Chapter 88

The story of Zirconia.

In the activity report, a rough illustration of Zirconia is currently being displayed.

It might be easier to imagine the scene if you look at it first.

"Anyway, I want to continue from where we left off. I want to know about the medicine used in Isteria. I've heard from Barretta that medicine in this world is quite expensive..."

When Ichirou first came to this world, Barretta, who had mistaken Lipod for medicine in this world, said, "I am fully aware that even if I sold myself, it wouldn't be enough to buy even one dose of that medicine."

I don't know how much a rural woman would get for selling herself to a slave trader, but it wouldn't be a small amount like 50 or 100 al.

In response to Ichirou's question, Isaac, who had been listening to the conversation with Havel in silence, spoke up.

"Indeed, medicine is often expensive, but it varies by type. Medicines for wounds, gargles, and constipation are relatively cheap and can be found in grocery stores. However, medicines used to treat diseases are expensive because the herbs themselves are very rare, and the alchemy guild monopolizes their production. The cultivation of the herbs used to make medicine is also carried out in the herb gardens in the center of Isteria by the alchemy guild."

"Alchemy? ...Um, are they the people who use spells to cure diseases and cast curses?"

At the unfamiliar word "alchemy," Ichirou recalled a TV program he had seen in Japan about an unexplored tribe.

I remember that terms like shaman and priest were also used, but the only image that comes to mind is of them chanting mysterious spells and burning incense.

I also seem to have seen a scene where they boiled herbs to make medicine, but my memory is vague.

"That's right. The role of alchemists is to treat diseases using prayers and medicine, and to perform divination. Before a battle, they also use animal entrails to predict the outcome."

"Divination? ...Does it really work?"

"It's a fifty-fifty chance. It's not reliable."

With a keen interest, Ichirou asked, and Isaac answered with a wry smile.

"However, to boost morale, they are sometimes instructed to give good results in advance. It's not clear how many people believe it, but no one feels bad when they hear good results, so it might have a positive impact on morale. Well, most soldiers probably think that if there's time to listen to divination, they should spend it praying to Ormashior."

"Oh, is that how it is..."

Ichirou was curious about what a grand divination ceremony would be like, but it seemed to be a matter of hit or miss.

He also wanted to ask about Ormashior, but he thought it might seem strange to ask a god about a god, so he decided not to.

Incidentally, Ichirou didn't know, but Ormashior is the name of the god of battle.

The god of battle is believed to give courage and vitality to those who believe in him.

While not a powerful god who grants victory, the subtle blessing of giving courage and vitality makes it more approachable and widely loved even by those outside the military.

"Therefore, the main role of alchemists is to treat diseases. I will prepare a report summarizing the types of medicines and prayers, so please review it when you have the time."

"Understood. Thank you."

Regarding hygiene issues, the well water problem needs to be addressed first, so the decision on whether to deal with medicines will come later.

It might be several months before that happens, but it's better to gather information in advance.

After that, Ichirou and the others continued to chat around the campfire for a while.

The next night.

Ichirou and his party arrived at the quiet and still Nelson estate square.

Ichirou got off the carriage with a Boston bag in hand, and Zirconia came out to greet them from the mansion.

Zirconia was wearing her usual loose, light pink tunic.

It was already 1:00 AM.

Since Zirconia and Ichirou usually finish their work in the office between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM, Zirconia must have been waiting for Ichirou to return.

However, they often continue working in their rooms or stay in the office after returning to their rooms, so she might have just been awake because of work.

"Welcome back, Kazura. Thank you for your hard journey."

Zirconia greeted Ichirou, who was stretching his back.

Behind Ichirou, Marie was getting off the carriage with Havel's help.

Marie got off the carriage and ran to the cargo wagon with Havel to unload the cargo.

At the cargo wagon, Isaac and the servants were already busy unloading the cargo.

"Thank you. We managed to return on schedule. Ah, I'm so tired..."

"Hehe, it seems like it was tough. Did your research go well?"

"Yes, I found everything I needed. I also brought various tools, so I think they will be very useful."

Zirconia smiled happily at Ichirou's response.

"Well, that's good. But you must be tired from being in the carriage for so long. The bath is ready, so please go in."

"Oh, that's great. Have you already taken a bath, Zirconia?"

"Huh? No, I haven't yet."

"If so, use this when you take a bath. It will help you relax."

Ichirou took a paper bag containing bath products from his Boston bag and handed it to Zirconia.

The items inside were bath salts, shampoo, conditioner, and the same type of soap used in Gricia Village.

"What is this?"

Zirconia looked puzzled as she examined the items in the paper bag.

Ichirou took the plastic case of bath salts from the paper bag Zirconia was holding.

The label on the large case read, "Shinshu Hakugou Onsen no Moto."

"Well, this is called bath salts. You mix it with the water before you take a bath. It has a nice scent, and it warms your body and helps you relax. The amount to use is about..."

Ichirou took out the items and explained how to use them while Zirconia nodded in understanding.

After explaining all the items, Zirconia hugged the bag and smiled happily.

"Thank you so much. I'll use them tonight."

"You're welcome. I hope you like them... Oh, by the way, can you come to my room after your bath? I have something else to give you."

The paper bag he gave her did not contain moisturizing gel or other beauty products.

Since Zirconia couldn't read Japanese, Ichirou thought he would have to show her how to use them, so he didn't put them in the bag.

