Chapter 28 Royal Alchemist 'Assistant'
"Um, as I mentioned yesterday, Laura, you've been promoted to assistant starting today! Congratulations!"
Called in first thing in the morning, I received this news.
If I take Kasper's words at face value, the promotion to assistant means that I have been upgraded from Royal Alchemist trainee to Royal Alchemist assistant. While I can sense that, I don't understand why I was suddenly promoted. I hadn't achieved any notable accomplishments, and I had just learned for the first time that the position of assistant even existed.
"Um, so... what does being an assistant entail?"
I asked with confusion evident in my voice and expression. The one who answered my question — Arnold, who had somehow appeared behind me — was there.
"Royal Alchemist Assistant. It's a higher position than a trainee, but not a full-fledged Royal Alchemist."
Why is he here?
Feeling doubt and unease, but not showing it outwardly, I continue to ask questions.
"An assistant... Is there such a system?"
"It's a special case."
It was said so easily in a matter-of-fact tone, leaving me speechless.
The word "special case" only adds to my confusion.
I remember being told directly by Kasper-san that I have talent, that I'm a genius. However, I can't imagine showcasing enough results in front of him during my training to warrant a special case for me.
――What exactly is the special case for an assistant? That's what I want to know above all.
But before I can ask, Kasper-san, who doesn't try to hide his confusion, smiles wryly and speaks.
"Arnold was the only one who carried the title of assistant until now. You're the second one, Laura-chan."
I looked up and saw Arnold behind me. However, he had a calm expression as if he didn't feel anything, and he avoided making eye contact.
"You might already know this, but to become a full-fledged Royal Alchemist, you need to undergo at least 2 years of training. After completing 2 years as a trainee, you'll be eligible to take the promotion exam."
Arnold stood next to Kasper-san. His black eyes still wandering around, not focusing on me.
"Even so, a genius who becomes a full-fledged Royal Alchemist in the third year... well, he's right next to me. It's a special case made for this not-so-cute genius."
"Hahaha," Kasper-san let out a dry laugh. Was it just my imagination that I felt a prick from the word "genius"?
Anyway, Arnold seems to be carrying quite a heavy profession as usual, creating exceptions from that talent. Looking at his cold black eyes that seemed uninterested, I could somewhat understand Lina-senpai's feelings.
Suddenly, those eyes turned towards me. Arnold, with a hint of sympathy in his voice, said to me as I involuntarily straightened my back.
"To change the conditions for taking the promotion exam, you have to convince the stubborn folks in charge. So, the senpais who found it troublesome created this exception as a loophole. Although they don't yet qualify to take the promotion exam, they exploit exceptional trainees early on. Trainees cannot synthesize without the supervision of an instructor, but as assistants, they can synthesize on their own. In addition, assistants have privileges that trainees do not."
"That's quite a malicious explanation... well, it's true though."
In Arnold's blunt way of speaking, Kasper-san didn't deny anything despite expressing dissatisfaction. From Arnold's explanation, it was clear enough to assume that he had been treated as a special case.
According to their conversation, can I be conceited about being recognized for my talent? It's a great honor, but the more I listen, the more various doubts bubble up.
"Laura-chan, you'll definitely be a full-fledged Royal Alchemist by this time two years from now. During the recent monster attack, your skills as an alchemist were clearly demonstrated, Laura-chan."
My eyes widened at the words spoken with a smile.
During the recent monster attack. It must refer to when Vake lost his right eye - when a large group of monsters appeared near the capital.
By the way, I still haven't met Vake. He suffered not only a serious injury to his right eye but also had been poisoned by a monster throughout his body. Although both the injury and poison were quickly healed with a healing potion, he's still not used to living with one eye. He refuses to meet anyone because he doesn't want them to see his pitiful appearance.
"Your speed in tasks is no less than Arnold's, and you maximize the healing power."
"When did you see it?"
"I didn't see it."
I was taken aback by the unexpected response that came immediately.
How did he know when he didn't see it?
Kasper-san, as if scooping up the doubts in my heart, gave a precise answer.
"It's a recommendation from Arnold and Olivelle-san."
Kasper-san casually declared. I couldn't help but let out a bewildered "Eh..."
Arnold has recognized my talent. It's definitely true, and it wouldn't be surprising if he recommended me.
Another person, Olivelle-san, used my healing potion and praised it. He might have also praised the effectiveness of my healing potion to Kasper-san.
A prodigy who made an exception and the vice-captain of the Knight Order. Those titles are impressive enough. But is it really okay to implement the exception on me without verifying it with his own eyes?
