Chapter 40 Burning Body Heat
After meeting with Elvira, we ended up returning to the royal castle and made our way to Arnold's synthesis room. Here, while conducting synthesis, I suppose you'd want to try out different combinations if possible.
Looking around Arnold's synthesis room that was assigned to him once again, I couldn't help but compare it to the room I was given.
His room was at least twice, no, three times as spacious. My own synthesis room, being at the bottom, was small in comparison to others, but even then, Arnold's room was quite large. Perhaps due to the owner's personality, it was neatly organized and gave off an impression of having very few belongings.
Elvira, being led by Marcedes-san, was curiously observing her brother's workplace.
"It seems like there's some recovery effect in the properties."
"Yes. The other day, I casually tried about five different synthesis patterns..."
I handed Arnold a notebook that recorded the synthesis method and main effects as previously mentioned. Arnold opened it and looked at the pages.
As he seemed lost in thought, he raised his hand to his chin and then I spoke.
"It seems like the main effect is not healing power, but rather enhancing power."
He nodded at my words.
Since then, we tried synthesizing the horns of monsters several times. However, we only did very basic synthesis to confirm the power of the horns.
In conclusion, the monster horn Arnold brought back did not have incredible healing power. Instead, it seemed to enhance the effects of other herbs, serving as a supportive power. It should be noted that the effects I could draw out at the moment were limited.
Although there are only a few, there are herbs whose effects can change depending on the synthesis method. The potential of this monster horn cannot be completely ruled out.
"I tried licking the ground-up powder, but it turns out the horn itself wasn't poisonous."
Unexpected words came out of Arnold's mouth, and I couldn't help but stare at his profile.
"...Did you really lick it?"
He nodded as if it was obvious.
"I did it just in case. If it had poison before being heated, we would have to be extremely careful during the synthesis process. I can't give anything dangerous to El or you, of course."
Even so, there was no need to actually lick it. He probably had an antidote prepared in advance, but what would he have done if it had a stronger poison than expected?
I stared in disbelief at his profile, but he never looked back at me.
Feeling more frustrated than respectful, we hurried to start synthesizing. Marcedes-san took care of Elvira, while Arnold and I repeated the process of synthesizing and testing the healing potion ourselves.
We confirmed that the healing potion, which didn't cause any abnormalities when consumed - in other words, was safe - by transferring it to a container. If we felt a strong bitterness as soon as we tasted it, indicating any hint of uneasiness, we set it aside. Elvira - a girl around 10 years old - was going to drink it. Even if it didn't have a negative impact on my 14-year-old body, it might not be the same for Elvira.
After completing one synthesis, we noted down the synthesis method. Now, as we looked at the herbs spread out on the table, wondering what synthesis to try next, one caught our eye - an herb that improves blood circulation and speeds up the effectiveness.
By the way, I haven't used this herb yet as my eyes landed on it, and I picked it up. I also picked out some other herbs with healing properties, brewed them together.
I crushed the powder of the monster's horn and mixed it in, giving the container a light shake. After confirming that it had mixed well, I took a gulp, put it in my mouth— at that moment.
"Ugh."
A strong bitterness spread in my mouth. Not only that, as the liquid passed through my throat, it felt like a burning heat.
I tried to spit it out, but it was too late. I curled up, clutching my throat. In my obviously strange state, Marcedes-san hurriedly peered at my face, filled with a look of panic.
"Laura-chan, are you okay!?"
"I-I'm fine. It's just that the bitterness is so strong... Oh, I can't handle this, please give me some water."
The heat I thought would quickly go away spread throughout my whole body. It felt like it was circulating all over my body like blood.
Hot, hot, hot.
I felt a burning pain like my mucous membranes were on fire.
"It feels hot like my throat is burning."
I desperately held back the urge to scratch my throat.
When I took the cup handed to me by Marcedes-san, I gulped it down and repeated gargling. However, it didn't seem to help at all. In fact, the heat inside me started to feel like it was burning my fingertips.
I hurriedly poured a large amount of water down my throat, hoping it would dilute the sensation spreading throughout my body. Unfortunately, it didn't have the desired effect. Instead, I ended up choking on the water I couldn't drink up completely.
I was in a real mess - it was far from being just a minor inconvenience. I was starting to feel seriously unwell. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead.
"Cough, gulp!"
"Hey, are you okay?"
A large hand touched my hunched body. The voice that shook my eardrums sounded faster than usual - it seemed to be filled with urgency.
