Volume 1 Chapter 53-2 We Who Live in the Now
"That's right... It's been a while since we reported on the Dark Mage."
As for the battles with the guys, I've gone back to the castle to report directly to His Majesty the King.
After all, the existence of the Dark Mage is a critical issue that concerns not just one nation but spans multiple ones, especially since the Prime Minister was involved.
By the way, Lord Reichner is currently away from his seat.
He's the kind of Lord who knows how to read the room.
"That said, why is Lady Cecil headed to Sartzstadt?"
"Huh? I heard there was a festival, so I came incognito to participate."
Naturally, she said it in a way that sounded like 'of course,' making me involuntarily glance at Mr. Dietrich.
He just shook his head like he'd given up.
This guy really has a tough life...
"Well, while there is a festival, I'm also here to inspect the port. Since the country provided support, I need to confirm things."
"I see. I'll go along with that."
"It's the truth!"
When I teased her, Lady Cecil puffed up her cheeks in protest.
So cute.
Mr. Dietrich was also trying not to laugh.
"...However, just as the rumors said, it's normal for vegetables to be distributed in Sartzstadt. Everyone seems healthy, which is a good thing. It's probably thanks to Little Lana's fields, right?"
"...Yeah, that's true."
Somewhere in Lady Cecil's expectant eyes, I found myself reacting in a subtly awkward way.
The point is, this Her Highness the Princess has caught on that we're up to something in the fields.
Since Lady Cecil is a magician, she might even suspect the existence of the buried Magic Stone of Peul.
"I should mention this first, Lady Cecil. We can't create the same kind of fields as Lana and the others, you know?"
"Well, that's true. What a shame."
She doesn't seem that disappointed, though.
It's like she was expecting this answer.
However, I think I can say this part.
"But, Lene can make a potion to improve soil quality. We're actually using it in Sartzstadt. Right, Lene?"
"W-What!?"
Suddenly put on the spot, an elf perked up her ears.
Her face clearly said, "I didn't know we were talking about this now!"
"Oh, but it's impossible for Ms. Lene to create potions for every field across the kingdom all by herself, right?"
"Well, I have an idea about that. Lene, didn't you mention selling the recipe and application methods for soil improvement potions to the kingdom?"
"W-Well... I did have that conversation, but..."
As Lady Cecil wisely pointed out, even if Lene is a genius alchemist, there are limits to the number of potions she can create.
So, for soil improvement potions, which require quantity rather than quality, we decided to leave it to other alchemists.
However, since Lene had never sold a recipe before, she was showing some hesitation, so I thought this was a great opportunity to move the conversation forward.
"Exactly! If you could share that recipe and the method with us, it would lead to a significant reform in our agriculture. I'd really love to hear more details!"
"Y-Yeah..."
Lene, having resigned herself to the situation, had her ears drooping sadly.
* * *
As we left the lord's mansion, the 4 of us walked down the dark, enveloping night streets.
"Come on! Mr. Ryuuji! Don't just spring the topic of soil improvement on me out of nowhere!"
Ms. Lene was clearly annoyed.
While I could understand where she was coming from, if we just let it slide without selling the recipe, another Alchemist might stumble upon it eventually, and I needed Lene to be a bit more proactive.
"Now, now, Lene. Don't you think〈Altena〉 needs to take on more jobs in the future? If you just keep making the same medicine, you might just work yourself to death!"
"Well... that's true..."
Chastened by Minori, Lene's voice began to fade.
Yes, Lene and I had formally submitted the notice to the merchant guild to start〈Altena〉 so we could accept commissions from our workshop.
Still, the fact remained that if we didn't get any requests, there wouldn't be any work.
We could set up a shop and sell magic stones or potions, but the workshop's location wasn't great, and we couldn't mass-produce anything, so we decided against it.
While chatting with a general store might be worth considering, it would mean we'd have to regularly supply a set amount, which involves... a lot of complications.
"The Bern mine has reopened, and there's no problem with the distribution of magic stones. Plus, when Minori and the others have some free time, we can gather materials together... but we still don't have work. Well, for now, it's research time."
"Big Bro Ryuuji, you sure seem happy even with no work."
"Well, yeah. For craftsmen like us, the happiest moments are when we can create what we love."
Suzu looked up at me with a hint of joy in her eyes, and I gave her a thumbs-up.
Even though no money's coming in, we still have plenty from the tasks Her Highness the Princess entrusted us with, plus what we got from the merchant guild.
It's more than enough to live on for a few months.
All the members of our former party are gone, but we'll carry on and make a life here in Sartzstadt.
"First things first, we need work... Maybe we should make a sign for the workshop?"
"Yeah, yeah! I'll draw the picture!"
"Sis Minori's drawings look like they could summon an Evil God, so no go."
"What kind of picture are you thinking of, SuzSuz!?"
They all clamored, "Me, me!"
Having survived the past and now living joyfully, we walked home together, enjoying every step.
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