Chapter 6 Future As A Royal Alchemist?
After waiting for several months, I finally got the permission to do alchemy at Marcedes-san's place.
It was quite nerve-wracking to be in a new alchemy room instead of the familiar master's cabin, but it was the moment I had been eagerly waiting for. With determination, I started working on it.
"Hoho, as usual, my disciple never fails to bring me joy with their growth. This is quite impressive for your first alchemy."
My mentor chuckled dryly and licked the healing potion I had made for the first time. Judging from those words, it seemed like it went well.
I had studied the steps thoroughly, and I believe I executed them smoothly. Basically, to make the most basic healing potion, you just need to crush the medicinal herbs, boil them with clean water, and then strain the mixture. If you want to enhance its effectiveness, you can add strained herbs with additional properties.
Just following this explanation might seem like a simple task, but the effectiveness of the recovery medicine is influenced by factors such as temperature, mixing method, and even subtle movements when filtering. In other words, anyone can make it, but the more you try to create a high-quality product, the more advanced skills are required.
"You can use as much of these herbs as you like and do it however you want. I'll be in the next room, so if you need anything, just call out to me."
Saying that, my mentor slowly exits the alchemy room. I never expected to be left alone so suddenly, so I tried to stop her by calling out, but my mentor just raised her right hand.
It's true that until now, my mentor has rarely taught me one-on-one like in a class; she often just handed me a book saying, 'Take a look at this,' and left me alone.
But I never thought that after seeing the practical demonstration once, I would be left on my own.
No, but I reconsider. Maybe this laissez-faire attitude just shows how excellent I am. It seems like she's in the next room, so if something goes wrong, I can rely on her.
I turn towards the mixing table. The words I was told earlier, that I can do as I please, now excite me.
Alright, next, let's start with a basic healing potion as a base, and try adding the power to warm and relax the body.
Looking around for the necessary herbs, I freeze at the sight of a person I never expected to be there.
"...Um, Arnold-san...?"
A boy with a beautiful face and black hair - Arnold - stands in the corner of the room, staring intently at me. I wonder how long he's been there.
In response to my call, Arnold slightly raises an eyebrow and replies,
"Can I watch?"
"Y-yes..."
I gave a vague answer that could be interpreted in either a negative or positive way, but Arnold seemed to take it as a positive. He leaned against the wall, staying in that spot.
I'm not sure why he's here, but it's not like being watched will make me disappear. Besides, if I say I don't like it, it might ruin the mood again. So, I decided to treat that presence as part of the scenery.
I search for the herbs I'm looking for. Once found, I carefully crush them. This time, I need to use two types of herbs simultaneously, so I have to do them both at the same time.
Mix them with the right amount of clean water and simmer. The timing to stop the fire varies depending on the herb, so I need to compare the information in my memory with the actual herbs carefully.
Hmm, okay, that's about it.
For this, I have to rely on my vision and senses—maybe even intuition. As I repeat the process, my ability to gauge the timing will naturally improve.
I mix the two types of healing potions that I've made in small amounts. No trouble with them separating. Shake the container lightly to make sure - and done!
It's still just the basics, but not too bad, right? I should have my mentor check it later.
――I was about to start the next concoction in high spirits when Arnold, once again, stopped me.
"Are you really a beginner?"
Before I knew it, Arnold had come right up to me. His expression was stern.
Did I upset him again?
"Y-yes, that's right..."
"Annoying."
Even though I answered his question honestly, I received such a response.
Feeling like I was being unfairly criticized, I was at a loss for how to react. Apologizing now might further hurt Arnold's pride, but getting angry would also make me hesitate, considering the future. I have something I want to ask him.
Not sure if Arnold noticed my struggle with a response or not, but he spoke up again. His voice seemed more sulky than annoyed.
"I'm annoyed by you, who effortlessly handles things with a lack of confidence, and by myself, who unknowingly became arrogant thinking I'm doing well."
The words Arnold spoke made me reconsider my perception of him.
I had thought he was probably a talented disciple. Therefore, I had felt a bit twisted—perhaps even arrogant, if I dare say so—based on our interactions. But that was just a first impression. The more I get to know him, the more my impression of Arnold might change. Just like with Elvira.
Huh, he actually has some unexpectedly cute aspects, doesn't he?
Once I thought that, suddenly, I started to find Arnold endearing as a slightly pretentious younger boy.
Arnold, who is younger than me in actual age, stared directly into my eyes. I didn't think he would ever consider me as a little girl. For a moment, I thought he was glaring at me, but I couldn't sense any malice or jealousy from his eyes like before. Instead...
"Just you wait. I'll surpass you soon."
I felt a hint of joy in his eyes and voice. Perhaps his desires were showing.
"You're going to become a Royal Alchemist, right?"
"...Royal Alchemist?"
I tilted my head at the unfamiliar term. I could guess its meaning from the sound, but the term "Royal Alchemist" didn't appear in "Last Brave."
Arnold sighed at my words and sat on a nearby chair.
