Chapter 6

The long-awaited permission for the alchemy was granted without much ado at Mercedes' house. Although it is quite nerve-wracking to be in a new alchemy room, not the familiar mountain hut of my master, this is the practical work I have been waiting for. I tackled it with enthusiasm.

"Hmm, as usual, you're a disciple who doesn't give me the joy of seeing you grow. To do this well on your first try, huh."

My master, with a dry smile, licked the healing potion I had just made for the first time. From his words, I gathered that it must have turned out well. I had thoroughly reviewed the procedure, but I think I managed it smoothly. After all, the basic steps to make the most fundamental healing potion are to crush the herbs, boil them with pure water, and then filter the mixture. If you want to add more effects, you add the filtered herbs that have those effects.

This might seem like a simple task, but the effectiveness of the healing potion can be influenced by the temperature, the mixing, and the fine movements when filtering. In other words, anyone can make it, but the better the quality you want, the more advanced skills you need.

"You can use as many of the herbs here as you like and do it however you want. I'll be in the next room, so call out if anything happens."

With that, my master slowly left the alchemy room. I hadn't expected to be left alone so suddenly, so I called out to stop him, but he just raised his right hand. Indeed, in the past, my master rarely taught me one-on-one, often just handing me books and leaving me to it. But I hadn't expected to be left alone even for the practical part.

However, I thought, this laissez-faire approach might mean I'm that good. He's in the next room, so I can cry for help if something goes wrong. I turned back to the alchemy table. The words that I could do it however I wanted had made me even more excited.

Alright, next, I'll use the basic healing potion as a base and add the effect of warming the body and relaxing it. I looked around for the herbs I needed and froze at the sight of someone I hadn't expected to see.

"Um, Arnold...?"

A black-haired boy with a beautiful face, Arnold, stood in the corner of the room, staring at me. How long had he been there?

At my call, Arnold's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he responded.

"Can I watch?"

"Uh... yeah..."

My ambiguous response seemed to be taken as a yes. He leaned against the wall and stayed there. I wondered why he was here, but it wasn't like anything would be lost by being watched. Besides, if I said I didn't like it, I might upset him. So I decided to treat his presence as part of the scenery.

I searched for the herbs I needed. Once I found them, I carefully crushed them. Since I was using two types of herbs, I had to work on them simultaneously. I mixed them with the right amount of pure water and boiled them. The timing to stop the fire varied depending on the herbs, so I compared them with the knowledge in my memory.

Hmm, that's good enough. This can only be judged by sight and feel—more precisely, by instinct. The more I practice, the better I'll get at timing.

I mixed the two types of healing potions in small amounts. There were no issues with them separating. I shook the container to check—completed! It's still very basic, but it's not too bad, right? I'll have my master check it later.

Just as I was about to start the next alchemy with high spirits, Arnold stopped me again.

"Are you really doing this for the first time?"

Before I knew it, Arnold was right next to me, his expression stern. Had I upset him again?

"Yes, I am..."

"Annoying."

Despite my honest answer, I received the word "annoying."

Faced with such near-malicious criticism, I was at a loss. If I apologized, I might hurt Arnold's pride even more, but if I got angry, it could cause problems in the future. I had questions for him.

Whether he knew I was at a loss or not, Arnold spoke again. His voice sounded more sulky than annoyed.

"I'm annoyed by you doing it so easily with a doubtful expression, and I'm annoyed by myself for getting cocky about being good without realizing it."

Arnold's words changed my perception of him. I had thought he was probably an excellent disciple, hence his twisted—dare I say, arrogant—attitude. But that was just my first impression. The more I got to know him, the more my impression of Arnold might change—just like with Elvira.

Well, he's not as bad as I thought. Once I thought that, I started to find Arnold, who was trying to act older, rather endearing.

Arnold, who probably didn't expect a girl younger than him in real age to think such things, looked me straight in the eye. For a moment, I thought he was glaring, but I couldn't sense the malice or jealousy I had felt before. Rather—

"Watch this. I'll surpass you in no time."

I could sense a hint of happiness in his eyes and voice. Was this my wishful thinking?

"You're going to become a Royal Alchemist, right?"

"Royal Alchemist?"

