Chapter 90

"No, it's not related at all."

Yuril, who was asked point-blank, replied firmly.

However, unfortunately, while her expression remained as calm as ice, her ears couldn't maintain that composure.

The tips of her long ears were trembling slightly.

Oudor smiled and responded in a mischievous tone.

"Hmm, is that so? But from what I know, your man—"

"Wait, just a moment. Please, give me a little time."

Yuril turned and hurriedly called out to Thor.

"Um, Thor, I need to consult with you about something."

"Yes, what is it?"

Thor, who was called, handed the child he was peering at in the greenhouse to Sora and returned to the table.

"It's actually... ..."

The content of the consultation, whispered by the troubled Yuril, was that the lie had been exposed to Oudor, the owner of the apothecary.

She and Yuril had been friends for fifty years, and naturally, Oudor knew that Yuril didn't even have children, let alone grandchildren.

"I see. Is Oudor a person who keeps secrets?"

"Yes, generally she's only interested in plants, so she doesn't go around spreading things."

"That's harsh. I do have some interest in people, you know."

"Also, in the high priest's room earlier, she didn't say anything unnecessary, so I don't think she has any intention of doing so."

"In that case, it's better to come clean. Yuril, you wouldn't want to hide things from an important friend, right?"

"Really!?"

Judging from Yuril's rare candid evaluation, it was clear that they were very close friends.

While it was best to avoid the situation being discovered by temple personnel, sometimes it was unavoidable.

"Then, let's have a little reveal."

Thor said this and took a bouquet of blue-crown flowers from his backpack.

The flowers, which had been picked a few days ago, were already quite withered.

"I'm sorry to ask suddenly, but can you make a blood-stopping recovery potion with these?"

"Hmm, they're quite withered. I don't think I can make much with these."

Oudor answered and looked at Thor expectantly.

Thor nodded lightly and reached out to touch the withered petals.

—<Restoration>.

Immediately, the blue-crown flowers returned to their freshly picked state.

"...Rejuvenation? No, seeing the cut ends... this is more like rejuvenation."

Oudor, who showed almost no sign of surprise, took the restored flowers and examined them carefully.

Then, in a calm voice, she asked for details.

"Are there any conditions for the magic to activate?"

"Up to the point of interacting with a monster."

"I see, maybe because it was getting nutrients from the rock lizard. What are the limits? And is it only for living things?"

"I'll keep that confidential."

"Then, just one more. What about the dead?"

Despite her light tone, the alchemist looked at Thor seriously.

Recalling that anyone would have the same thought, Thor shook his head quietly.

"The realm of the dead is different. I remember... in the Central Kingdom, there was a god of time. In that lineage... Hmm, this is interesting. I'd like to borrow them for a few days to study."

Oudor's eyes sparkled with renewed interest as she looked back and forth between Yuril and Thor.

"Is that okay?"

"No, Thor is very busy."

"Then I'll give up. I'll accept the request. How about a 30% cut for me?"

"Sure, I'll leave it to you."

A blood-stopping recovery potion costs five silver coins each at the Adventurer's Guild.

Such a deal would be much more cost-effective than buying it.

"Well, I'm relieved. It seems Yuril's distrust of men has finally healed."

"What!?"

"Have you heard the story of this girl's past?"

"Just a little."

Yuril had once been part of a party of renowned heroes, but was removed due to a curse.

She was easily dismissed by her long-time comrades, which must have been a painful experience.

"It seems she was told some pretty harsh things and has been avoiding men ever since. But suddenly having a grandchild... hehe."

Recalling the conversation in the high priest's room, Oudor suddenly burst out laughing.

"Really, after avoiding men for so long, suddenly having a grandchild is just too much to keep from laughing."

"It's not like that! We've been seeing each other in secret!"

Yuril's ears turned bright red as she responded.

Noticing the lively conversation, Sora and the others joined in.

"What's going on? Thor?"

"Grandma Yuril, are you okay? Do you want to look at butterflies with Moo?"

"This girl, who always seems so proper, has a lot of hidden stories. Like before—"

"How many times have you told that story? Back then, Oudor—"

The pleasant conversation continued, and before they knew it, quite a bit of time had passed.

The sound of the evening bell signaled the end of the tea party.

"Oh, it's already this late. I can't go to the Temple of Justice now. I'll do Moo's part next time."

"Thank you for the interesting stories."

"Not at all, it was nice to chat for a while."

"You talked too much, already!"

"Can I come back to see the butterflies, Grandma Oudor?"

"Sure, anytime you want."

As she said this, Oudor, who was supposed to be seeing them off, started walking alongside Thor and the others.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"Yeah, the sun is setting, so I'm going to pick up the potted plants I left with Lady Mirilla."

"But the greenhouse is warmer. Why are you doing this?"

"That species needs to be exposed to the wind occasionally. It's not possible in the greenhouse. Well, see you later. Come back anytime."

"Sure, see you!"

The alchemist waved goodbye to Thor and the others, humming a light tune as she walked into the main building.

At the stairs in the small hall, she suddenly stopped.

Looking up at the handrail quietly, Oudor smiled again.

Her childhood friend, who used to be so rigid and inflexible, had willingly slid down this handrail.

Without addressing anyone in particular, the old woman muttered softly.

"......Feel the free wind as much as you can, Yuril."