I waved towards the direction of the voice. The person with tightly furrowed brows peered at me with his dark eyes, and our eyes met.
"Oh, I'm not sure if it was a bad match or too good of a match, but when I tried mixing in an herb to speed up the effects, I started sweating all over."
I laughed as if amazed by my blunder. Well, my cheek muscles didn't cooperate when I tried to smile.
In this synthesis, I mixed several basic healing herbs, ground monster horns, and one more thing. It warms the body, improves blood circulation, and speeds up the spread of the healing potion throughout the body.
My fingertips are pulsating. It's as if a heart is embedded there. Perhaps my blood circulation has improved too much. Or maybe these herbs didn't mix well, causing an unfavorable reaction.
In any case, I must make a note that this synthesis method is dangerous.
"Just wait a moment."
Arnold declared it and then started synthesizing something at the synthesis station.
I couldn't stand any longer and ended up sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. I felt a burning heat deep in my stomach, instinctively hugging myself and curling up.
Suddenly, Elvira peered at me with worried eyes. Oh, I felt like she is bursting into tears.
At that moment when our eyes met, I thought, "Does the strange sensation attacking my body resemble symptoms of the Self-destruction disease to some extent?" One symptom of the Self-destruction disease is that a part of the body suddenly ignites. Moreover, all patients with the Self-destruction disease have their lives taken by flames burning from within their bodies.
――My skin feels like it's burning from the inside out. Is this intense heat attacking and trying to destroy Elvira's young body?
I clench my fist tightly, trying to suppress the heat in my fingertips. And to ease her worries, I smile at her young face.
"It's okay."
It's just hot like it's burning in a few places.
I swallow the urge to blurt out my true feelings and reach out my hand to Elvira. Although my intention was to pat her head with that hand, I reconsider due to the current distance between us and lower it instead.
I let out a small sigh. At that moment, a hand is placed on my side from behind and I am lifted up with strong force.
My legs feel wobbly, and my body tilts. The one who caught me was Arnold with his manly chest.
"Drink this and lie down for a bit. I'll take care of the rest."
I was gently pushed towards the bed in the corner of the synthesis room. It must have been brought in by Arnold since it wasn't in my synthesis room.
As I sat on the bed, a glass container was handed to me. It was probably something Arnold had just synthesized. From the scent and color, it seemed to be some kind of antidote.
Without hesitation, I drank it all. Instantly, the heat in my throat subsided.
Finally, I could take a deep breath. I had been holding my breath without realizing it while enduring the heat coursing through my body.
I lay down on the bed, and a shadow fell over my face immediately.
"Laura-chan, here's some ice."
Marcedes-san said as an ice pack was placed on my forehead. The cool sensation felt pleasant on my flushed face, and as I surrendered to that comfort, my consciousness naturally faded away.
* * *
――I slowly regained consciousness with a "huh."
Laura-chan, are you awake? Are you okay?
"Oh, yes... I'm feeling calmer now, sorry."
Looking around, when I glanced out the window, the sun had already set.
It seemed like I had slept longer than I thought. Was I also feeling tired?
Marcedes-san was staring at me with concern, and I smiled to reassure her. As she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at my smile, she moved away from the bed, and Arnold peeked in at me in passing.
"I'm sorry, I should have supervised more closely."
I was startled and tried to get up instinctively, but Marcedes-san stopped me.
Reluctantly, I raised my head slightly and shook it at Arnold's words.
"N-no! I'm the one who rushed into synthesis without thinking... I'm sorry."
Without deeply considering the effects on each other's abilities, I made a big mistake by synthesizing herbs on a whim like tossing them around. I have a major fault in this, as I have never had a big failure in synthesis before. The few times I failed, it was just because the taste was too bitter or at that level, and I never felt my life was in danger. Maybe it's time for me to learn a lesson, as if God (the creator) is giving me a warning. Or perhaps, God (the creator) is trying to instill a sense of crisis by giving me a taste of the suffering Elvira is going through.
Even so, for now, I just feel a bit heavy-headed, and the symptoms before falling asleep have completely disappeared. It's probably thanks to the healing potion Arnold prepared for me.
Arnold was still bowing his head, unsure of what to say to him. Just then, Elvira popped up from below with a small face. She looked at me with a worried expression and somewhat moist eyes. Forgetting about Arnold for a moment, I spoke to her first.
"Sorry for surprising you."
"It's not a big deal, I wasn't really surprised..."
