do the trick, right?"

Carlo frowned deeply, pacing back and forth in the room with hurried, heavy steps.

"Actually, even if the technology leaks, it doesn't matter. It's a simple technology to begin with. As long as I seize this opportunity and make a fortune in startup capital right at the beginning... My belly is full of ideas! Flanders is an economically developed place with plenty of wealthy people!"

Carlo clenched his fist, which seemed to contain endless strength. His heart was filled with fighting spirit, like a warrior about to charge into battle.

Carlo had been utterly exhausted today! Between pondering the grand soap enterprise and figuring out how to conceal the workshop's secrets, his head felt ready to burst.

Having finally finished his bath, he tumbled into bed, wrapped himself in the quilt, and slept soundly through the entire night.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the mottled windows, casting patches of light upon the floor of Carlo's room.

Charles stood respectfully outside the door, knocking gently with a soft and rhythmic cadence.

Upon receiving permission, he slowly entered the room, lowering his head slightly with a humble smile on his face and a hint of reverence in his eyes.

His steps were very light, as though treading on clouds, for fear of disturbing the peace of the room. Charles bowed slightly and reported methodically:

"Lord Carlo, I have thoroughly investigated the situation in the territory."