Chapter 110 Preparation
――The sun was beginning to set, and just as I was thinking about heading home, I heard the sound of the front door opening.
"Ah, Laura-sensei. Were you expecting me?"
"Reinhardt-san!"
Reinhardt-san appeared at the doorway. And then, just as I thought that was it, another familiar face peeked out from around his waist ―― it was Iris.
She hugged me tightly, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Laura! Did you come?"
"Iris! I'm sorry for intruding."
I bowed towards Reinhardt-san, and he awkwardly shook his head.
"No, I heard from Diona. I'm sorry for not being able to attend to you."
As Reinhardt-san and Iris entered the living room, Sieg-san and Leon-san followed behind.
Knowing that they were blood-related siblings, I compared them again. Indeed, there was a resemblance ―― perhaps the most striking feature being their eyes of the same color.
"Good evening, Laura-sensei."
"Hey, Laura-sensei. Thank you for taking care of Diona."
"Good evening, Sieg-san, Leon-san."
Sieg-san wore a gentle smile, while Leon-san grinned, showing his teeth. They seemed to have completely opposite physical and personality traits, but I still knew very little about them compared to Reinhardt-san.
Suddenly, Reinhardt-san's gaze shifted to the table in the living room. On it sat a container holding the remaining prototype that Arnold had been drinking.
"...Is this the rumored prototype?"
"Um, yes."
Perhaps Diona had briefed Reinhardt-san about it, as he seemed to be aware of the prototype.
He picked it up, examining it from various angles as if inspecting it under the light. After a few seconds, he looked at me intently and asked,
"Would it be alright if I borrowed this?"
"Huh?"
"Um, well, actually, recently monsters have been wandering around our city. We have hidden the existence of the city with a barrier, but just to be safe, we wanted to have weapons for protection. Will this prototype dissolve the skin of the monsters?"
I was startled by Reinhardt-san's words about monsters wandering around the city. It doesn't seem like the city has been attacked based on his tone, but why are the monsters around the city becoming active now?
Anyway, it's something I can't figure out just by thinking, so I quickly shake off the thoughts. And I nod at Reinhardt-san's words.
I had intended to use this prototype against the demon king lurking inside Elvira, but it can also be a sufficient weapon against monsters. The Drinking Water of the Spirits, the power of the Hero, or the power of light as materials, it may be difficult to mass-produce, but if used properly, it can become a trump card in case of emergency, like the "Holy Water" of the "Last Brave."
"Yes. If it is helpful..."
Saying that, I hand over the remaining prototypes. Although I say "all," there are only enough small containers to fit in one hand. This is still not much, so I also hand over the spare The Drinking Water of the Spirits that I brought just in case. Still, it's not much.
If even one person can be protected from being harmed by monsters with this prototype, it would be very gratifying.
"Since there is not much left, if it is okay with you, please take The Drinking Water of the Spirits that I have with me now. If we borrow the power of those who possess the power of light, I think we can make more prototypes."
"Thank you."
"However, please be careful about safety. Arnold-san drank it this morning, and there doesn't seem to be any abnormality... but we haven't fully confirmed it yet."
I'm concerned about safety. If he has heard Diona's story, Reinhardt-san wouldn't handle the prototype carelessly, given his thoughtfulness. But still, it's worrisome.
"I'll keep it in mind. And even if something happens, it's because we mishandled it, not something Laura-sensei needs to worry about."
Reinhardt-san nodded and smiled to reassure me.
But soon, he erased that smile and asked seriously,
"Will the prototype be given to Elvira-san?"
I couldn't answer Reinhardt-san's question right away and looked down.
To be honest, I'm still struggling with whether to prescribe this prototype to Elvira. I have some expectations that it will have a certain effect. But if by any chance this prototype inadvertently stimulates the demon king and as a result damages Elvira's body, it's terrifying to think about it.
Regarding this experiment, I also have the thought that it might be better not to interfere and leave it to Rustu's people, Diona.