Furthermore, there's still a question lingering about why the promotion is happening now. By promoting me to an assistant, a position more certain and agile than a trainee, is it because they want to give me some instructions or entrust me with certain tasks?
As I still wore a puzzled expression, Kasper-san showed his white teeth and gave a refreshing smile. It was a pleasant smile.
"Oh, but I secretly drank Laura's healing potion the other day. With the help of Lina-san, I also saw the process of synthesis. I truly felt Laura's skillfulness and the high quality of the healing potion. Wow, you're really a genius!"
I felt somewhat relieved by the rapid words spoken. It seems that it wasn't just a recommendation; he didn't decide to implement the exception without seeing it with his own eyes.
But still, when did the healing potion I made end up in Kasper-san's hands from Lina-senpai's? When was I being watched during the process? Am I just insensitive, or is Kasper-san really skilled that I didn't notice at all?
I still feel bewildered, but being praised so directly makes me feel embarrassed. Of course, I'm happy, but more than that, it's embarrassing.
I lowered my gaze and spoke with a humble tone.
"Only the knowledge about synthesis is easily remembered for some reason.
"That's what we call talent. And Laura-chan... you always use the same amount of pure water and stops the fire at the same timing every time. To put it simply, it's like a clock that accurately marks time without a second's deviation! I actually measured the time several times, so there's no mistake."
At Kasper-san's words, I once again widened my eyes in surprise.
――The timing is always the same. Accurate like a clock.
Before the joy could spread across my face at the compliment directed towards me, I tilted my head in doubt.
Certainly, I adjust the amount of pure water and the timing of stopping the fire according to each herb, but I had no awareness of performing the task so accurately that it would be praised as being as precise as a clock without any deviation in the same amount or timing every time.
The amount of water is carefully measured. The timing to stop the fire is also calculated in the brain to some extent. However, rather than always mechanically measuring with things like hourglasses, I rely on my own senses - making a vague judgment like "this should be enough" and visual judgment.
"Laura-chan is a genius."
Although I had doubts, I was smiled at by Kasper-san as if being labeled as a "genius," so I hesitated to intervene now.
According to Kasper-san's observation, my unnatural talent in synthesis might not just be about memory. Perhaps I was lucky enough to be born with talent bestowed by God.
Come to think of it, I have never failed in synthesis before. It was even complained about by my mentor as boring. I thought it was because of my unusually good memory - but could it be that other talents were also involved?
With Kasper-san's words, the doubts that were once buried resurfaced.
Why do only the abilities necessary for an alchemist conveniently come together like this? Especially this unnatural memory. Why is it so easy to remember only the knowledge related to synthesis?
Maybe I should just be happy without thinking about it. Maybe I should be proud that I have talent. However, when I try to somehow justify and explain this unnatural talent — the thought crossed my mind that becoming an alchemist in this world was not just a chosen path, but a predetermined mission.
――No, that's not it. I chose this path of my own will. Not as "Last Brave" Laura Ampère, but to walk my own life.
After lightly shaking my head, I looked at Kasper-san. When he noticed my gaze, he wiped away his smile and his expression turned serious. He then stared at me directly in the eyes.
It was the first time I had seen Kasper-san with such a serious expression.
I couldn't help but swallow nervously. Unconsciously, I gripped the hem of my white coat tightly.
"Once again, Laura Ampère-san. I hereby appoint you as the assistant to the Royal Alchemist as of today. And—"
At that moment, Kasper-san paused and looked at Arnold next to him.
At that instant, I sensed the next words he would say. Simultaneously, the mystery of why he was present in this place was also unraveled.
"I entrust your new mentorship to Arnold Rocco."
As expected, those words were spoken from his mouth.
However, this is a very convenient and unexpected turn of events. I had expected that in the future, I would have more opportunities to act together with Arnold regarding Elvira and seek his opinions. If Arnold becomes my mentor, I won't have to wait in front of the dormitory to meet him.
Although I think it's a very convenient development, it may be natural to pair up special cases like us.
Next to Kasper-san, I secretly glance up at Arnold. Then, it seems he was also looking at me, and our eyes met with a snap.
With a feeling of "I'll be counting on you from now on," I lightly nod in acknowledgment. Arnold responded with a satisfied nod.
"Furthermore, I'm sorry for the suddenness, Laura-chan――"
Following the words that shook my eardrums, I return my gaze to Kasper-san. He looks very apologetic, his face twisted, and he hunches over even more than usual.
From his attitude and words, I could predict that something not very convenient for myself would come my way this time. ――That much I could foresee.
"It's a short notice, but I need you two to go on a business trip to the Platonovena branch up north. ...Starting tomorrow."
"...Huh?"
――I couldn't have predicted the sudden business trip order.
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