Chapter 149 The Fruits Of Training
With Diona and Marta supporting me, I faced off against the slow-moving beast-type monster. My two friends had already injured the monster, and it was just one hit away from defeat.
In this state, we wanted to try something. That was――
'Alright, Water Spirit! Show us the fruits of your training!'
At Wentle-sama's words, the Water Spirit gazed intently at the arrow I held. Then, it started to hum softly.
Water droplets began to seep into the arrow, and soon a thick membrane formed around it, encasing it in water――and solidified.
"It's solidified Laura, hurry up now!"
Marta's panicked voice prompted me to quickly set the arrow. As I tried to take aim, Diona gently pulled my arm back to stop me.
"Before that, let's infuse it with the power of light――"
Diona touched the arrow's tip with her finger and closed her eyes. Just like when we created the prototype, she was going to imbue it with the power of The Drinking Water of the Spirits.
In an instant, the arrow glowed brightly. This reaction was familiar. It was the same as when we made the prototype――meaning we had successfully infused it with the power of light.
"It's glowing! It's glowing!"
Marta, who hadn't seen this before, exclaimed in excitement at the unfamiliar sight. As she did, my tension eased a bit, and I focused on the monster in front of me.
I narrowed my eyes, pulled the trigger, and the arrow flew straight towards the monster――and pierced its body. In that instant, several branches of light burst forth from the arrow and spread throughout the monster's body. The monster let out a scream and collapsed, and a few seconds later, its carcass crumbled away like sand.
――We defeated it. Success!
"I'm so glad we got to see it take shape before heading to the tower!"
Marta wrapped her arms around me and Diona from behind.
I felt a slight sense of relief in my arms, which had been wrapped around, and smiled softly as I added my hands.
"Thanks, Diona, Marta."
Diona smiled and nodded slightly, while Marta nodded greatly. It was all thanks to these 2, who had been patient and supportive. And then—
I gently released Marta's arm and turned around. There, I saw the water spirit, who was breathing heavily with its tongue out.
"And thanks to you too."
I approached and stroked its head. Then, it called out my name, "Laura," and let out a happy snort.
I looked up and bowed my head to Wentle-sama, who was wandering around nearby.
"Thanks, Wentle-sama too."
'Heh, you're welcome!'
Wentle-sama said with a carefree tone, as if tilting his head. It was all thanks to Wentle-sama's guidance that we had made it this far. I was truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.
But I wondered what I could do to repay them, and Diona spoke up beside me.
"The sun is setting, so let's head back soon."
"Yeah, the guys should be done with their shopping too."
I picked up the water spirit and we headed back to the inn with the 3 of us. When we arrived, the guys who had finished shopping welcomed us back, but one face was missing.
Arnold, who had said he was going to synthesize a healing potion at the Platonovena branch, hadn't returned yet.
"Hey, where's Arnold?"
"He hasn't come back yet, it seems."
Vake replied while sipping a warm cup of tea.
We decided to wait for him to return on his own, but I, who had wanted to greet Vilma-san at the Platonovena branch, hesitantly spoke up.
"Then I'll go meet him. I also want to greet the people at the Platonovena branch."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No need, you can rest."
I turned down Lukas's offer and decided to head to the Platonovena branch on my own, wanting to take a break from everything. As I approached the pure white building, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me, and I stepped inside the branch.
"Good evening..."
Since there was no receptionist at the Platonovena branch, I called out in a loud voice in the empty entrance hall. It seemed like someone from the branch heard my voice, as they peeked out from around the corner.
The person with fiery red hair was none other than Royal Alchemist Vilma-san, whom I had been wanting to meet.
As soon as she saw my face, her expression brightened, and she hurried over to me with a big smile.
"Laura-kun, long time no see!"
"Long time no see, Vilma-san."
Vilma-san took my hand and beamed with joy, clearly happy to see me again. I was happy too.
"You look well, that's great. Are you here to see Arnold?"
"Yes, I am."
I nodded, and Vilma-san pulled my arm, leading me to walk with her.
"Arnold is in the middle of synthesizing. I'll take you to him."
"I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy..."
"Don't worry about it, I'm happy to help."
Vilma-san led me to the synthesis room. After passing through several doors, we arrived at the room, but unfortunately, Arnold was nowhere to be found.
"Oh, he's not here. Then... maybe he's at the botanical garden."
Vilma-san muttered to herself, stroking her chin.
I also took a glance around the synthesis room and noticed that there were more people than before. The last time I visited this branch, there was only Vilma-san and one other man. But now, there were 2 women I had never seen before, silently working away. They must be alchemists from the city.
I called out to Vilma-san as she led me to the botanical garden.
"The number of alchemists has increased, hasn't it?"
"Ah, yes! After that attack incident, more people from the city wanted to learn synthesis, and these 2 are really talented and helpful."
Vilma-san was beaming with a smile. As Arnold's instructor, she must be an excellent leader.
