The Scorned Noble Lady Picks Up The Path of Alchemy in Her Second Life
The Old Lady's Scheme
Translated by: S3
-Horizontal.jpg)
*****
When I finally reached Lord Clein’s workshop, I was carrying a load of packages like a wholesale merchant.
I had the basket of Magic Ore strapped to my back and bags of medicinal herbs in both hands.
「You bought too much. What kind of scam did they pull on you?」
Those were Lord Clein's first words upon seeing me.
I could understand why he'd say that, given that his assistant, who was on her first herb shopping trip, had bought so much that she was breathing heavily.
But in reality, I hadn't been scammed or caught in a vicious sales tactic. This was the result of accepting an act of goodwill.
「When I reported to Obaba-sama that I had become an apprentice alchemist, she gave me a large quantity of Magic Ore as a congratulatory gift. Oh, and I properly bought the medicinal herbs.」
I placed the basket I was carrying on the floor with a loud thud! and set the bags of herbs I bought on the desk, feeling instantly lighter. However, my physical limits had been reached, and I involuntarily collapsed weakly onto the floor.
This was the heaviest load I had ever carried for an alchemy supply run. I vowed in my heart to arrange for a carriage next time I had to transport minerals.
I now truly understood what it meant to feel like your back was breaking.
「Obaba's goodwill… you say!?」
Meanwhile, Lord Clein, having heard the shocking truth, wore a look of utter astonishment.
I apologize to Obaba-sama, but if I were in the same position, I would have been just as surprised.
「I doubted my ears at first, too, but it really seemed to be an act of goodwill. I tried to negotiate paying for the Magic Ore several times, but she stubbornly refused.」
「That is extremely rare, but half of it must be one of Obaba’s pranks. The amount of Magic Ore is clearly unnatural.」
「I thought so. It was incredibly heavy, so I suspected something was off.」
「Depending on the work, if you’re just making accessories, you won’t need to buy more for half a year. That's the amount a large weapons shop would stock.」
It was so like Obaba-sama not to congratulate me with just goodwill. I could picture her grinning, Ee hee hee, watching me struggle to carry the heavy Magic Ore back.
For Obaba-sama, that must have been one element of the fun. Since she shared good-quality Magic Ore with me, it was difficult to complain.
「But why would she give Mia Magic Ore...?」
「Ah, that’s because I was carefully selecting the Magic Ore. I was thinking I wanted to make a necklace for my friend at the Adventurers Guild.」
「I see. So you already have something you want to create. It will be quite difficult to manage that while also producing potions...」
Lord Clein was right; normally, I should dedicate myself to potion making. Alchemy is a broad field, so it is customary to specialize in one area to polish one's skills.
But I am only an apprentice alchemist, and my direction isn't set. The desire to try various things was greater than the desire to be bound to one single task.
「I’m confident in my potion preparation, and I know the assistant work. I would be grateful if you could guide me whenever you have free time.」
「I don’t mind. Gaining a quick grasp of the feeling for mineral [Formation] is extremely useful. It will be a matter of your motivation and physical stamina, Mia.」
「Then why do you look so troubled?」
「You should know that working under me means your job will primarily be making potions. I find it unnatural for her to hand over this much Magic Ore just because you showed interest.」
If there was a reason, I believe it was simply because I was staring at the Magic Ore so longingly.
However, seeing her so generous for the first time made me suspect there was some underlying intention.
「If there’s anything suspicious, she did tell me she was 'making an upfront investment in an interesting prospect.' Although, since she only gave me Magic Ore and didn't commission a request, I didn't understand what she meant.」
Even reflecting now, I couldn't understand the meaning of the Obaba-sama’s actions. However, I did remember the timing of her change in demeanor.
When I reported that I had become an apprentice alchemist under Lord Clein, the Obaba-sama looked pleased.
Although we get along, the Obaba-sama and I don't have a deep connection, so why would she celebrate for me?
Hmm… Even thinking about it yielded no answer. Lord Clein seemed to feel the same, still wearing a troubled expression.
「Perhaps she has expectations for you. As Obaba's successor.」
「That's problematic. I don't want to make items that smell like stink bugs. In the first place, is Obaba-sama even an alchemist?」
「Well, looking at Obaba now, I can understand why you’d say that... Did she say anything else?」
「Nothing else comes to mind in particular. The only other thing we talked about was that she didn’t know I was annulling my engagement, and we talked a bit about the rumors.」
「Obaba is someone who loves the misfortunes and rumors of others. There's no way she didn't know you had annulled your engagement. She knew it was you and tried to fish for interesting information.」
「...So I was just being teased. I completely fell into her trap.」
To so easily hand over the latest information just because I wanted the annulment commotion to end quickly.
Ugh, that Obaba-sama. She is truly formidable. I must firmly remember that I am a noble and protect my private information at all costs.
However, I have an obligation to report back to Lord Clein, who helped me with this matter.
Whipping my exhausted body, which was worn out from carrying the heavy load, I stood up and bowed to Lord Clein.
「I apologize for bringing up personal matters, but I was formally able to annul my engagement today. Thank you so much for your assistance.」
「It was nothing major. I merely thought of a way for Mia to happily accept the assistant position. It benefits me too, so don't worry about it.」
「Even so, the fact that the problem was resolved so smoothly is thanks to you, Lord Clein. I am truly grateful just for not having to feel ashamed.」
After all, Lord Zeel had completely owned up to his actions and treated me as the villain. If I had demanded compensation, the situation would have become hopelessly complicated—a quagmire beyond imagination.
The mere thought that it could have dragged on so long that I would lose both my job and my chance for marriage sent shivers down my spine.
「It's enough if Mia can dedicate herself to alchemy. Speaking of which, there is something I want you to do immediately.」
「What is it?」
「The mass production of potions. I’ve decided to entrust all the requests you can handle to you. From start to finish.」
Hearing those unsettling words, I couldn’t help but tilt my head.
Entrusting someone who just became an apprentice alchemist yesterday with a task from start to finish was incomprehensible. I only have experience as an assistant; I don't possess the knowledge of an alchemist.
「From start to finish, you mean…?」
「Procurement of herbs, creation of the potions, confirmation of the quality, and finally, delivery.」
「That really is from start to finish!」
「I told you. I am not lenient enough to coddle an apprentice alchemist.」
That wasn't the issue. It was strange enough to have someone who had only made a potion once mass-produce them.
And to perform all the tasks, from start to finish!
「The deadline is the end of next week. The required number is two hundred bottles.」
Looking at Lord Clein, who declared this with a sharp, earnest expression, I understood that he was serious.
*****
Thank you for reading.
If you want to help my hobby please download and install LDP9 with my link down below.
Just Click the small yellow LDPlayer Banner.
OR
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
-Horizontal.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment