Chapter 28

"Um, as I mentioned yesterday, Laura, you're being promoted to assistant today! Congratulations!"

I was called in first thing in the morning and given the news.

If I take Casper's words at face value, it means I've been promoted from an apprentice royal alchemist to an assistant royal alchemist. I can understand that much, but I don't understand why I was suddenly told about this promotion. I haven't achieved anything particularly noteworthy, and I only just learned that the position of assistant even existed.

"Um, what exactly does being an assistant mean?"

I asked, letting my confusion show in my voice and expression. The one who answered my question was Arnold, who had somehow appeared behind me.

"Royal alchemist assistant. The position is higher than an apprentice, but not a full-fledged royal alchemist."

Why was he here?

Feeling a sense of doubt and unease, I didn't show it and asked another question.

"Is there even such a system for assistants?"

"Special case."

He said it so casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, leaving me speechless.

Special case. The word only added to my confusion.

I remember Casper directly telling me that I had talent and was a genius. But I don't think I've demonstrated enough results in front of him during my training to warrant a special case.

—What exactly does this special case for an assistant entail? That's what I really want to know.

However, before I could ask, Casper, who didn't hide his confusion, opened his mouth with a wry smile.

"So far, only Arnold has held the title of assistant. You're the second, Laura."

I couldn't help but turn around to look at Arnold. However, he had a calm expression, as if he didn't feel anything, and wouldn't meet my eyes.

"You may know this, but to become a full-fledged royal alchemist, you need to complete at least two years of training. After two years of training as an apprentice, you become eligible to take the promotion exam."

Arnold stood next to Casper. His black eyes, as usual, didn't focus on me but wandered around.

"Still, a genius who becomes a full-fledged royal alchemist in their third year... well, he's standing right here. This special case was created for this not-so-cute genius."

Casper let out a dry laugh. Did I detect a hint of sarcasm in the term "genius"?

Still, to create a special case for someone's talent, Arnold must be a remarkable person. Looking at his cold, uninterested black eyes, I could understand why Senior Rina felt the way she did.

Suddenly, his eyes met mine. Arnold's voice, tinged with a slight sympathy, said to me, who had involuntarily straightened my back.

"To change the conditions for taking the promotion exam, you need to convince the stubborn higher-ups. The seniors found this troublesome and created this special case as a shortcut. You don't have the qualifications to take the promotion exam yet, but this is to make use of exceptionally talented 'apprentices' as soon as possible. Apprentices can't perform alchemy without a supervisor, but assistants can do it alone. Additionally, assistants have more authority than apprentices."

"That's a pretty malicious explanation... but it's true."

Casper, who didn't deny Arnold's frank words but seemed dissatisfied, confirmed the explanation. Arnold's explanation was enough to deduce that he, the first special case, had been treated this way.

From their conversation, it seemed I could be flattered by being recognized for my talent. It was a great honor, but the more I listened, the more questions bubbled up.

"Laura, I'm sure you'll be a full-fledged royal alchemist by this time next year. During the monster attack, I saw how skilled you are as an alchemist."

He said this with a smile, making my eyes widen.

During the monster attack. That was when Wake lost his right eye—when a large group of monsters appeared near the capital.

Incidentally, I haven't met Wake yet. He not only lost his right eye but also suffered multiple serious injuries and was poisoned by the monsters. Although his injuries and the poison were cured quickly with healing potions, he hasn't gotten used to living with one eye and refuses to see visitors.

"Your speed in working is as fast as Arnold's, and you maximized the healing effect."

"When did you see me work...?"

"I didn't see you."

An unexpected answer came immediately, making my eyes widen even more.

If he didn't see me, how did he know?

Casper, as if reading my mind, gave a precise answer.

"Arnold and Oliver recommended you."

Casper said this casually, and I couldn't help but exclaim, "Eh...?"

Arnold recognizes my talent. That's a given, and it wouldn't be surprising if he recommended me.