I couldn't help but feel envious, thinking, "I wish I could receive guidance from Vilma-san too." When the Royal Alchemist teaches synthesis methods to the city's alchemists, I wonder if they need some kind of qualification. Like a teaching license?
If that's the case, I should get that qualification in the future. It's essential for supporting the city's alchemists.
I'll ask Vilma-san, who has experience.
"Um, do the city's alchemists need a special license to receive guidance from the Royal Alchemist? Like a teaching permit or something..."
"Yeah? You don't need any special qualifications. I only have the Royal Alchemist's license."
I felt relieved by her answer. However, if I want to become a teacher, I need to study even harder than before. Teaching the wrong synthesis method would be a huge problem.
I made a secret vow to study harder once my journey is over, and then,
"Is there someone you want to teach?"
Vilma-san stopped and asked me.
I panicked, shook my head, and then slowly nodded.
"It's not a specific person, but I've been thinking lately about supporting alchemists who are struggling in small towns and villages."
I could casually talk about it with my childhood friend Lukas, but it was still too embarrassing to discuss with the respected Vilma-san. Vilma-san wouldn't think that way, but I knew I might be laughed at as a "clueless little girl."
Ahaha, I tried to laugh it off, and then,
"...I see."
I jumped in surprise at the voice behind me.
I quickly turned around. There, as expected, was Arnold.
――Did he hear our conversation?
"Ah, Arnold-san!?"
"Arnold, you were here? I was worried since you were late, so I came to pick you up."
While I was surprised and flustered, Vilma-san approached Arnold and started a natural conversation.
"Thanks, Vilma-san, for your guidance."
"It's nothing, I'm just happy to help you two."
"No need to be polite."
"You're not being honest, are you?"
After finishing their brief conversation, Arnold and Vilma-san turned around to face me. I felt like they were calling me with their eyes, and I hurriedly closed the distance between us.
"Sorry about that, Ampère."
"It's okay, it's okay."
After that, the 3 of us chatted for a bit, but since it was getting late, we decided to disperse early.
On our way back to the inn, we didn't have much to talk about, and we walked in silence beside each other. I stole a glance at Arnold's profile, but he looked just like his usual self.
I wonder if he didn't hear what Vilma-san said about my "future"...
"Will you visit the alchemists in the village or town in the future?"
――I had a moment of expectation, but it seemed like he did hear it.
Well, that's how it is, I thought, feeling a bit disappointed, and I responded as usual.
"Was that about what you discussed with Vilma-san earlier?"
"That's right, Arnold-san."
Arnold nodded and looked at me. He was clearly waiting for me to continue.
I didn't want to talk about it at this stage, especially since Arnold is a realist, but I reluctantly opened my mouth. He's not the kind of person who would laugh at others' dreams, so I was just feeling a bit embarrassed.
"It's still a vague dream, and I don't know if it's even possible..."
"You can do it."
I was taken aback by his immediate response.
――Do I really think I can do it? Does Arnold think so?
"...But, you know, there's the Royal Alchemist's job and all..."
"If we're going to raise the level of the country's alchemists, Kasper-san would be overjoyed. He might even ask someone other than Ampère for help."
"I see..."
I don't have confidence in myself, so I can't imagine it. No matter how much Arnold says, I don't think the conversation will go well. But ――if that's the case, it's fine, I think to myself in the corner of my heart.
The silence falls once again. I thought I had ended the conversation with this silence, but to my surprise, Arnold opened his mouth and restarted the conversation.
"But it's good, isn't it?"
"Huh?"
I don't understand what's "good" about it, so I look up at Arnold. Then, he stops in his tracks and looks down at me with a slightly softer expression than usual.
"It's more like Laura Ampère to go out and guide many alchemists rather than synthesizing in the cramped synthesis room of the royal castle. It's imaginable."
――What does "like Laura Ampère" mean?
To me, as a Royal Alchemist, it's more "like" me to synthesize healing potions in the royal castle's synthesis room, following orders. I'm too embarrassed to say it myself, but I'm a serious person. I'm not a lively kid who runs around outside. So, if I'm told that going out and doing as I please is "like Laura Ampère," I might be happy, but I'm confused.
What kind of image does Arnold have of Laura Ampère?
"Is the Laura Ampère in your mind like that? I'm trying to be serious, though..."
Arnold starts walking. I follow him, half a step behind.
This time, without looking at me, Arnold opens his mouth, still looking ahead.
"You're the kind of person who runs around for others, aren't you?"
――Ah, so that's what Arnold meant by "like." It's not about being unable to stay still indoors or doing new things.
Indeed, from Arnold's perspective, I might have the image of being a kind junior who runs around to help my his sister, Elvira. Indeed, I did have the thought of wanting to save Elvira, but that's because I had memories of my past life, and I was able to do that much for this world...
The evaluation from Arnold is honestly an overestimation. But the fact that Arnold thinks that way is simply delightful.
"You're overpraising me. But... thank you."
I look up at Arnold and smile. Then, he too, shifts his gaze to me, slightly relaxing his facial expression.
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