I honestly expressed my conflict.
"To be honest, I'm struggling. Even if it's safe for others to drink, I wonder what will happen if Elvira-chan, who harbors the demon king within her, drinks it..."
Reinhardt-san nodded slightly but didn't say anything.
I continued as it was.
"I'm thinking about ensuring safety and administering the medicine at Rustu's city temple in the future."
That's the current answer.
Reinhardt-san muttered "I see" in agreement with my answer. In the subsequent silence, I asked him a question.
The date of the experiment is approaching and he seems to be busy, but I wonder if he's okay.
"You seem busy as the experiment date approaches, but are you okay?"
"Don't worry. It's our job."
Reinhardt-san's expression seemed somewhat tired. However, since we're not in a close enough relationship for me to point that out, and I was told not to worry, all I could do was ambiguously smile and swallow my concern.
Once again, Reinhardt-san glanced at Diona, who had fallen into silence. Diona seemed to sense something just from his gaze and approached with a smile.
"Diona, please send everyone off."
Diona nodded enthusiastically and looked behind me. Lukas and Arnold were standing there, seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
Arnold must have heard the conversation between Reinhardt-san and me earlier about the prototype for Elvira. But since he didn't interject, can I assume that he has similar thoughts to mine?
Reinhardt-san, Sieg-san, and Leon-san saw us off as they left the house. Diona kindly escorted them all the way to the entrance of the royal capital.
"Diona-san, thank you so much for everything."
"Oh no, it's my pleasure. I'm glad if I could be of help. Well then, see you."
Diona replied with a shy smile, and she quickly turned on her heels. As she disappeared from view, she glanced back once. Without thinking, I waved my hand, and Diona hesitated for a moment, looking around before waving back.
"Laura, it seems like you've become close with Diona-san."
Lukas said after Diona was out of sight.
"I would be happy if we did."
I replied. But I don't know how she feels. Knowing Diona's personality in "Last Brave," I know she's not the type to be dismissive of others. I think she has somewhat opened up to me.
Ahaha, I laughed to brush it off and changed the subject back to Lukas.
"Lukas, you've also become close with Arnold-san, right?"
With those words, I glanced at Arnold. Seeing both of them make subtle expressions, it made me laugh unintentionally. It wasn't a displeased look, but rather an indescribable expression that seemed like something was stuck in their throats. Yet, both of them had very similar expressions on their faces.
"We just changed our perception of each other, I don't remember becoming as close as you guys."
Arnold replied. His voice sounded softer than usual.
* * *
――The day of departure to Rustu's city for the people of the Rustu tribe is getting closer with each passing moment.
Since completing the prototype, I have been conducting experiments primarily focused on safety. These experiments involve explaining the situation and asking for consent before having people drink it or applying it to various things like my own skin and leaves, using primitive methods.
Since then until today, there have been no abnormal signs in Arnold's body. The people who agreed to participate in the experiments also showed no abnormalities. Therefore, I began to think that it might not be harmful to the human body, but who knows for sure.
Today, I visited the training grounds of the Savila Knight Order, where I was supposed to have the rookie magician Flor drink the prototype. Vake, who somehow heard rumors about my new medicine experiments, volunteered to help me.
Flor and Vake were the ones who welcomed me at the training grounds. Not wanting to take up too much time, I handed over the prototype without much greeting, and Flor immediately put it in his mouth without any hesitation.
"...How is it?"
Flor smiled and answered the question.
"Yes, I'm fine."
I let out a sigh of relief. Even though no one had reported any strange symptoms so far, this moment still made me nervous.
I received the empty container from Flor and bowed my head.
"That's great! Thank you for your cooperation."
"I'm glad if I could be of help."
Vake squatted down and smiled, peering into my face. He always talks to me while making eye contact.
This time, Vake offered to let me try the prototype, but I declined. I couldn't take the responsibility if something happened to the Knight Order leader, who is still not in top condition. However, the real reason is that I wanted Flor to drink it.
