Chapter 8

"This... isn't just studying, is it?"

"That's why I said it's studying."

Currently, in front of Daisy, there was a pile of materials filled with illustrations and explanations of herbs. All of them belonged to Rais.

Daisy looked at them with a subtle expression, but the information in the materials was all valuable. If she complained, she might suffer for it.

Incidentally, Rais had also used these materials. He was shown these by his master and then taken on a hellish tour to collect the actual herbs.

Thanks to that, he never forgot the information in the materials. Rais's true feelings were that he never wanted to experience that hell again.

In any case, knowledge is power for an alchemist. There's no harm in having it.

"But, will my alchemy really improve just by memorizing this? If that's the case, I think I would improve more by repeatedly using alchemy..."

Daisy remained skeptical.

After thinking about what to do, Rais started walking around the room. This room was where Rais worked on his first request, and it was where the herbs were stored.

Rais picked out one of the more than ten types of herbs.

He judged that it would be better to show Daisy rather than just explain it to her.

"Do you know what this is?"

"...Are you making fun of me? -- It's Ram grass. It's mainly used for stopping bleeding, and it works by applying it crushed to the affected area... Is that wrong?"

"Ah, that's correct."

Rais nodded in satisfaction.

"We alchemists enhance its blood-stopping effect through alchemy to create a potion that can heal wounds."

Rais activated his alchemy and created a potion in a few seconds. Then, he took out another Ram grass and handed it to Daisy.

"Try making it."

"...Alright, I will."

Daisy took a few minutes to create the same potion.

The two potions were placed in front of them.

"Check it with 'Analysis.'"

Daisy obediently activated 'Analysis.' The quality of the two potions was revealed, and she gritted her teeth at the result.

"Your potion is a high-grade potion... mine is intermediate."

"Well, Ram grass is a herb with low efficacy to begin with, so this is to be expected. ...Now, what's the difference between you and me? Do you know?"

"I don't know..."

Rais smiled wryly at Daisy's sulky response.

"The big difference between me and Daisy is just one thing: whether or not you use your imagination during 'Sublimation.'"

"Imagination...?"

"Right. For example, when building a house, you need blueprints, right? If you don't know what the final product will look like, you can't create something of high quality. The same goes for alchemy."

Rais continued, saying, "So, for an alchemist, knowledge is like blueprints. You need to know what components are in the herb, how they affect the human body, and imagine the effects to 'Sublimate' them. It might be difficult, but that's what I do."

It sounds simple when said out loud, but it's quite challenging. You need to remember not only the types of herbs but also their components and how they affect the human body, and then reproduce them in your mind.

"Well, no matter what you're trying to master, studying is important. Try your best."

"...Understood."

In contrast to Rais, who was smiling, Daisy looked exasperated. She sighed heavily as she looked at the pile of materials in front of her.

***

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Sylvia, with her beautiful white hair gently swaying, said with a smile.

Currently, Rais was once again visiting Rafi's house. It was around dinner time. Rais had just finished a request at Daisy's place.

This visit wasn't initiated by Rais, but rather because Sylvia, who was gradually recovering, wanted to thank Rais.

It seemed that the elixir was effectively treating Sylvia's illness, which made Rais very happy.

"Yeah, it's only been a few days."

"I hear a lot from my sister. You became an adventurer, right?"

"Well, I'm mostly just doing alchemy, so I'm an adventurer in name only..."

"Hehe, that seems to be the case."

Rais felt a bit embarrassed, thinking that the incident where Daisy fainted might have been mentioned.

"So, how have you been, Rais?"

At that moment, Rafi, wearing an apron, appeared. Rais, who usually saw her in armor or other combat gear, felt a fresh sensation.

Rafi had her long red hair tied back in a ponytail and was holding a large pot with both hands.

Her beautiful appearance suited a domestic setting, and Rais couldn't help but be captivated.

"Huh, what's wrong?"

Rafi, noticing Rais's silence, called out to him, and Rais hurriedly laughed to cover it up.

"N-no, it's just that you look different in an apron..."

"I-I'm a woman, you know...!"

"A-ah... sorry..."

"Don't apologize!"

Rais, who was looking around nervously, and Rafi, who was blushing and angry, were observed by Sylvia, who smiled softly.

"Alright... let's have dinner before it gets cold."

"Ah, sorry."

"Sister, I'm sorry for leaving it all to you."

"It's fine. Rais is a guest today, and Sylvia isn't fully recovered yet."

Rafi took off her apron and sat down. The three of them thanked the food and began their meal.

"So, how have you been, Rais?"

"Um, nothing much, just started teaching Daisy alchemy."

"...I was wondering, do you think the client might become as skilled as you...?"

At the hesitant question, Rais couldn't help but smile wryly.

"If they want to be as skilled as me, it would take decades at this rate."

Thinking of Daisy, who looked like she was dead on her feet, he felt sympathy. Rais had also gone through that path, so he understood the hardships well.

As Rais was lost in nostalgic thoughts, Sylvia looked at him curiously.

"By the way, did you learn alchemy on your own, Rais?"

"No, I had a master."

Rais said it with a bitter expression, as if he had bitten into a sour bug.

Originally, the reason Rais could use alchemy so skillfully at his young age was largely due to the influence of his master. The extremely harsh and Spartan training had greatly improved Rais's alchemy.

"What kind of person is he?"

Sylvia's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked excitedly.

In contrast, Rais had a dark expression.

"To put it simply, a failure."

"...Huh?"

"He doesn't do any housework like cooking, washing, or cleaning, he's a spendthrift, a drunk, a brute, a weirdo, and a complete failure."

Rais rapidly listed the faults and declared his master a failure. There was a hint of anger in his eyes.

"You must have had it pretty bad if you say it like that..."

"Yeah, I try to avoid seeing him as much as possible."

Rais nodded vigorously in response to Rafi's slightly taken aback comment.

After that, they enjoyed dinner with light conversation. All of Rafi's dishes were top-notch, and Rais was very satisfied.

Then, as they were about to leave,

Sylvia and Rafi bowed their heads together to Rais.

"Thank you so much, Rais."

"I also want to thank you. Thank you for helping my sister."

Rais smiled, looking a bit embarrassed.

"If my elixir helped Sylvia, it's the greatest joy for me."

Hearing Rais's words, the two of them smiled gently, looking impressed.

"Well, I'll be going. See you around."

"Sure."

"Yes!"

Rais felt a warm feeling as he was seen off by their smiles, and he ended his day.