It would be a good time to explain the use of the beauty products after her bath.

Ichirou had read the instructions with Barretta in Gricia Village, so he thought he could manage.

He might need to review the instructions while waiting for Zirconia to come to his room.

"...Me?"

Zirconia asked with a surprised look at Ichirou's request.

"Huh? Yes, you."

Ichirou tilted his head, not understanding Zirconia's reaction.

"O, okay..."

Zirconia nodded, her expression slightly stiff as she held the paper bag to her chest.

Ichirou, feeling a bit puzzled, went into the mansion to take a bath.

After his bath, Ichirou returned to his room, connected the large freezer to the generator, and quickly transferred the frozen food from the cooler.

He is now sitting on the bed, reading the instructions for the beauty products.

On the table in front of him are a thermos of hot water he made in the kitchen, a glass pot with herbs, and a wooden box containing the beauty products.

The beauty products in the wooden box have been taken out of their packaging.

After reading the instructions for a while, there was a knock on the door.

"It's Zirconia."

"Come in."

When Ichirou called out, the door opened, and Zirconia came in.

Zirconia was wearing a beige dress that reached her calves, probably her nightgown.

Her expression seemed a bit gloomy, as if something was bothering her.

"Sorry to keep you waiting..."

"Ah, please sit down. I'll make some tea."

Ichirou called out to Zirconia, who was standing at the entrance, and got up from the bed to go to the table, picking up the thermos.

Zirconia nodded and, for some reason, walked to the bed and sat down.

"(Why did she sit on the bed?)"

Ichirou felt a strange unease from the completely different atmosphere coming from Zirconia.

But he thought it might just be his imagination and turned his back to her to pour the water into the glass pot.

"How was the bath salt I gave you? Did it warm your body?"

"Yes, it really warmed my body and helped me relax."

"That's good to hear."

"Yes."

"..."

"..."

"Sh, shampoo and conditioner? How were they?"

"Yes, my hair felt smoother than ever and was very easy to wash. The soap also had a nice scent."

"That's good."

"Yes."

"..."

"..."

The conversation faltered, and silence filled the room.

The only sound was the ticking of the analog clock on the bedside table.

"Here, the tea is ready. It's hot, so be careful..."

Ichirou said this as he turned around with a cup of herbal tea.

He froze when he saw Zirconia's expression on the bed.

Zirconia was huddled up in extreme tension, looking up at Ichirou with an expression that seemed about to cry.

"...K, Kazura, I... I..."

"Y, yes?"

Ichirou replied with a high-pitched voice.

Zirconia averted her eyes from Ichirou and looked down at her fists, which she was tightly gripping on her knees.

"I... I've never done this before..."

"..."

"Please... be gentle..."

"Wha!?"

Zirconia, trembling and shedding tears, made Ichirou panic. He quickly put the cup on the table and rushed to her.

Zirconia flinched as Ichirou approached.

Ichirou knelt down and reached out to touch Zirconia's shoulder but quickly withdrew his hand when he saw her frightened expression.

"Why are you crying all of a sudden! And I didn't mean it that way at all!"

"But... but..."

Zirconia, still looking frightened, looked at Ichirou, who was kneeling in front of her, with tears in her eyes.

"Oh... I see, I get it, it's my fault..."

Ichirou recalled his conversation with Zirconia in the square and regretted his thoughtless words.

Asking a woman to come to his room late at night, especially after a bath, was an unreasonable request.

He had become desensitized to such things because he and Zirconia had worked together late into the night many times recently.

While Zirconia's misunderstanding seemed excessive, considering the situation, Ichirou was at fault.

First, Zirconia was already crying in fear, so the only option was to apologize profusely.

"I'm sorry for causing the misunderstanding. I didn't call you to my room to be your... partner or anything. I just had something I wanted to give you."

"R, really...?"

"Yes..."

"..."

"..."

An awkward silence fell over the room again.

Neither of them spoke, and time seemed to stretch endlessly.

The ticking of the clock was the only sound in the room.

It was more than just awkward.

Zirconia was the first to break the silence.

"S, sorry. I... I wouldn't ask you to do such a thing. There are many beautiful girls in the mansion... I was so foolish..."

"No, no, I think you're beautiful too! You have a warm presence, and you're so soothing!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Silence again.

"Um... I'm... sorry?"

Ichirou's attempt to smooth things over seemed to have backfired, and Zirconia made another surprising statement.

"N, no, it's fine. You can go back now."

"O, okay..."

Zirconia, swaying, got up from the bed.

"R, really, I'm so sorry. I'm very sorry."

"No, it's completely my fault. I'm really sorry."

Both of them bowed deeply, their heads almost touching.

Zirconia gently lifted her head and said, "Excuse me," before quietly leaving the room.

Ichirou, left alone, watched Zirconia leave and then squatted down, holding his head.

"...Man, how am I supposed to face Zirconia tomorrow? This is ridiculous..."

He had heard some concerning statements from Zirconia, but at the moment, he was too overwhelmed to think about them.

Even though it was a misunderstanding, the fact that he had been rejected so strongly, even considering that Zirconia was married, was a significant blow.

"...I'll go to bed."

Ichirou stood up with a vacant expression and headed to the bed.

He collapsed onto the bed and let out a deep sigh from the bottom of his heart.

In the activity report, the remaining amount of Ichirou's money at the end of chapter 87 is currently being displayed.

There is also other information being posted.