Here's the thing.
If it wasn't obvious enough, Olivia Abella didn't take the Chemical Engineering course for just the money.
Of course, the idea of getting loads of money once she started working certainly helped. But it's not the main reason as to why she took this path in life.
The main reason?
It's so that she can make products that everyone loves and will use for years and years. There's a certain pride in making useful creations, you know?
And since there is the reality of companies adding harmful substances in products--especially consumable ones like sodas and toothpastes--she wanted to be the one that would come up with a way to remove those substances while maintaining or even improving efficiency in product manufacturing.
That's her dream. Pretty ambitious, huh? But hey, they all need to start somewhere.
Unfortunately, she's only been through a couple years of her course before that lunatic snatched her up and forced her to become a murderer to save the world or whatever. What a twist of fate.
Fortunately, though. The craftsmen guild exists.
Eric seems to know his stuff, too.
"I want to make this series of production for the sugar crystals, and maybe actual powdered sugar, too", Olivia said, laying out the paper on the table. "It's your job to handle the specifics. I'll just tell you what's the purpose for each part and the expected outcome."
Eric nods.
Deri keeps trying to reach the counter by jumping, wanting to see what the adults are talking about. Then he started pouting when he literally couldn't. "Big brother."
Crimson eyes glanced at the blue-eyed child, and gave a small smile.
"Yes, yes, you spoiled brat", and then Eric hoisted the kid up to a chair as easily as lifting a hollow brick. "Up you go."
Deri's beaming smile at this made Olivia want to smile, too. Kids are so cute, it's so not fair...
...she cleared her throat. "Right. Well, it's like this."
The process is simple. She writes down the most essential parts: Extraction, Clarification, Evaporation, and Packaging.
She promptly put each word into boxes. "This is just version one, since I don't have information about how sugars are made in this world. We may need to have a lot of trial and error."
Eric raised an eyebrow. "This world?"
Olivia ignored him. "Here's how they should all work--"
Extraction. In the modern world, most sugar comes from sugarcane juice. In this world, what she knows is that sugar comes from...ice dragon scales? Is that right? So, in this one, the dragon scales go through mills to get what will be used to make the sugar.
Then Clarification. This is where sugarcane juice is separated from impurities and anything that may be poisonous or just not fit for the sugar.
Evaporation is where they use fire to get rid of the water and any moisture--and therefore grow the crystals in a controlled environment. And finally, Packaging, where they put the crystals in containers for distribution while making sure they are segregated properly by size.
That's what Olivia knows for now, anyway. "I'd love to hear about any improvements or ideas for this. If you know how sugar is produced here in this, uh, country, then I want to know, too."
Eric tapped his chin thoughtfully.
Deri raised his hand, eyes wide. "Lady Livia, how will you harvest the scales?"
...that's a good question. "I--didn't get to that part yet. Maybe a partnership...?"
She may need to ask the Duke about it. Which means also having to face more of that low-key disdain of her not being a boy.
What joy.
A hum. Crimson red eyes fell back to her. "Young lady Cecil. Are you aware of how magic works in this country?"
Olivia looked back owlishly. My God, there's magic here, too?
"Judging by your face, you haven't had the slightest clue", Eric raised an eyebrow. Still, he opened his palm to let a small glowing ball of red light shine. "In Ogygios, magic follows eight elements."
Okay, this should be good. "Eight elements?"
"Lightning. Wind. Earth. Fire. Water. Growth. Energy. And Light."
Olivia nods. It wasn't the elements she was thinking, both in the kids' show sense and the scientific sense, but sure.
"Each element has its specialization", Eric waved his hand carelessly. "For example; lightning elemental users specialize in speed and everything that comes with the territory. They are usually utilized as messengers as a result."
"Mhm...", the gears on her head are already turning. "That also means we can cut things in half instantly with this element. Right?"
Eric opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again.
Olivia looks at him, and she can't help squinting. "You...you do know that can happen, right? After all, lasers used in surgeries are just finely-tuned light molecules moving at high speeds."
"...mole...cules?"
Eric looked genuinely at a loss. Deri, meanwhile, had his eyes practically shimmering with wonder.
Olivia looked between them. Ah. Right, my bad.
Of course they're confused, molecules and advanced science weren't really a thing yet before the Industrial Revolution. Quantum Physics was developed in the early 2000s...if she remembered that right...
Shaking her head, she forced herself to move the conversation further. "Never mind. Can you give me more details about each element? This is a great opportunity to make a big production!"
The two boys exchanged looks. Whatever was communicated between them had Eric sighing in resignation and Deri beaming brightly like he was gifted the sun itself.
Hm. Perhaps she could assume that the idea is received well?
==
It was only later that Olivia realized something so obvious in hindsight.
Why can't they use items or containers of each element for product production? Surely, there's a way to extract these elements for maximum yield...
The girl mulled it over her head for quite a while. In the end, she got rid of the thought as quickly as it appeared.
It just feels off, was her justification about it. The method is probably...too shady?
She doesn't know much about this. That much is clear.
...well. That's an easy fix, yes?
==
A surprise visit threw a wrench in her plans.
"You are to personally serve my little brother, Tederich Weiss", said the man slightly older-looking than Olivia, sitting across said girl and smiling serenely. "I trust you can turn the useless things into invaluable gifts for the kingdom, yes?"
She blinked a few times. Then blinked a few more times for good measure.
"...could you please repeat that?"