Oliver used and praised my healing potion. He might have reported its effectiveness to Casper.

A genius who created a special case and the deputy leader of the knights. That's a strong recommendation. However, I wonder if it's right to implement a special case without seeing it with his own eyes.

Also, why now? Is there something he wants me to do or take charge of by promoting me to assistant, a position that is more flexible and secure than an apprentice?

Casper, seeing my confused expression, smiled brightly, showing his white teeth. It was a pleasant smile.

"Ah, but I did secretly take your healing potion the other day. With Rina's help, I also watched you mix it. I could feel how efficient you were and how high the quality of your potion was. Yeah, you're definitely a genius!"

I felt somewhat reassured by his rapid-fire words. It seems he didn't decide to implement the special case based solely on recommendations without seeing it for himself.

Still, I wonder when my healing potion, which I made, ended up in Rina's hands and then to Casper. When did he watch me work? Was I just insensitive, or is Casper just very capable? I didn't notice at all.

I still feel confused, but to be praised so directly is embarrassing. Of course, it's nice, but it's also embarrassing.

I lowered my gaze slightly and spoke.

"I can somehow remember the knowledge about alchemy right away."

"That's what we call talent. Plus, Laura, you... the amount of water and the timing to stop the heat are always the same. It's like a clock that marks time with perfect accuracy! I've checked the timing a few times, so I'm sure of it."

I was surprised again by Casper's words.

—The timing is always the same. As accurate as a clock.

Before I could smile with joy at the compliment, I tilted my head, wondering if it was true.

I do adjust the amount of water and the timing to stop the heat according to each herb, but I didn't realize I was doing it with such precision, like a clock without any deviation.

I measure the amount of water carefully. I also estimate the timing to stop the heat, but not with a mechanical timer. I rely on my sense and visual judgment—this much, I think.

"Laura, you're a genius."

Even though I had doubts, I couldn't interject after Casper smiled and called me a "genius."

From Casper's comments, perhaps my unusual talent in alchemy isn't just about memory. Maybe I was also blessed with another talent by God.

Thinking back, I've never failed in alchemy. My master even complained about it. I thought it was because of my exceptional memory—but maybe other talents were involved too.

Casper's words brought back a question I had once put aside.

Why do I have such convenient abilities, especially this unnatural memory? Why can I so easily remember knowledge about alchemy?

Maybe I should just be happy and proud of my talent. But when I try to explain this unnatural talent, a thought crossed my mind—maybe becoming an alchemist in this world was a predetermined mission.

—No, that's not true. I chose this path with my own will. Not as Laura Ampere from "Last Brave," but as myself.

I shook my head lightly and looked at Casper. He noticed my gaze and his smile disappeared, his expression becoming serious. He stared at me intently.

I had never seen Casper so serious before.

I swallowed involuntarily. Unconsciously, I was gripping the hem of my lab coat tightly.

"Once again, Laura Ampere. I hereby appoint you as an assistant royal alchemist, effective today. And—"

He paused, then looked at Arnold next to him.

At that moment, I understood what he was going to say next, and also why Arnold was here.

"Your new supervisor will be Arnold Roco."

As expected, the words came from his mouth.

However, this is a very convenient and unexpected turn of events. I had thought that I would need to seek Arnold's advice or work with him more often regarding Elvira. If he's my supervisor, I won't have to ambush him in front of his dorm room.

While it seems very convenient, it might be natural to pair two special cases.

I secretly looked up at Arnold, who was standing next to Casper. He was looking at me, and our eyes met.

I bowed slightly, conveying my gratitude. Arnold nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"Also, I'm sorry for the suddenness, Laura—"

I turned my gaze back to Casper, who was now looking very apologetic and more hunched than usual.

From his attitude and words, I could predict that something not so convenient was about to happen. —I could predict that much.

"You and Arnold will be sent on a short-term assignment to the northern Platnovena branch. Starting tomorrow."

"…What?"

—The sudden assignment was something I couldn't predict at all.