Flor is the magician who gets possessed by the demon king in "Last Brave." I thought that if I could incorporate the power of the Hero into his body even once, it might become a kind of charm against demons.
Of course, there is no proof of that, just my idea. And it was reassuring to have him, who possesses strong magic, try the prototype to check its safety.
――And suddenly, the smile disappeared from Vake's expression.
"...So, young lady, are you going too?"
"Um, does that mean you'll come with us, Vake-san?"
When asked, Vake answered with a bitter expression, as if he had bitten a bitter bug.
"Yeah. Well, there are only a few Knight Order members who can keep up. The higher-ups only took it half-heartedly...sorry about that."
It could be said that it was natural for them to not think highly of me if I requested their help on a holiday for an absurd reason. I had heard that Arnold had persuaded them a few times and was able to borrow some of the Knight Order's power――so it was a grateful story just that he would come. There was nothing for him to apologize for.
I shook my head vigorously and answered.
"No, I'm grateful. Please take care of me on the day."
"Yeah. I'm sure it'll be fine."
Vake's words had strength. If he smiled and said it would be fine, I felt that it really would be fine.
I glanced at Flor's condition once again, and since there didn't seem to be any particular abnormalities, I bowed my head and left the training ground.
Today, there is another plan for experimenting with the prototype. The location is my synthesis room. There is still plenty of time until the promised time, but I walked quickly down the hallway to prepare. And as I entered the synthesis room――in an instant, the space in front of my eyes warped and Diona's figure appeared.
"Laura-sama."
"Di... Diona-san!"
Suddenly surprised by the unexpected visit, I hurriedly approached her. Then, Diona opened her mouth with a smile.
"Reinhardt sent a message. He said that the prototype we received has been very helpful as a weapon. As a token of appreciation, here's something for you."
What was handed to me was probably a homemade cookie or something cute and neatly wrapped. While receiving them, i felt relieved by the words that they were useful. It seemed that there were no significant troubles.
"It seems that the strength of the light infused in the potion also affects the damage to the monsters. Also, I heard that even if they accidentally hit someone's limbs, there are no lasting effects."
I listened attentively to Diona's concise and easy-to-understand report. It was roughly as expected, but since I hadn't personally confirmed its effectiveness against monsters, I was grateful for her sharing the information.
"If you tie them to arrows, they can also be used as long-range attacks against monsters. Oh, and the effectiveness may decrease over time. We haven't obtained confirmation yet, though."
"It seems like you're conducting various verifications. Thank you very much."
"Since we're allowed to use it, it's only natural."
Diona's face, modestly smiling, seemed to show signs of fatigue, making me wonder how much I could inquire and worry about. Despite being busy with various preparations and the emergence of monster problems, I wondered if they were able to rest properly.
"Is Rustu's city okay?"
As I asked, Diona's expression clouded. After looking around and searching for any signs, she whispered in a low voice.
"Probably... The Demon King seems to be somehow observing our movements within Elvira-sama."
"Huh?"
"After greeting Elvira-sama, monsters started lurking around us. It might be a coincidence, but it seems like the Demon King is giving some kind of instructions to his subordinates from within her body..."
Surprised, I looked at Diona with wide eyes, but upon reflection, it wasn't an impossible story.
The consciousness is not being taken over by the demon king, but the demon king does indeed exist within Elvira. If that's the case, it wouldn't be strange for the monster subordinates to communicate through Elvira's eyes and recognize and eliminate Diona and the others in some way.
――Oh right. I remember. There was a report that Elvira was targeted by monsters, and Arnold hurriedly left the royal capital. There is a good chance that the demon king is trying to make contact with the monsters through Elvira.
"On the day, there is a high possibility of a monster attack. However, I will protect Laura-sama and the others."
Diona said this decisively, looking dignified. I couldn't help but think she was cool.
――However, if she doesn't want to meet Elvira, it's better not to stay here for long. Because Elvira will visit here soon.
