Chapter 14

"Alright, I've completed the legendary quality Cure Potion that can cure most diseases, but how should I test it?"

"From what I can determine, there's no problem at all, but I can't just give it to Lord Kyle without testing it."

"That's right. But all the villagers are in perfect health."

"Does the Stamina Potion also have a preventive effect against diseases?"

"In reality, it also supplements nutrition, so it's certain that it makes one less prone to illness."

"Hmm. Is it enough to just confirm its safety?"

"I tried it last night, and so far, there's been no change."

Thanks to Reifan and Persia's efforts, we easily obtained the herbs from the swamp and were able to create the Cure Potion. However, I couldn't just give it to Kyle right away, so I was consulting with Reifan.

Bang!

The door of the Provisional Production Guild headquarters slammed open, and Persia burst in.

"Craft! The potion is ready!?"

"Yeah, did you hear it from Jitaro?"

During breakfast, I asked Jitaro if anyone was sick because the potion was completed. There was no particular reason to keep it a secret.

"Yeah, it's done, but we're discussing how to test it."

"O-Oh, I see... Indeed, that's important."

"I've confirmed that it's safe to drink."

"Is this potion for me?"

The voice that came from the entrance was Kyle's.

"Lord Kyle!"

"Hey. Good morning."

"Yes, good morning. Mr. Craft, Mr. Reifan."

Kyle entered the guild hall from behind Persia, with Mina and Alphard accompanying him.

"So, this new potion was indeed for me."

"Lord Kyle..."

"Yeah, that's right. But I was planning to make the Cure Potion soon anyway."

It's not a lie. It's just that the main reason was for Kyle.

"Thank you, Mr. Craft."

I was a bit worried about how he would react, but I felt relieved when I saw Kyle bow slowly.

"Then, I'll take it right away."

"“Lord Kyle!?”"

Persia and Alphard lifted their heads simultaneously.

"Mr. Reifan, is there any problem with this potion?"

"From what I can determine, it's safe. The quality is top-notch. However..."

"Then there's no problem at all. I trust Mr. Craft."

"No! Lord Kyle, that's—"

"Are you worried about its effectiveness based on the previous potions?"

"That's..."

"It might be too effective..."

Is that a concern! Persia, you were running around like crazy thanks to the Stamina Potion yesterday!

...Wait? Is being too effective really a problem?

No, no, that's not it. A high effectiveness is a good thing.

"From what I've experienced, it doesn't seem to have any negative effects."

"Then it's safe."

Kyle smiled and, without hesitation, drank the potion that was placed there.

"“Ah!!”"

The two, who were momentarily stunned by Kyle's smile, couldn't help but exclaim.

"Hmm... Wow! It's amazing! My body feels so much better!"

"Wow!"

"That's great... Really great!"

"Congratulations, Lord Kyle!"

"Yes! Thanks to everyone!"

...

I watched Kyle, who clenched his fists and jumped on the spot, intently.

"What's wrong? Craft?"

"Craft?"

Reifan and Persia noticed my state and turned to look at me. My expression must have been quite severe.

"Kyle... stop lying."

"…Huh?"

His attitude clearly showed his discomfort, and he forced a smile at me. Alphard and Persia immediately understood the situation.

"Lord Kyle!? What do you mean!?"

"Craft! Did the potion fail!?"

"N-No! I really feel much better...!"

"Stop it. I'll get angry if you continue."

"You're already angry, right?"

Ignoring Reifan, I stood next to Kyle.

"I know you're trying to be considerate, but it's counterproductive. Tell the truth. Or do you intend to spread false information about this potion? Ultimately, it will inconvenience the villagers."

"Ah..."

Kyle's shoulders drooped rapidly, as if he had given up.

"Lord Kyle, then—"

"What do you mean!? Craft!"

"I always thought there was a fifty-fifty chance that the Cure Potion would work for Kyle."

"What?"

"The Cure Potion can cure diseases... like a cold or tetanus, infectious diseases."

"Is there a problem with that?"

"I heard Kyle's illness is congenital. Diseases are generally caused by external factors. I was doubtful whether it would affect something that was there from the beginning. And you've probably seen doctors before, right?"

"Ah..."

Persia seemed to understand.

"So, Lord Kyle will always be like this!?"

"Calm down, Persia!"

"I have some thoughts, but can you give me some time? Kyle, with the Stamina Potion, you should be fine for a while, right?"

"Yes! Compared to before, I feel much better!"

"Is that the truth?"

"Of course! I won't lie anymore!"

"Alright. Then let's call it a day."

"...Craft, I'm sorry. I lost my composure."

"Don't worry about it. It's a natural reaction. More importantly, take care of Kyle and the village."

"Sure! Leave it to me!"

As everyone left the guild, Reifan sat down in front of me.

"I didn't expect the legendary Cure Potion to be ineffective."

"That's because none of us can diagnose. Even the doctors the border lord can call can't determine the cause. It was likely a special illness."

"Ah, I see."

"During my adventurer days, I heard from a priest with a clerical emblem that healing magic is almost ineffective against congenital diseases."

"That's true."

"It's not widely known, but I had a glimmer of hope that this highly effective Cure Potion might work."

"Okay. So, what do you plan to do now?"

"I have some ideas. But first, let's focus on the village's development."

"Right... With the Stamina Potion, Lord Kyle doesn't seem to be in bad shape."

"To put it bluntly, it's an incredibly effective nutritional supplement. I think it can significantly suppress the symptoms of the disease."

"Okay. So, what do you have in mind for the village's development?"

"I'll try to recruit a branch of the Adventurer's Guild."

"Huh?"

"The necessary facilities for the village's defense... in this case, a fence. And a shop. These were originally planned, right? Also, an inn. A cheap one where adventurers can stay long-term."

"O-Okay. But why?"

"Probably... we'll need a significant amount of combat power eventually."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Actually, there's a potion that can definitely cure Kyle's illness."

"Really!?"

"But the ingredients are a bit special. To obtain them, we'll definitely have to fight monsters."

"I see. So, what kind of monster is it?"

I opened the book of the Production Guild to the page describing legendary materials. I pointed to one of the ultra-rare materials that have been confirmed to exist.

"The main habitat of this one is—"

Reifan followed the text and swallowed hard. The illustration next to the herb showed a fearsome creature.

"The dragon's habitat."

I will put all my efforts into preparing to obtain this. Just wait a little longer, Kyle.