Misunderstanding
Translated by: ME
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*****
The next morning, when I visited the Court Alchemist's workshop, I found Master Clein already hard at work, immersed in his potion research.
「Mia. Sorry to jump straight into this, but check these prototypes for me. I need to know how close they've come to being EX-Potions.」
「Understood. I’ll check them immediately.」
It seemed the monster outbreak had left a deep impression on him, as his researcher's soul was clearly ablaze.
Despite the early hour, a row of prototype potions already lined the table.
Taking them one by one, I acted as his consultant and verified their quality.
「Hmm... These have a slightly higher concentration of recovery components, but they’re all a far cry from an EX-Potion. Still, given the abundant amount of mana contained within, I'd say they're more effective than standard potions.」
Normally, I should choose my words more carefully when speaking to someone of Master Clein's station—his family being of Marquess rank. However, when it comes to alchemy, I make it a point to be blunt rather than overly polite.
Sugar-coated words might fail to convey the truth. If I were to give him the wrong impression, I’d risk dragging down his research.
This is especially true when researching something as unique as an EX-Potion.
「It's too early to draw a final conclusion, but it seems I won't be able to replicate an EX-Potion unless I manifest the Transmutation and Formation circles simultaneously.」
「They likely convert into a special, singular field. Obaba-sama did say they were products of 'Sacred Alchemy,' after all.」
Sacred Alchemy—a craft known only to Obaba-sama, the woman feared as the "Demon Alchemist." I’ve been curious about that mysterious sensation and that unknown branch of alchemy for a while now, but...
「That's the problem; that old hag won't tell me anything specific.」
「I know what you mean. She always manages to dodge the question.」
As perverse as Obaba-sama is, it’s not as if she’d just give up her secrets simply because someone asked nicely.
In this world, alchemical techniques are generally never taught to anyone outside of one's family or disciples, so her stance is understandable to an extent.
That said, she was quite supportive during the monster outbreak, offering me advice while I was using Sacred Alchemy and showing genuine concern for my well-being.
I thought for sure that if I brought her the three boxes of mugwort mochi I promised, she’d be willing to help...
But she did nothing but stuff her face with the mochi, looking perfectly content while showing absolutely no intention of teaching me a thing.
「Knowing Obaba-sama, she probably thinks it’s more entertaining to stay quiet and keep it a secret.」
「No doubt. I just hope she isn't plotting something wicked.」
「As long as we don't press her more than necessary, we should be fine. ...Probably.」
The fact that I couldn't say "definitely" was the scary part about Obaba-sama.
Master Clein has apparently known her for a long time, so he seemed to understand that all too well.
「For now, we have no choice but to keep pushing the EX-Potion research and see how it goes. Considering the herb shortage is still ongoing, we can't afford to let our guard down. I refuse to let the burden fall solely on you again, Mia.」
Watching Master Clein begin crafting a new potion as he spoke, Alice’s words suddenly echoed in my mind.
『That has to be the work of the God of Fate. In my professional opinion, the feelings are mutual.』
It was true that Master Clein looked out for me, but he didn't seem like the type to be motivated by romance.
And yet, it was also a fact that the people around us were completely misunderstanding things...
「May I ask you something unrelated to potions?」
「What is it?」
「Master Clein, do you have any plans to marry? You aren't currently engaged, are you?」
It’s not like I was provoked by what Alice said. I was just asking out of idle curiosity.
There’s a significant gap in our social status, so this was just a check to ensure there would be no disruptions to our future work... Wait, who exactly am I making excuses to?
(Calm down, Mia. Just listen to what he has to say.)
「I have no interest. My parents have started getting noisy about it, but I generally just ignore them.」
「You can't really get away with that as a noble. There’s the issue of succession to consider.」
「Unlike me, who's off in the capital doing alchemy as I please, my younger brother is back at our estate studying diligently. There’s no issue if I don’t marry.」
「Oh, so you have a younger brother.」
「A brother and a sister. There’s quite an age gap, so you probably haven't heard of them. Unlike me, they're mild-mannered and kind.」
「Is that so? I think you’re kind as well, Master Clein.」
He can be strict regarding alchemy, but my overwhelming impression of him is that he’s fundamentally earnest and very considerate.
Even when he invited me to be the Court Alchemist’s assistant, his quick decision-making was the reason my engagement was broken off so smoothly—
「Ah, you actually failed that one. How rare.」
「That was your fault, Mia. You distracted me.」
He’s praised as a genius by so many, yet he seems completely unaccustomed to being complimented. Perhaps he’s surprisingly shy.
I see. It must be moments like this that lead people to believe we’re being all "lovey-dovey" together.
Master Clein has a reputation for being difficult, and since he’s always run this workshop alone, any minor interaction is being mistaken for a romantic spark.
(Yes, yes, that must be it. Definitely!)
I concluded that Master Clein was simply a man who was very prone to being misunderstood.
*****
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