Chapter 66 Report
On the day I returned to the royal capital, I visited Kasper-san's synthesis room with a report on my expedition training. The report was just a single sheet of paper, detailing where I went and what results I achieved. Reports on The Drinking Water of the Spirits will be ongoing from now on.
Kasper-san welcomed me with a smile as I appeared with the report.
"Welcome back, Laura-chan. And congratulations!"
"Thank you. I really appreciate all the support you've given me."
Kasper-san shook his head with a smile. Seeing his relaxed smile, I felt relieved to be back. However, I noticed darker circles under his eyes than usual, making me worry if I had caused him trouble with this incident. Knowing he had pushed himself for my sake, I felt relieved to bring back results that matched his efforts.
"No, the thanks should go to you. Thanks to Laura-chan and the discovery of 'The Drinking Water of the Spirits,' we can now save even more lives. That's for sure."
As I was being looked at directly, I felt a bit embarrassed but nodded in response. I wasn't used to receiving direct praise for my achievements.
However, I also felt a sense of pride. While I didn't think of it as my own accomplishment, it was the first time my memories had been useful in this way. Given the situation, like being in a strong new game state, I hoped to continue handling things like this in the future, but there were still many obstacles to overcome.
"Just one thing about the synthesis method..."
As I was about to report the weighty matter, the door to the room was knocked. Kasper-san casually responded, "Come in," and the door opened. Standing there was—
"Ah, Arnold."
It was Arnold. I had planned to report to him separately later, but I didn't expect him to come to us.
After glancing at me, he stood silently next to Kasper-san.
"Now, Laura-chan. Please tell us more about The Drinking Water of the Spirits, to the extent you understand."
Staring into Kasper-san's purple eyes and Arnold's black eyes, I involuntarily straightened my back.
Their expressions were serious. I cleared my throat and spoke, my voice sounding more tense and rigid than usual.
"The Drinking Water of the Spirits exists within a barrier created by the spirits themselves. Unless the spirits invite you with their own will, you can never reach it. We were fortunate to be invited by the spirits and make this discovery."
"What are the criteria for being invited?"
Arnold immediately questioned. I glanced up at him, meeting his sternly narrowed black eyes.
"It seems the spirits like humans. Specifically, the great spirit, who has now become a decaying giant tree and returned to nature, seemed to favor creatures like humans and animals. Due to their nature, they were said to invite and help people who were injured or seriously ill. We were also helped by the spirits when we were injured."
Kasper-san nodded with interest at my answer, while Arnold pondered with his hand on his chin.
"Once invited into the barrier, can you enter again?"
Arnold asked another question. I nodded in response.
"Yes. The spirits will guide you. I have already entered the barrier three times."
――Even when I came alone, I tried to ask Lukas through intermediaries to guide me to the location of The Drinking Water of the Spirits. Whether that request will be fulfilled is still uncertain. I might have to rely on Lukas's help frequently, but even so, I should be able to go to that place.
As I confirmed Kasper-san's relieved expression out of the corner of my eye in response to my answer, I continued speaking.
"First of all, The Drinking Water of the Spirits is something that the Great Spirit used to directly share power with the spirits, who are like its children. When the Great Spirit was alive, it would directly share its power, but after returning to nature, it seems to be sharing it through spring water..."
Even with my hesitant explanation, it seemed like Kasper-san and Arnold understood it well. "It's like giving milk to a child," Kasper-san expressed in an easy-to-understand way.
"The basic effect is healing. However, the synthesis method has not been found yet. We tried synthesizing it with a healing potion that has a variety of effects, but it seems like the power of The Drinking Water of the Spirits is too strong and gets overshadowed."
"I see..."
It wasn't just my imagination that Kasper-san's eyes briefly sparkled. He seemed like the type of person who gets excited about unknown synthesis. The image of my mentor, who was a similar type of synthesis maniac, came to mind.
After finishing the explanation, I closed my mouth and looked up at Kasper-san, trying to gauge his reaction. He seemed to understand and spoke up.
"Laura-chan, can we have some of The Drinking Water of the Spirits you brought back to try some experiments?"
"Yes, of course. We have summarized the synthesis methods we tried in a notebook. Feel free to use it."
Kasper-san's request was like a wish come true. Eager to borrow their power, we ended the training session early.
Handing the notebook with the synthesis methods to Kasper, he immediately opened it. His purple eyes started moving busily. At times, he would rest one hand on his chin and mutter something under his breath.
Seeing Kasper-san's behavior for the first time, I was surprised. I realized I was seeing Kasper-san not just as a superior but as an alchemist. Despite his casual demeanor, he must be quite talented. I didn't know his exact age, but judging from his appearance, he was probably in his late twenties to early thirties. Yet, he held a position overseeing young Royal Alchemist trainees and assistants. He seemed like a rising star.
If I had the chance, I would like to receive guidance from Kasper-san in the future. Lost in my thoughts, I timidly spoke up to the absorbed Kasper-san.
"Um, Kasper-san...?"
There was no response. His gaze was fixed on the notebook.
I thought I could leave since I had finished my report, but then Arnold, standing next to Kasper-san, let out a sigh and started moving towards the door.
As he reached for the doorknob, he glanced back at me.
"At this point, he probably won't hear us anymore. Let's go."
"Uh, oh, okay. Excuse us, Kasper-san."
Prompted to leave, I exited. I tried speaking again just to be sure, but there was still no response.
It was surprising how he could get so absorbed in his own world suddenly, but in that state, maybe I could borrow his wisdom and skills.
Quietly hopeful, I called out to Arnold, who was a few steps ahead, as I wanted to discuss something about Elvira regarding The Drinking Water of the Spirits.
"Um, Arnold-san. I have something to discuss. Could we take Elvira-chan to the source of The Drinking Water of the Spirits?"
Arnold nodded without hesitation while facing forward.
"I was thinking the same thing. I'll adjust the schedule."
After hearing the story of 'The Drinking Water of the Spirits,' Arnold seemed lost in thought, but it appeared he had come to the same conclusion as me. While I appreciated his quick storytelling, I also started to consider that I might not have enough time to prepare for what's to come.
Suddenly, a few steps ahead, Arnold stopped in his tracks. Just as I managed to avoid crashing into his back and stopped my feet, a simple envelope was presented before me. I instantly recognized it as a letter, but before I could confirm who it was from or what kind of letter it was, Arnold spoke up.
"It's from Berta-san. For me and you. Sorry, but I read it first."
――Berta. That name belonged to my mentor.
A letter from my mentor addressed to me and Arnold. As I heard this, memories of finding her notes in her study at home flooded my mind.
Along with the memory of her sad, red eyes as she asked for a little time. My heart suddenly began to beat rapidly. I bit my lower lip and took the offered letter. Before I could even open the envelope, Arnold spoke again.
"It seems she will be coming here soon. And she wants to talk to us about her grandchild who passed away from the Self-destruction disease."
Her grandchild who passed away from the Self-destruction disease.
Written on the envelope that slipped from my hand in surprise were the words, 'To my dear disciple.'
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