The Chief Court Magic Pharmacist was stunned by Li’s immediate refusal.

It was as though a sharp crack had run through his spectacles from the shock.

He had never expected to be turned down so easily.

Even if she refused, he had at least assumed she would hear him out.

But Li simply did not have the mental space for that.

And, to make matters worse, he had provided far too little explanation.

At that moment, Li wanted nothing more than to go home.

For her, the only possible answer had been no.

However, he too had a reason he could not simply accept that and withdraw.

It was a hair-growth tonic.

One might even call it a hair-restoration medicine.

This was a country fairly tolerant of hairstyles, but certain ceremonies had strict regulations.

The heads of noble houses were required to abide by them.

Yet there were times when those regulations could not be followed for purely physical reasons.

Namely, thinning hair.

In such cases, wigs were employed, but naturally, most preferred to avoid that.

To have no hair in daily life yet appear with a full head during ceremonies—

That was something everyone handled with unspoken, gentlemanly discretion.

And yet, even so, it still bothered people.

Thus, the court magic pharmacists had devoted years of research to solving the problem.

To be perfectly honest, no matter how exceptional her talent might be, Li was still underage.

Relying on a child was not ideal.

That was what the Chief Magic Pharmacist believed.

And yet, they had reached an impasse.

For some reason, demand had only grown higher.

Even as Chief, the pressure was difficult to endure.

No, worse than pressure, it was silence.

They applied silent pressure.

With no other option, he had decided to seek Li’s help.

But his desperation had overflowed.

As a result, his explanation had been insufficient, and she had refused him.

“…That is the situation. It may be improper to ask this of you, but I would value your insight.”

When he bowed his head, Li could no longer refuse outright.

However, she set a condition.

“Please raise your head. Very well, if I may be of assistance, I shall help. However, today has been rather eventful. Would it be acceptable to schedule this for another day?”

“Yes! Of course! Thank you!”

His face lit up with unconcealed relief.

He must have been under considerable pressure, Li thought.

Otherwise, a man of such pride would never have come to a young lady like her for help.

“Then, if you will excuse me.”

Leaving those words behind, Li finally made her way home.

It was hardly surprising that she dozed off in the carriage on the way back.

* * *

“Welcome home, my lady. Her Grace is waiting for you.”

When she returned to the Ducal House townhouse, the head butler came to greet her.

Her father must have sent word that he would be late.

Li was exhausted.

It had been an intense and exceedingly long day.

Even she could not completely conceal her fatigue.

Still, there were matters she needed to discuss with her mother.

And so, Li’s efforts continued.