"It's about the alchemists who serve in the royal capital. ...Don't you even know that?"
I thought I was being a bit too much. Let's retract the cute part.
Anyway, there is a profession called Royal Court Alchemist. Probably my master was in that profession. What he aims for is to be an alchemist working in the royal palace, that is the Royal Court Alchemist.
"I hope I can become one, but... I still don't understand it well..."
"You will become one, for sure."
Arnold said, overlapping my words. It was a straightforward statement.
I glanced at him with wide eyes at his sudden words, then he left the room without saying anything. I stood frozen for a while.
To become a Royal Court Alchemist, absolutely. Such an unexpected recommendation—no, his tone was almost like an order.
Arnold said he would definitely surpass me. If he recommended aiming for the Royal Court Alchemist position, could it be that Arnold is also aiming for it?
I see, a Royal Court Alchemist.
I firmly engrave that word into my memory.
Now, my ultimate goal has been set clearly and specifically. In the future, I aim to become a royal court alchemist - or rather, a royal alchemist. I will continue to study hard towards this goal!
* * *
"Laura, are you not interested in aiming to become a royal alchemist?"
That evening, Mercedes-san suddenly asked.
"At the royal court, they have been recruiting royal alchemists every year for the past few years. It's a very exclusive opportunity... but once you turn 14, regardless of your background or status, you can take the entrance exam."
Upon hearing Mercedes-san' explanation, the idea of becoming a "royal alchemist" suddenly felt closer.
The fact that there was an apprentice system, and that the only requirement for the exam was age, stood out. Fourteen years old - that's five years from now. In five years, I will also be eligible to take the exam.
"In three years, Arnold will be taking the exam. If you're even slightly interested, how about accompanying Arnold as a preview for his exam in three years?"
It was an unexpected invitation. I nodded in agreement, but I hesitated.
If I were to seriously pursue becoming a Royal Alchemist, I would need to get permission from my parents. Currently, my parents are silently watching over me as I study under my mentor, but things would change if I were to leave home at 14.
However, that wasn't a major issue. Even if they opposed it, I believed that through discussions, they would come to understand. I trusted that they were the kind of people who would support their child's dreams.
What concerns me is whether my actions as Laura, who was given the title of "Last Brave" as Hero-sama's childhood friend, might deviate from that role and not impact the world.
In 'Last Brave,' I know very well that I'm just a supporting character. I don't think my actions will greatly affect the fate of this world or alter the course of Hero-sama's adventure. However, I couldn't help but worry about Arnold's presence and the transformed fountain square in the herb garden.
This world of 'Last Brave' that I know is slightly different here. In the future, these differences may become significant. Relying only on my memories, can I continue on this path as it is?
Naturally, my decisions became more cautious.
"Your talent can save far more people than you think."
To encourage my silent self and push my troubled self, Mercedes-san repeated her words.
"Arnold was feeling down after witnessing Laura-chan's talent. But more than that, he's fired up. He's determined to become a better alchemist than you, no matter what."
Mercedes-san smiled happily. She gazed with affection, not at me in front of her, but at Arnold in her memories.
As Mercedes-san spoke, Arnold's voice echoed in my mind.
I will definitely surpass you.
Become a royal alchemist, for sure.
Perhaps, he sees me as a rival.
"Even though he always seemed aloof... after seeing Arnold like that, as his mentor, I can't help but wish for Laura-chan to strive alongside him."
With a slightly apologetic expression and furrowed brows, Mercedes-san said,
I understand her feelings as a mentor. I don't find it uncomfortable at all. After all, I was aiming to become a royal alchemist, so there shouldn't be any issues.
"...I will talk to my parents."
I couldn't nod immediately and ended up delaying my response.
If I hadn't noticed the suspicious disappearance of Arnold's character, and if the fountain square hadn't changed into an herb garden, I would have gladly agreed to Marcedes-san's proposal. However—
First, let's clarify about Arnold. Let's ask him before I go back. Even if I find out whether Arnold is Elvira's brother or not, it won't change anything, but it might clear up the confusion in my mind a bit.
Let's also ask about the herb garden. When did it appear in this town, and was there no fountain square before the herb garden was created? Also, let's ask if there are any plans to create a fountain square in the future. Even though there is no fountain square "now," unlike in "Last Brave"—just to be sure.
"Here, this is the exam recruitment information. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime."
Marcedes-san handed me a few pages of recruitment information and then left the room.
I stare blankly at the paper in front of me. In the section for exam qualifications, it only mentions individuals aged 14 to under 20.
14 years old - 5 years later. Where will I be in 5 years? What will I be doing? Who will I be with? When I pondered this, the person that came to mind was - the future Hero-sama.
For a moment, I was surprised by the person my mind had conjured up, but soon a wry smile appeared on my face.
I see, I still haven't been able to change jobs from being Hero-sama's childhood friend.
That night, feeling no desire to think about anything, I quickly slipped into bed. The moonlight streaming into the room made it an unusually bright night.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)