Her gaze, which had been meeting mine, quickly averted after a few seconds. However, I could tell from her expression that she was concerned about me, even if just a little.
Perhaps feeling embarrassed, Elvira quickly moved away from my side. Watching her lonely figure as she left, I finally raised my head and met Arnold's gaze. He seemed somewhat uncomfortable, but spoke in a firm tone.
"I tried synthesizing various monster horns. It seems that there is compatibility depending on the medicinal herbs used. When combined with herbs that have good compatibility, the enhancement in effectiveness is many times stronger than regular herbs. For injuries, if used entirely, they might be almost completely healed."
He paused for a moment and exhaled.
"In that sense, it's like a universal medicine."
His voice was low, with a sigh mixed in at the end. His expression was stern.
From this demeanor, it was clear.
"...Is it a miss?"
Without evasion, I asked directly. Arnold neither shook his head nor nodded.
"If Elvira shows symptoms, I plan to have her try a small dose. I wish I were a bit younger."
I wish I were a bit younger.
The frustration probably stems from the fact that he could have tested it on himself before giving it to Elvira. It's natural to hesitate to easily administer a healing potion with unknown effects to his precious sister, especially one suffering from a serious illness. However, for Arnold to confirm the safety of the healing potion on himself, he was very different from Elvira in terms of conditions.
――Then
"If it's an experiment, let me do it."
"...Don't use such dangerous expressions."
Arnold widened his eyes for a moment in surprise, then quickly furrowed his brows. The words were not expected to be received with joy, but he never thought he would be so blatantly rejected.
But this should be the best course of action, I insisted.
"I may be older than Elvira-chan, but we are of the same gender, and I am the closest in age around Arnold-san."
"...I was too hasty."
"Eh?"
I couldn't quite catch the muttered words.
When I tilted my head, Arnold grimaced and bit his lower lip.
"This whole situation is my fault for getting anxious. Elvira will stay at my mentor's house for a while. If it's too much trouble, she can go back. We should have calmed down first and explored the synthesis method together."
Arnold squatted beside the bed and looked straight at me.
"With everything going on, you must be tired too. I wasn't paying attention, sorry."
His eyes behind the glasses looked apologetic as they were cast down.
I was taken aback by his second apology. Whether he knew me well or not, he lifted his face, completely back to his usual self.
"Things will start moving after your vacation is over—"
"B-but what if the horn start to rot...!"
I think that's why Arnold hurriedly called Elvira to the capital.
When I tried to say more, Arnold raised his right hand to stop me. He made it clear he didn't want to hear more.
"I understand the gist of it. I'll handle things on my own while you're back home. Just focus on resting."
"...Arnold-san, you must be tired."
"I've rested enough."
—Don't lie.
After returning from Platonovena, Arnold seemed busy with reports. Not only that, he had stayed in Platonovena longer than planned, causing his usual work to pile up. I heard he stayed alone in the synthesis room until late. Lina-senpai told me about it, even she said, "He has been working too hard lately."
And the dark circles under the glasses and the sunken cheeks compared to before. And the bed brought into the synthesis room where I am currently sleeping. Isn't that the best evidence?
But Arnold and I are not that close to say it to each other face to face. Still, as I naturally furrowed my brows in complaint, Arnold let out a sigh. Perhaps he can see through what I'm thinking.
As I gazed up at his handsome face, Arnold said to me in a more relaxed tone than usual, as if reminding me,
"...I left a letter for your childhood friend. He will come running soon. Go back home together."
The smile of my childhood friend came to mind. Lately, I haven't even sent a letter, let alone gone back home, so I might be causing them worry.
It seems like Arnold is trying to force me to take a break, which is a bit annoying. I wanted to strengthen my friendship with Elvira while she's in the capital, and my belief that we should hurry with the synthesis of the special medicine hasn't changed. After all, it's just 2 more years. In 2 years, the demon king will be revived.
Right. It bothers my conscience to call back Emiliana-san, who is probably having a touching reunion with Alex-san, but she needs to fulfill a promise - an introduction from an old man who knows about The Drinking Water of the Spirits. So, I should send the request letter as soon as possible...
Yes, there are many things to do, things I want to do, and things I must do. But the truth is, I also want to see the smile of my childhood friend that came to mind, and the faces of my parents and friends.
――Tiredness makes you think less clearly. To avoid making the same mistake again, I'll rely on Arnold's advice this time.
With that in mind, I closed my eyes once more."
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