I tilted my head at the unfamiliar word. I could guess its meaning from the sound, but the term "Royal Alchemist" didn't appear in "Last Brave."

Arnold sighed and sat down in a nearby chair.

"A Royal Alchemist is one who works in the royal capital. ...You didn't know that?"

He said a bit too much. I'll take back the "cute" thought.

Anyway, there is such a profession as a Royal Alchemist. My master was probably one. The alchemist working in the royal castle, which I aim to become, is a Royal Alchemist.

"I'd like to, but... I'm not sure yet..."

"Be one, definitely."

Arnold said this over my words. His words were straightforward.

Surprised by his sudden words, I stared at him. He glanced at me, then left the room without another word. I was frozen for a while.

"Be a Royal Alchemist, definitely." It was more of a command than a suggestion.

Arnold said he would definitely surpass me. If he suggested becoming a Royal Alchemist in that context, he must be aiming for it too.

I see, a Royal Alchemist. I firmly memorized the term.

My ultimate goal was now clearly set. I will aim to become a Royal Alchemist, working in the royal castle, and continue to study hard.

***

"Raura, are you interested in becoming a Royal Alchemist?"

That evening, Mercedes suddenly asked me.

"The royal castle has been recruiting Royal Alchemist apprentices every year for a few years now. It's a very competitive field, but once you turn 14, you can take the entrance exam regardless of your background."

Listening to Mercedes, the term "Royal Alchemist" suddenly seemed closer.

There is an apprentice system. Moreover, the only requirement is age. 14—five years from now. In five years, I will be eligible to take the exam.

"Arnold will take the exam in three years. If you're even a little interested, why don't you come with him to observe in three years?"

It was an offer I hadn't even dreamed of. I was about to nod—then I hesitated.

If I seriously aimed to become a Royal Alchemist, I would need my parents' permission. Currently, they are quietly watching me study under my master, but leaving home at 14 would be a different story.

However, that wasn't a big issue. If they opposed it, I could talk to them and they would understand. I trusted my parents to support my dreams.

What I was concerned about was whether my actions, as Raura, the childhood friend of the hero in "Last Brave," would affect the world if I deviated from my assigned role. I knew I was just a minor character. I didn't think my actions would change the course of the hero's adventure. But Arnold's presence and the herb garden where the fountain square should be were worrying.

This world is slightly different from the "Last Brave" I know. The differences could become more significant in the future. Should I decide my path based solely on my memories?

Naturally, I became more cautious.

"Your talent can save many more people than you think."

Mercedes encouraged me, as if pushing me to make a decision.

"Arnold was depressed after seeing your talent. But he's more fired up. He's determined to become a better alchemist than you."

Mercedes smiled happily, her eyes squinting as if looking at Arnold in her memory, not at me.

Probably, he sees me as a rival.

"Even though he always seemed aloof... as a teacher, I wish Raura and Arnold could sharpen each other."

Mercedes said this with a slightly apologetic look. I understood her thoughts and wishes as a teacher. I didn't find them unpleasant. After all, I had always aimed to become a Royal Alchemist, so there should be no inconvenience.

"...I'll talk to my parents."

I couldn't nod immediately and delayed my response.

If I hadn't noticed Arnold's character inconsistency and the herb garden, I would have happily agreed to Mercedes' proposal. But—

First, I need to clarify Arnold's situation. I'll ask him before I leave. Knowing whether Arnold is Elvira's brother won't change anything, but it might clear up the fog in my mind.

I'll also ask about the herb garden. When did it appear in this town? Was there a fountain square before the herb garden? And is there a plan to build a fountain square in the future? The fact that there is no fountain square now already makes this world different from "Last Brave," but I'll ask just to be sure.

"Here's the exam information. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Mercedes handed me a few pages of exam information and left the room.

I stared blankly at the paper. The only requirement for the exam was to be between 14 and 20 years old.

14—five years from now. Where will I be in five years? What will I be doing? Who will be by my side? When I thought about it, the person who came to mind was—my future hero.

I was surprised by the person my brain conjured up, but a wry smile appeared on my face.

I see, I'm still not ready to change my job from being the hero's childhood friend.

That night, I couldn't think about anything and quickly slipped into bed. The moonlight streaming into the room made for a particularly bright night.