Chapter 33

"An apprentice!? Is that alright!?"

"Of course, there are conditions."

"What are they?"

If I can become your apprentice, I'll do anything that won't inconvenience Kyle!

"I've heard from His Excellency that you created a secret potion. Is that true?"

"Yes!"

"I see. Listen, this is just a test. I'm asking to see if you're worthy of becoming my apprentice. So... the ingredients for the... potion..."

"Oh, I have them all summarized here."

"...Is that so?"

I took out the parchment where I had summarized the ingredients and the method, thinking someone might ask. I had expected the Margrave of Orthros to ask, but it makes sense that Professor Jabeel would be the one to handle it.

I handed over the parchment with a smile.

"You've written down the secret recipe!?"

"Yes, is there something wrong with that?"

"N-no, it's fine. Let me read it."

For a while, Professor Jabeel pored over the parchment, muttering to himself. He's really enthusiastic!

"Hmm...! So the alchemical potion... this combination! But it requires an incredible amount of magic... The ingredients... if I ask His Excellency... no, have you already used them all up...?"

While muttering, Professor Jabeel read the parchment over and over, scrutinizing it closely. His concentration is amazing. People who achieve great things really are different.

I walked around the room to avoid disturbing him.

When I saw the rare books by Professor Jabeel on the bookshelf, I almost shouted.

Oh wow! This is the latest volume that has a two-year waiting list for a copy!

I was planning to reserve it at the bookstore in Gandar after I finished a section. Even Akindo couldn't get it.

After a while, the professor finally looked up, looking somewhat excited.

"I forgot to ask one thing. Did you use this elixir to cure Lord Kyle's illness?"

"Oh, yes. Lord Kyle... he proved its effectiveness on his own body when I presented it. He's a brave person."

"Hmm. Did he fully recover?"

"Yes. The Margrave's personal doctor will check him later, but I believe he has fully recovered."

"Then, can I confirm it later?"

"Huh?"

"No, never mind."

His enthusiastic expression had faded, and he now had a gentle, calm demeanor. I remember, Professor Jabeel is also a renowned doctor. He might examine Kyle later.

"Alright, I'll accept you as my apprentice!"

"Thank you! But... there's one thing..."

"What is it?"

"If possible, I'd like to live nearby and learn from you, but I have responsibilities in the frontier village..."

"I see... How many of my books do you have?"

"Well, this one and this one... and this one."

I pointed to the books on the shelf.

"In that case, I'll give you a special copy of a manuscript you don't have. That should be enough for you to study for now."

"Really!? Is that okay!?"

"But, that alone isn't enough..."

Professor Jabeel swallowed cutely.

"Are you planning to write a paper on this potion?"

"Huh? No, I haven't even thought about it."

"What!? What do you mean? ...Oh, I see. You didn't have a teacher, did you?"

"Yes. I'm ashamed to admit, but I'm self-taught."

"Hmm, then you don't know the format of a paper, where to submit it, or how much detail to include about the ingredients, do you?"

"Yes."

"I see..."

The professor folded his arms again.

"Alright! Then I'll write the paper for you!"

"Really!?"

"But, in that case, it will be a joint paper, including verification and other aspects, with my name on it..."

"Joint paper!?"

"Uh, yes! I know you might not agree, but this is for the advancement of humanity..."

"Such an honor! To have my name on a paper with Professor Jabeel! Is it really okay to receive such an honor!?"

"Ah! Yes! If you agree, I don't mind doing it!"

"Of course! Professor! Please, I'd be honored!"

I bowed repeatedly, overwhelmed with joy.

A joint paper with Professor Jabeel?

What a reward!!!

"Alright! It's for my apprentice!"

"Thank you!"

I shook hands with the professor enthusiastically. We then discussed all the secret potions until dawn.

During the discussion, I asked the professor something on a whim.

"Professor, about that wooden automaton, could you teach me how to make it?"

"Hmm? I see, you thought I'd teach you all the secrets, didn't you?"

"Huh? What did you say?"

"No, it's fine. I'm already bored with that research. It's only half-written, but it contains all the necessary details. I'll lend it to you specially."

The professor hopped up and tried to pull a thick book from the top shelf. After I pointed it out, I pulled it down. It seemed to be a handwritten research book by the professor.

"Is it really okay!?"

"Yes. But don't show it to anyone else. And if you come up with any new techniques..."

"Of course! I'll tell you everything I discover! I'll return the book with my research results!"

"Good. I'm counting on you."

"Yes!"

I see, the wooden automaton was only half-finished because the professor was busy. Now that I've been entrusted with this research, I'll give it my all!

Thus, I returned to the Margrave's residence, carrying the book with a satisfied smile.

◆

"Craft... Craft?"

A voice called out to me, dazed.

"Uh-huh."

"Can you wake up?"

"Ah, Reifan. Sorry, I didn't sleep much..."

I slowly sat up, my head still foggy. Despite the luxurious bed, I had slept poorly.

"Good morning... Ah!"

For some reason, Reifan screamed.

"What!? Why are you naked!?"

"Huh...?"

I recalled in a daze. Right, I felt guilty sleeping in this fancy bed with my clothes on, so I took them all off. I thought it was okay to be topless, but... oh, I was almost showing my bottom. Close call!

"Turn around for a moment."

"I'm already turned around!"

I crawled out of the bed and reached for the clothes thrown on a chair, then noticed something.

"...Mayna, move over."

"...Hmm."

Mayna, sitting on the chair, looked at me intently as I dressed. I don't mind being seen by a child.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Okay. Um, were you at Lord Orthros' place all night?"

"No, after explaining, I went to Professor Jabeel's place."

"Really? Jabeel, the famous alchemist?"

"Yep. Hey, listen! I became his apprentice!"

"Really!? An apprentice?"

"Yep! Isn't that amazing?"

"Um, yeah. Probably."

"What do you mean, 'probably'? Your enthusiasm is low."

"I've never seen you this excited, Craft."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah."

Now that I think about it, I do feel a bit overexcited. I straightened my collar and cleared my throat. Alright, let's get back on track.

"Professor Jabeel is attached to Lord Zayed, right? But..."

"Don't worry! You'll understand once you meet him!"

"Ah, okay?"

Reifan had a slightly awkward expression. Why?

Well, his fairness and integrity can only be understood by meeting him.

"So, what's up?"

"Um, do you have any plans for today, Craft?"

"I have a place I want to go, but no specific plans. It would be nice to go during my stay."

"Okay, then can we go to the Production Guild together?"

"Sure."

"Let's go then."

"Alright. Mayna, stay with Kyle, okay?"

Mayna turned her face away, looking unhappy. Kids are complicated...

When Reifan and I said we were going out, Persia decided to come with us.

"Are you free?"

"Of course not! You need to understand your position better. ...But, I guess it can't be changed overnight."

"Craft, you're clearly a bodyguard."

"Kyle should be the priority, right?"

"Who in their right mind would break into the Margrave's residence?"

"True."

So, the three of us decided to go out together.

"This isn't a date!"

You're a knight who doesn't get jokes, aren't you?

I'm waiting for the nitpick that I'm not technically a knight (´ω｀)