Premium Price
Translated by: ME
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*****
As I stood watching Master Clein craft his potions, he seemed to notice something. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked my way.
「By the way, where did you get that necklace?」
「Heh heh. When I went to the Alchemists Guild to collect my reward, Vanessa-san gave it to me. It’s a beautiful piece, isn't it?」
I puffed out my chest with a touch of pride, but in contrast to my high spirits, Master Clein’s expression grew dark.
「It is beautiful, certainly... I see. So, she finally let go of it...」
A heavy atmosphere began to settle over the room, and I instinctively clutched the necklace Vanessa-san had given me.
(I was told this had the effect of repelling malevolent things, but is it actually having the opposite effect right now?)
「Was it... something I shouldn't have accepted?」
「No, it's something Vanessa made. It’s not my place to interfere. It just makes me realize that she truly has no intention of returning to the path of an alchemist.」
Come to think of it, she did say something about "entrusting" it to me. I guess I didn't mishear her after all.
I still don't quite understand why a former A-rank alchemist like Vanessa-san would entrust a necklace to an apprentice like me.
「You might not realize it yet, Mia, but that necklace is incredibly valuable. It would likely fetch a price high enough to build a massive mansion in a prime location within the Royal Capital.」
「Wh—eeeeh!!?」
(A... a massive mansion? In a prime location?) Does a person who just gives away something that expensive even exist?
She had been radiating that "big sister" aura, casually saying, 「It’s a more than sufficient reward for an emergency request, wouldn't you say?」 but...
(No, this is way too much! This is a massive overpayment, Vanessa-san!!)
「Was Vanessa-san really that incredible of an alchemist?」
「She is allowed to live as freely as she pleases without being scolded, and she’s entrusted with the position of Sub-Master of the Alchemists Guild. I have never seen an alchemist more talented than Vanessa.」
To hear Master Clein, a Court Alchemist himself, go that far...
(And here I thought her only defining traits were her "Oh, my~" attitude and her constant teasing!)
「Even though Vanessa has left the front lines, there is still no one capable of enchanting at her level.」
「Ugh! You mean even a Court Alchemist can't match her skills?」
「It’s almost presumptuous to even compare us. There are likely many who still wish for her to return to active practice.」
Then, this necklace Vanessa-san made is... a masterpiece? A one-of-a-kind premium item!?
「In other words, the person wearing the most expensive necklace in this entire capital... is you, Mia.」
「W-wait just a minute! That makes things very complicated!」
No matter if I’m the assistant to the Court Alchemist, it’s highly inappropriate for someone from a mere Viscounty like me to be wearing such a priceless necklace!
「I-I’ll go give it back.」
「It’s too late. The moment she let go of it, her mind was made up. Even if you try to return it, she won't accept it.」
(Wh-what should I do?) I finally got the collar of engagement off my neck, only to have it replaced by an impossibly expensive necklace...
Yet, even as I fretted, my alchemy-obsessed brain began to lean in a rather cheeky direction.
(If a legendary alchemist like Vanessa-san entrusted this to me, shouldn't I just accept it? Surely the necklace would be happier being worn than sitting in a box... right?)
I tried to keep my face neutral to hide the grin, but I suspect it was all written plainly on my features. Master Clein was staring at me with a look that said, *You’re certainly quick to change your tune when money is involved.*
「Just so we’re clear, I don't want it just because it's valuable. I’ve decided my next goal is to master the Enchantment skill. I only want to keep it as a reference for my studies!」
If asked if I didn't want it at all, I'd have to say that wasn't true. It would certainly add some prestige to my status as an alchemist, and it made me feel like a sophisticated, mature woman.
「You’ve only just mastered the Formation skill. Honestly, you should hold off until your skills are more stable... but with Vanessa giving you that necklace, I suppose I can't say much.」
「In that case, is it alright if I go out to buy the materials I'll need for Enchanting?」
「I don't mind, but my own proficiency in Enchantment isn't high enough to teach you properly. Also, if this interferes with your other duties—」
「It’ll be fine! The potion delivery dates were pushed back because of the herb shortage, and I’ll make sure to do my job as your consultant. Well then, I’m off!」
With Master Clein's permission secured, I couldn't contain my excitement and practically bolted out of the room.
*****
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