According to me Nel is bugged now
Alchemy is removed from the skill list, in 0.57 Nel uses automatically alchemy for creating the potions as needed.
Nel does not change anymore the gear so if she goes to the cave the game hangs to dark and she did use the lamp.
YuriiH wrote
Did you start a new game?
For my new game, Nel creates potions when you have Auto-Alchemy skill. She also prioritizes items with non-developed skills, and puts a treasure finder + lamp whenever she decides to go to the cave. I'm not sure if you say Nel to go to the cave specifically.
What is really odd in the new game is
Witch Hat costing 2750 gold , which is impossible to get because of the purse limits.
UPD: To correct the price, enable Console via UnRen. >> Press Shift+O in game >> enter:
i_witchhat.cost = 275
I starrted a new game and I loaded an old game both did not have Alchemy anymore.
In mine experience she started creating potions when I got the alchemy counter on 15.
Just like Nel started to seduce enemies on lewdness 20