Tonight, Elvira, Marcedes-san, and my mentor had promised to visit the synthesis room. Marcedes-san was going to try the prototype this time, but Elvira insisted on going together. And if only Marcedes-san, who usually takes care of Elvira, comes, Elvira will be left alone unless someone takes care of her. My mentor said she wanted to be present because she wanted to see the prototype.
"Thank you. But it might be better to go early. Elvira will be here soon."
Diona's eyes widened at my words. Then she hurriedly bowed her head and said,
"I will contact you if anything happens."
With those words, Diona disappeared as if melting into the air.
After Diona left, I started preparing. It didn't take long before the door to the synthesis room was knocked on.
I opened the door from the inside. There stood a black-haired girl――Elvira, standing tall with confidence. I felt a trace of "Last Brave" in her confident attitude, and my lips involuntarily curled up.
"Laura!"
"Laura-chan, good evening."
"Oh, how are you, Laura?"
"Elvira-chan, Marcedes-san, Mentor, good evening."
Elvira, Marcedes-san, and Mentor entered the synthesis room in that order.
As the sun was setting, I immediately had Marcedes-san sit down and handed her a container without much update on recent events. She drank from it without any hesitation.
"Marcedes-san, how is it?"
"Good, I'm fine."
Marcedes-san smiled beautifully. Seeing that she wasn't forcing herself, I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked her.
Mentor, who had been watching with interest, reached for another container. Then, unexpectedly,
"Well, I'll have some too."
In a light, almost singing voice, Mentor muttered and put the prototype into her mouth.
I was frozen in surprise for a moment, but then hurriedly reached out to Mentor.
"M-Mentor!"
However, Mentor had already finished tasting it, moving her mouth to savor it and then slowly swallowing. Then,
"Hmm, seems fine."
She murmured with satisfaction. There didn't seem to be any particular abnormality, but relief and fatigue washed over me, and I slumped my shoulders.
It's not like there was any great concern about Mentor drinking it. But this time, I had promised that only Marcedes-san would drink it, and Mentor just wanted to observe. In short, I hadn't mentally prepared for this, and that's why I panicked.
"Please spare me, it's bad for my heart..."
"Well, even an old body should be able to endure it, don't you think?"
"That may be true, but..."
I was about to say "Please don't do something like Arnold." but swallowed the words. Even though I was chilled to the bone, Mentor naturally had her own thoughts about the Self-destruction disease and its treatment. Without further mention, I decided to be glad that her body was safe.
"Anyway, if there's nothing wrong, that's good."
So, with a wry smile, I began to tidy up the containers. Marcedes-san also joked with the mentor, "It's not like you're shortening your disciple's lifespan." and then helped with the cleanup.
Elvira, who had been quietly watching all this time, chimed in.
"Does that mean I can't drink it?"
I was taken aback. But so as not to let it show, I plastered on a smile and replied,
"It's still a little too early for Elvira-chan to drink it."
In response to my answer, Elvira pouted as if she were bored. It must be lonely for her to be the only one left out of the conversation.
Lately, Elvira's symptoms have been calm. It seems she's been having peaceful and enjoyable days with Marcedes-san. However, this tranquility is only temporary, as the demon king resides in her body. In order to fundamentally save Elvira, we must not stop here.
"Next time, when we go to that silver-haired woman's city, Laura will come with us, right?"
The silver-haired woman ―― that must be Diona.
I nodded. Then Elvira smiled with relief.
"That's reassuring."
I haven't told Elvira the details. I just told her that a treatment for her illness that has been tormenting her may have been found, and that's why we're going to Diona's city.
But Elvira is a smart girl. She probably realizes that there's something different lurking in her body than a normal illness. And also that this time's treatment is different from before. Yet, she pretends not to notice anything, all the while caring for Arnold and me.
She's a smart, kind girl. Regardless of reasons like her being the favorite character of "Last Brave" or the future hero of this world, I wanted to save the precious girl in front of me, without any of those considerations.
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