Chapter 68

"Alright, I'll distribute these before we set off."

I took out the water bags containing stamina potions from my spatial storage and handed them to everyone. Eva, who received the leather water bag, looked puzzled.

"I have water, and I can make it with magic..."

"It's not water, it's a stamina potion."

"...Huh?"

Eva shook the small water bag slightly.

"Is this all!? How many bottles of potion does this contain!?"

"Probably about twenty bottles. You can drink it like water if you want."

"Huh?"

"You can make as much as you want. Use it for hydration. Oh, and it's not addictive, so don't worry."

"Is this a legendary-quality stamina potion!?"

Why is she so surprised?

Adventurers in this town should use them regularly.

As I wondered, Raidock entered the conversation with a wry smile.

"Eva, when you first came to the adventurer's guild in this town, there was a mandatory request, right?"

"Yes. The training inside the guild."

"Right. New adventurers to this town are required to undergo a full day of mandatory training. If you don't complete it, you can't work at this town's adventurer's guild. And during that job, taking stamina potions is also mandatory."

"I didn't know that."

It was a fact I only learned from Raidock.

"Yes. If you use legendary stamina potions regularly, the death rate of adventurers drops significantly. However, even if they are cheaper than the market price, new arrivals to the town don't usually buy stamina potions, which are meant for emergencies."

I understand that.

I was a poor adventurer for a long time. Just hearing that they have a great effect wouldn't make me want to buy a stamina potion.

"That's why the guild came up with a plan to give new arrivals a request where they can experience the effects of stamina potions. It also helps them understand the level of adventurers in this town."

"I see."

"Raidock, what does this have to do with the potion?"

"All the stamina potions consumed in this town and all the stamina potions bought by merchants are made by Craft alone."

"..."

Eva blinked several times before opening her mouth wide.

"Whaaaaat!? All... all of them!? Is that true, Craft!?"

"Yes. I had Reifan make a special alchemy cauldron. Without it, I wouldn't have enough hands."

"I've seen caravans in the town several times, and they carry an incredible amount, right!?"

"There's a bit of a trick to it."

"Trick?"

Hearing the word "trick," Eva's expression seemed to relax a bit.

"Stamina potions of legendary quality don't degrade, but they are sold in regular potion bottles."

"Come to think of it... the carts were filled with boxes of potion bottles."

"Right. We can also sell them in water bags or barrels, but if we do, people will buy them without limit."

"That's true. If I were a merchant, I would buy as many barrels as I could fit on the cart."

"Right. There was a time when that happened. It was hard to keep up with production."

Akindo kept buying them without limit.

"So, we stopped selling in barrels and started selling only in bottles. The size of the bottles is just right for a good grip."

"Wouldn't people just transfer the contents to barrels?"

"I thought so too."

"Huh?"

"Actually, this idea came from Kyle."

"Kyle?"

"Yes, at first I didn't understand the point, but it was Kyle's suggestion. When we tried it, it was a big hit."

"Why do you think that?"

"I asked Akindo, one of the merchants who comes and goes, and he said, 'I feel more secure when the potion is in a bottle.'"

"Does that mean, even though they know it doesn't degrade, they still feel uneasy unless it's in a degradation-proof bottle?"

"Yes, I think so. We are used to it, but Eva, you probably feel uncomfortable with potions in water bags."

"Yes, I feel uneasy... Oh!"

"Right, that's it. Kyle hit the nail on the head. The potion bottles are made by the craftsmen who come to this town, but Reifan checks the quality, so it's hard to throw them away emotionally. Kyle read that far."

"...He's amazing for his age."

"Yes, Kyle is amazing."

Perhaps because of his long illness, he understands suffering and is good at observing others. He would make an ideal lord. Even though he says he won't succeed the border lord, it would be wonderful if he did.

"So, with stamina potions, even without the alchemy cauldron, you can always make enough for your journey. Don't hesitate to drink it."

"Adventurers can buy this potion at a discount, but being told to use it like water makes me hesitate..."

At that moment, Reifan, with a smile, hugged Eva from behind.

It looked like she jumped to hug her from behind due to the height difference.

"Eva, don't worry! The cost is incredibly low! We have to set a price due to market relations, but it's practically free."

"More like, we have the potion bottles made to raise the price and provide stable income for the craftsmen."

"Yup! So don't worry and use it freely!"

"That's right! Like this! ...Ack!"

"...Jitaro, that doesn't mean to waste it, does it?"

"Th-This is to make Eva feel secure...!"

"Ah, I get it, I get it. But keep it at that level."

"Sure thing."

"Really, it seems fine."

Seeing the exchange between me and Jitaro, Eva seemed to understand.

"Still... you seem to be even better than the rumors suggest."

"I'm not even close to Mr. Jabir."

As I said this, I continued to hand out other water bags and small bottles.

"Huh?"

Eva's eyes widened again at the pile of supplies on her arm.

"Huh? What's this?"

"This is a healing potion, and this is sharpness oil. And this is a mana potion. Since Eva is a mage, it's better to have them, right?"

"H... Haaaaa!?"

For some reason, Eva was incredibly flabbergasted.

By the way, Camille, the second daughter, received the potions with a blank expression and attached them, while Marilyn said "Thanks" and took them without hesitation. It seems Eva is particularly emotional.

These are the basic sets I give to the Kendal siblings, Ed and the others...

"Craft, your standards have been a bit off lately, haven't they?"

As I tilted my head, Reifan gave a weak criticism.

I thought they would be happy because they are convenient.

Fundamentally, they are included in the expenses for this trip.

I changed my mindset and resumed my travel preparations.

I hung a shoulder belt over my robe.

This belt is for holding potion bottles. The bottles I use are different from the ones sold in the market and the ones I distribute to everyone. They are test-tube shaped so I can quickly draw them out and throw them.

Seeing this, Reifan came over.

"Craft, how are the new potion bottles?"

"They're pretty good. They have a bit of a quirk, but I've been practicing, so I can use them."

"That's good to hear."

Raidock, curious about our conversation, peeked at my potion bottles.

"Is there something different from before?"

"Hmm? Oh, they look the same, but they've been significantly improved."

"Interesting. Tell me what changes were made."

"That's for you to enjoy when you use them..."

"Your little tweaks are often unconventional, so I'm just worried."

"That's harsh."

"That's just how Craft usually behaves."

"...I don't understand."

"Craft sometimes goes off the deep end!"

"Air Bomb Blast!!!!"

"Ow ow ow ow ow!?"

A compressed air mass exploded, sending Jitaro flying. He hit the wall nearby but got