The Old Lady and Alchemy 2

Translated by: ME

Treat me to a Ko-Fi to give me more motivation!!!

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Obaba-sama's talk of such dangerous things had left me feeling a bit naive.

「Hearing stories like that makes me wonder if things like Magic Items should even exist at all.」

「Didn't I just tell you? It all depends on the user. If you fret over things like that, you'll never manage to accomplish anything.」

「I understand what you're trying to say, but... thinking of them as dangerous tools saps my motivation to create them.」

Whether I actually had the skill to make them was one thing, but I felt a strong resistance to the idea of my creations being used as tools for killing.

If I were to craft something that granted great power, I'd want it to be used strictly as a tool for protection.

(...Though I suppose I'm not in much of a position to talk, considering I want a Bracelet of Power specifically to ward off unwanted marriage proposals.)

「You're a real piece of work, aren't you? You're just an apprentice, yet you're already trying to pick and choose your commissions?」

「With all due respect, once the herb shortage is resolved, I'll be quite the busy woman for an apprentice. If I have the luxury of choice, I'd rather focus only on the projects I actually want to do.」

I didn't harbor any grand ambitions like becoming the Head Court Alchemist or aiming for S-rank. If I could just relax and enjoy alchemy, that was enough for me.

So, there was no real need for me to push myself and challenge the creation of Magic Items—

「What a waste. There are plenty of Magic Items in this world that even you would covet. For instance... how about a Ring of the Gale? It allows the wearer to levitate and fly through the sky.」

(What! Flying through the sky!? Okay, I definitely want that...)

「And then there's the Magic Pouch, which creates an pocket dimension capable of holding far more than it appears to from the outside. Quite convenient, wouldn't you say?」

Lately, I'd had more occasions to carry heavy loads while out shopping. I'd love to design a stylish pouch to wear.

「Or perhaps a Necklace of Warding? It detects abnormalities in the body and prevents all manner of status ailments. It'll even automatically detoxify you if you eat something rotten.」

I didn't exactly have a hobby of eating rotten food, but in terms of maintaining permanent health, it sounded incredibly useful.

Since I was studying to be an alchemist anyway, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to try my hand at making Magic Items after all.

「So, Obaba-sama, how does one go about making the items you just mentioned?」

「Figure it out yourself. It's not that easy.」

(Ugh.) She was playing carrot and stick at the oddest moments. To pique my desire to craft Magic Items only to cast me aside...

At this rate, I’d end up buying extra materials and working myself to the bone on Enchanting just to improve as quickly as possible. I realized I was falling right into Obaba-sama's trap.

「By the way, child. Where did you get that necklace? You weren't wearing it before.」

As expected, an alchemist of Obaba-sama's level could tell it was a high-value item with just a glance.

With a rare, solemn expression, she studied the necklace Vanessa-san had made.

「I received it from an acquaintance. It’s a very beautiful piece, isn't it?」

「Hee-hee-hee! You've truly been given a magnificent piece.」

「Wait! D-did Obaba-sama just offer praise without hesitation? No way...」

「I simply speak my mind at all times. I'm not that twisted.」

(I'm pretty sure you're the most twisted person in the world,) I thought, but I kept it to myself.

There was a one-in-a-million—no, one-in-a-billion—chance that there might be someone even worse than her out there.

However, it was also true that she wasn't just being difficult lately. Looking quite pleased after seeing the necklace, Obaba-sama stood up and returned with a slip of paper.

「Take the Augusta brat and go to this.」

What she handed me was the same paper the silver-haired boy with the Bracelet of Power had given her earlier.

「An invitation... to a prototype demonstration for the Bracelet of Power. Wait! The location is the Knights' Training Ground at the Royal Castle!? Just who on earth was that boy...」

I'd suspected something was up the moment I saw he was one of Obaba-sama's favorites. But to think he was handling projects involving the state.

「He's just like you—an assistant to a Court Alchemist. If you want to involve yourself with Magic Items, it won't hurt to make his acquaintance. Go out, look at reality, and broaden your alchemical horizons.」

「A-are you sure? Is it okay if I go in your place?」

「I don't mind. I haven't the slightest intention of going myself.」

True, I couldn't imagine Obaba-sama participating in such a formal event in earnest. That must be why the boy had brought the bracelet here to show her personally.

「In that case, I'll take you up on the offer.」

「Indeed. One should always accept the kindness of others. I'm expecting great things from you, hee-hee-hee!」

Seeing Obaba-sama in such high spirits, I felt—somewhat detachedly—that she must have found something else entertaining to look forward to.

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