chapter 51: Let's Make Soap

After much thought, I decided on the design for the new Workshop. The exterior would be a series of layered, curved Shells, reminiscent of that famous building in Sydney. It would be difficult to build normally, but I can make it with Production Skill. However, I was concerned about whether a stone structure could support the weight, so I chose wood.

To approximate the original image, the timber is painted with white paint. Expensive glass is used lavishly in the spaces between the layered Shells, creating a bright space filled with light. When I showed the finished building to Oliver, he praised it as more original than he had expected. The Workshop craftsmen also seemed surprised, with some staring up in a daze.

The interior of the building was created according to everyone’s wishes. Carpenter‘s requested meeting space for the craftsmen was made into a Cafe where they can eat and drink. It has comfortable sofas and chairs, and I plan to keep Black Tea and Sweets well-stocked. I hope good ideas will be born here, but most of all, I want them to rest whenever they feel tired.

I secured a spacious area for Mabel‘s requested women’s Changing Room. Come to think of it, changing into clothes that can get dirty when manufacturing meant a Changing Room was necessary. I regretted not realizing this sooner. I took this opportunity to create a women’s Changing Room in the old Workshop as well.

Regarding the administrative section, as Oliver suggested, I prepared an accounting room with built-in document shelves. In addition, I created a reception room with luxurious furnishings and a conference room for business negotiations.

And following Theo‘s suggestion, I created a Basement in the new Workshop for creating items that cannot be shown to others, such as the Armor with multiple Grants. Although I don’t think it will happen often, it would be troublesome if I started glowing in front of people.

Not only is the building new, but we are also hiring new staff. Oliver scouted several people from the Alex Trading Company for accounting and reception. When I asked if there were people who wanted to work in the western Frontier, it seemed quite a few people were tired of working in Winchester and wanted to live a relaxed life in the provinces.

A reception desk was placed at the entrance of the new Workshop. Until now, a craftsman would handle guests, but now the administrative staff will take care of it. This will allow the craftsmen with Production Skill to concentrate on manufacturing.

We also hired new craftsmen. When Mabel offered, “May I call some Production Skill holders from the territory?” I hired them. Mabel seemed to say it with some trepidation.

I think everyone was holding back, even if they had a request. I need to be more mindful of that. In that regard, Oliver‘s presence is very helpful, as he states what he thinks is necessary without reservation.

As for the Workshop‘s manufacturing status, a considerable amount of Tuberculosis medicine and Syringes have been produced, and they are starting to reach various parts of the Kingdom. However, prevention is as important as treatment for infectious diseases. And hand washing is the basis of prevention. Therefore, I decided to make Soap.

There is Soap in this world, but the quality is low and the price is high. Even washing with water alone can remove germs, but there are areas where a lot of water cannot be used. Furthermore, if the habit of washing hands with Soap when cooking spreads, it will help prevent food poisoning, so Soap is important.

Caustic Soda is usually used to make Soap. However, Caustic Soda is a dangerous chemical, and there is a risk of burns. I recalled that an older manufacturing method used Wood Ash. Wood Ash is strongly alkaline, so it can substitute for Caustic Soda. Among them, Oak and Quercus trees seemed suitable.

The first step is to find a place where Oak and Quercus grow. As always, I will borrow the wisdom of the Elves, who are knowledgeable about plants. Asking the Elves, I learned that there is an Oak Grove in a seldom-visited part of the Margraviate. I am grateful that it’s not in the Sea of Trees, so I can easily go and get it.

I brought the wood back with Storage Magic, separated it into timber for furniture and scrap wood with Production Skill, and made Wood Ash from the scrap wood. When making Wood Ash, it is not necessary to cut down standing trees; thinned wood and scrap wood are fine. Then, I extract the lye (aku) from the Wood Ash. Next, I prepared Olive Oil as plant-based fat, Lard as animal-based fat, and also water and salt.

Once the materials were gathered, I entrusted the process to Production Skill. And, although it feels convenient, Glycerin is produced as a byproduct. I decided to make Glycerin Soap by adding Fructose and other ingredients to the Glycerin.

With Glycerin Soap, transparent Soap can be made. In my original world, there was transparent Soap with fragrances and herbs added. It was also called Jewel Soap and was colorful and pretty.

When I tried making some with Rose and Lavender added: “It’s so beautiful!” “Can we make this too?” Mabel and the female craftsmen were excited.

When I taught them how to make it, Mabel‘s learning speed was particularly fast. Unlike ordinary Soap, this item is for a change of pace, and I think women will especially buy it, so I decided to entrust the transparent Soap production to a female team led by Mabel.

“You’re entrusting this to me? I will do my best!”

Yes, Mabel. I apologize for making you handle the accounting until now. Please focus on manufacturing from now on.