Chapter 66

On the day I returned to the capital, I visited Kasper's laboratory with the report of the expedition training. The report, though called such, was just a single sheet of paper, merely conveying where I had been and what results I had achieved. I would report on the elven drinking water from time to time.

Kasper greeted me with a smile.

"Welcome back, Laura. And congratulations!"

"Thank you. I really appreciate your support."

Kasper shook his head, still smiling. Seeing his relaxed smile, I felt relieved to be back. However, I noticed dark circles under his eyes, which made me worry that I might have caused him trouble. Knowing that he had gone out of his way to help me, I was glad to have brought back results that matched the effort.

"No, I should be the one to thank you. Thanks to what Laura and the others found, the 'elven drinking water,' we can save even more lives. That's for sure."

Being praised directly made me feel somewhat embarrassed, but I nodded in response. I wasn't used to being praised for my achievements. However, I also felt a sense of pride. I didn't think of it as my own accomplishment, but it was the first time my memories had been useful in this way. Given the situation, it felt like a new game, and I hoped I could continue to handle things this way—though there were still many obstacles to overcome.

"However, regarding the method of preparation—"

Just as I was about to report the heavy fact, the door was knocked. When Kasper responded with a light tone, "Come in," the door opened. Standing there was—

"Ah, Arnold."

Arnold himself. I had planned to report to him individually later, but I hadn't expected him to come here.

He glanced at me and then stood silently next to Kasper.

"Well, Laura. Please tell me about the elven drinking water, to the extent you know."

Under the intense gaze of Kasper's purple eyes and Arnold's black ones, I straightened my back involuntarily. Their expressions were serious, as expected.

"Hmm," I cleared my throat and began. My voice, tense, was lower and harder than usual.

"The elven drinking water exists within a barrier created by the elves. If the elves do not invite you, you will never reach it. We were fortunate to be invited and discovered it."

"What are the criteria for being invited?"

Arnold immediately asked. I glanced at him and met his narrowed, intense black eyes.

"It seems the elves like humans. More precisely, they like beings similar to their parents—great elves who have returned to nature as great trees. Because of this, they tend to invite and help injured or seriously ill people. We were also helped by the elves when we were injured."

Kasper nodded with interest, while Arnold placed his hand on his chin in thought.

"Once invited, can you enter the barrier again?"

Arnold asked again. I nodded in response.

"Yes. The elves will guide you. I have entered the barrier three times already."

—Through Lucash, I have also asked the elves to guide me to the elven drinking water even when I come alone, but it's not clear if this will be possible. I might need to rely on Lucash's help repeatedly, but I should still be able to go there.

Seeing my answer, Kasper showed a relieved expression. I continued speaking.

"Originally, the elven drinking water is meant to give power to the elves, who are like children to the great elves. When the great elves were alive, they gave power directly, but now, through the spring water—"

Despite my clumsy explanation, Kasper and Arnold seemed to understand. Kasper compared it to "milk for children" to make it clearer.

"The basic effect is recovery. However, we haven't found the method of preparation yet. We tried combining it with a standard recovery potion, but the power of the elven drinking water was too strong and overpowered it."

"Ah, I see..."

Kasper's eyes sparkled for a moment, not just my imagination. He seemed excited by the unknown possibilities of the mixture. I recalled my master, who was also a mixture enthusiast.

Having finished my explanation, I looked up at Kasper, waiting for his reaction. He seemed to understand and spoke.

"Laura, can we have some of the elven drinking water you brought back? We want to try various things..."

"Of course. We have summarized the methods we tried in a notebook. Please feel free to use it."

Kasper's words were exactly what I had hoped for. We had cut our training short to seek his help.

Handing over the notebook, Kasper immediately opened it. His purple eyes darted across the pages, and he began muttering to himself, hand on his chin.

Seeing Kasper's focused demeanor for the first time, I realized I was seeing him as a potion master, not just as a superior. Despite his casual attitude, he was undoubtedly a highly skilled individual. Though I didn't know his exact age, he looked to be in his late 20s or early 30s. Yet, he was in a position to lead young royal potion masters—apprentices and assistants. Considering this, he must have advanced quickly in his career.

Thinking that I might have the chance to learn from Kasper, I tentatively called out to him, who was completely absorbed in the notebook.

"Um, Kasper..."

He didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the notebook. I wondered if I should leave, but then Arnold, standing next to Kasper, sighed and moved towards the door.

"Once he's like this, he won't hear us. Let's go."

"Ah, yes. Kasper, I'll take my leave."

I called out again, but there was no response. Surprised by his sudden immersion, I hoped he might be able to use his wisdom and skills.

As I followed Arnold, I decided to ask him about something.

"Um, Arnold. Can we take Elvira to the source of the elven drinking water?"

Arnold nodded without turning around, his response decisive.

"I was thinking the same. I'll adjust the schedule."

Hearing this, I felt relieved. However, I also realized we might not have much time to prepare. Just as I was thinking about the future, Arnold suddenly stopped a few steps ahead. I almost collided with his back but managed to stop in time. He handed me a simple envelope.

"It's from Berta. For both of us. I read it first, sorry."

—Berta. My master's name.

A letter from my master to both Arnold and me. The image of the notebook I found in her study and her sad red eyes, saying she needed some time, flashed through my mind. My heart began to beat rapidly. I bit my lower lip and took the letter. Before I could open the envelope, Arnold spoke again.

"It seems she will be coming here soon and wants to talk to us—about her grandson who died from self-destruction disease."

—Her grandson who died from self-destruction disease.

The envelope, which slipped from my hand in shock, read, "To my dear disciple."