chapter 11: Soap making process

Oliver and Thomas, accompanied by their dedicated servants, embarked on the intricate process of soap making. They meticulously utilized the raw materials they had procured, including animal fat, alkali substance (iye), and the fragrant herbs of rose and lavender. With unwavering focus, they set out to craft the finest soap the realm had ever seen.

Step 1: Rendering the Animal Fat In a large cauldron set above a gentle fire, Oliver and Thomas began the process by melting the animal fat. Carefully, they stirred the fat, ensuring a slow and even liquefaction. The cauldron emitted a rich, enticing aroma as the fat transformed into a smooth liquid.

Step 2: Preparing the Alkali Solution While the fat was melting, they dissolved the alkali substance (iye) in water, creating a potent solution. Stirring it gently, they watched as the iye dissolved completely, resulting in a clear liquid. This alkali solution would serve as a vital component in the soap-making process.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients With the animal fat fully rendered and the alkali solution prepared, Oliver and Thomas proceeded to pour the alkali solution into the cauldron, combining it with the melted fat. Working together in unison, they stirred the mixture, ensuring a thorough blending of the ingredients.

Step 4: Emulsification Process As their stirring continued, a transformative chemical reaction occurred. The mixture underwent the remarkable process of emulsification, gradually taking on a smooth and creamy consistency. Oliver and Thomas maintained their diligent stirring, ensuring the emulsion formed seamlessly.

Step 5: Infusing Fragrance Taking advantage of the emulsion's delicate state, Oliver and Thomas introduced the enchanting scents of rose and lavender. With careful precision, they infused the mixture with the aromatic herbs, gently stirring to disperse the fragrances evenly. The air filled with a captivating bouquet, a testament to the luxurious essence that "Eliza Soap" would embody.

Step 6: Molding and Setting The emulsified mixture, now infused with captivating scents, was promptly transferred into molds. The molds had been thoughtfully prepared with greased surfaces, facilitating the easy removal of the soap bars. Oliver and Thomas poured the emulsion into the molds, ensuring each one was meticulously filled.

Step 7: Allowing the Soap to Cure With the molds filled, they set them aside in a cool and dry location, allowing the soap to cure and solidify. Over the course of several weeks, the soap bars would undergo the transformative process of curing, gaining the desired consistency and durability that distinguished "Eliza Soap."

Throughout the meticulous process, Oliver, Thomas, and their dedicated servants worked in harmony, attending to each step with unwavering attention to detail. The gentle sounds of stirring filled the air, intermingling with the captivating aroma, creating an atmosphere brimming with purpose and creativity.

As the soap bars took shape within the molds, Oliver couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Knowing that their efforts had resulted in the creation of 150 exquisite bars of "Eliza Soap," he felt a surge of pride. The aristocratic class would soon experience the luxurious bathing experience that awaited them.

With the soap bars successfully molded and the curing process underway, Oliver and his team eagerly anticipated the culmination of their labor. Soon, the bars would be ready for packaging, marking the advent of "Eliza Soap" and its arrival into the noble households of the realm.

With each bar of "Eliza Soap" priced at 50 silver, the batch of 150 soaps would yield a total profit of 7,500 silver coins. As Oliver contemplated the magnitude of the potential profit, a surge of excitement coursed through him. His mind raced with visions of the prosperous future that awaited him and his fief. The thought of the gold, silver, and copper coins piling up in his treasury filled him with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. With the success of "Eliza Soap," Oliver could envision a prosperous future for his barony, one where economic growth and financial stability would become the foundation for further advancements. The excitement and anticipation welled within him, igniting a spark of entrepreneurial spirit that drove him to explore even greater possibilities for his newfound venture.

After a day of hard work and fulfillment, Oliver instructed Emily, the maid, to bring his dinner to the courtyard. He wanted to savor his meal in the tranquility of the evening air, surrounded by the fruits of his labor. The table was set with an array of delectable dishes, and Oliver indulged himself, relishing each bite as he envisioned the prosperous future that lay ahead.

With a satisfied belly and a mind brimming with ideas, Oliver retired to his chamber. The weight of the day's accomplishments settled upon him, and as he lay in bed, he allowed his thoughts to wander into the realm of possibilities. In his dreams, he saw his barony transformed into a bustling hub of industry, where the production of soap and other inventions brought wealth and prosperity to his land.

The excitement of what lay ahead filled his sleep with visions of a thriving economy, improved living conditions for his people, and the realization of his grand ambitions. Oliver's imagination carried him to great heights, and he reveled in the limitless potential that his inventions held.

As his dreams wove a tapestry of a brighter future, Oliver peacefully drifted into a deep slumber, eager to awaken and continue his journey of innovation and progress.