Chapter 56

The three days before departure passed quickly.

On the first day, the master visited early in the morning and handed over recipes for concoctions. Under the master's guidance, I prepared the concoctions. They were for delivery to the Adventurer's Guild, and after trying to make them all, I found that I could do so without any issues. The most challenging one, the "Concoction," could be made with about a 40% success rate. As for the magic pills, I had improved to the point where I could make them with 100% success.

With plenty of materials, I tried to make as many as possible until the evening. The master praised me, saying, "Your work has become more efficient."

This was due to the benefits of my level-up. It was a pleasant surprise that I could now make advanced potions without any problems.

"Rookie, for today, go ahead and deliver what you've made. And from tomorrow, help me with my work. Come to my house in the morning."

"Yes, I understand. What will we be doing?"

"Super-grade... Level 10 potions. There's a chance I might fail, but... since your brothers are going on a journey, it's a parting gift. If I can give them a few valuable potions, it will give me some peace of mind."

"Yes! But, is that okay?"

"Yes. Even just watching you make them will be a learning experience. And from today's performance, it seems you can help with the materials without any issues."

"No, that's not what I meant... Isn't the master's potion very valuable?"

"The materials were collected by you, right? Buying them would be quite expensive. Bartering is easier. It was the same with Leo and the others."

No, compared to the materials collected by Leonis and the others, the value of these materials is lower... and I thought super-grade recipes were supposed to be extremely rare... Even for high-ranking adventurers like Leonis, can materials from B-rank dungeons be used as substitutes?

However, I want my brothers to have potions in case of emergencies. They've learned some resistances, but... it's better to have potions for curing poisons and status ailments. Moreover, neither of them has learned healing magic, so potions and elixirs are essential.

"See you tomorrow. I'll be waiting."

"Yes, thank you."

After the master left, I went to the Adventurer's Guild to deliver the potions. I intended to give them to Mary, but she said, "I'll show you the way," and I ended up reporting to the Guild Master in his office. I confirmed that I had made everything and, based on the number of materials collected, assured him that there would be no shortage in fulfilling the requests. I also thanked him for granting us permission to enter the dungeon.

"Hmm... I'm sorry, but I need to increase the number of potions you deliver. For this month and next, only your deliveries will be accepted. Also, it seems a new Guild Master for the Alchemists' Guild will be appointed next month."

"Yes. Well, I thought it was temporary... Is there something wrong?"

If only my deliveries are accepted, it means that deliveries from other alchemists in town, except for the Guild Master, will not be accepted. Even though it's a good opportunity to earn money, why are they not asking others and only having me make them?

"The Alchemists' Guild has been causing trouble... They pressured the merchants in this town to raise the prices of all potions. While you were away, the prices have increased to 2-3 times the original."

"That's... really..."

Can the Guild Master manipulate prices like that? Isn't that a crime in this world?

However... the value of potions... they are inevitably expensive. People buy them when they are sick, but... in daily life, only those who constantly need them, like adventurers, would keep them in stock. It's hard to enforce regulations because it doesn't cause immediate problems.

"The Lord is taking action, but the current Guild Master is being allowed to continue... his downfall is certain. However, the Lord cannot appoint a new Guild Master. Even if he uses connections to send a new Guild Master, it will take until next month. In the meantime, if adventurers leave the town because the potions are too expensive, it will be a problem. I will sell the potions you deliver at the regular price, so I can't make you earn more."

"That's fine. The regular delivery price is already quite high. Will there be a shortage of potions?"

"Yes... Adventurers who realize the prices have gone up in town are trying to buy out the stock at the guild. I've set limits on purchases, but... there's still a shortage. Can you deliver earlier?"

"I understand. It will be tough tomorrow, but..."

The Guild Master's face twisted for a moment. Hmm. He must dislike the current Guild Master... When talking about the Lord, he looked like a kind old man... However, no matter how kindly he acts now, I can't see him as a good person.

Even if the number of deliveries increases... I still have potions and elixirs left over from preparing for the dungeon. Even considering what I'll give to my brothers... I think it will be enough. I'll quickly go out of town and gather some herbs.

When I got home and continued concocting, my level reached 30. I finally caught up with Naga. By the way, I learned "Elemental Sword." I practiced it in the dungeon, but I couldn't easily imbue magic into my sword. However, I seem to have learned it as a skill. I'll practice it when I have time. I want to continue concocting, but... Naga and my brother seem to want to say something, so I'll stop here.

The next day, I helped the master. Despite saying there was a chance of failure, everything was successful. He's amazing.

We made all sorts of potions: universal potions, dragon elixirs, secret potions of saints, secret potions of witches, and angelic blessings. The master had more than half of the materials, and I could tell they were extremely valuable. There were also potions to cure various status ailments and diseases, which I wanted to give to my brothers.

Most super-grade potions require intermediate and advanced potions to be made first, then refined and combined with valuable materials. The effects are powerful, but the prices are outrageous.

"Master... the price of these..."

"Don't worry about it. The materials will degrade if not used. It's a good opportunity to use them. Besides, there are few places in the kingdom that can make them, so the prices are high due to limited supply. If something happens, selling a few to the church can ensure proper treatment and save lives. It's better to have them. If not, it's fine too."

"Huh? Doesn't the church heal people themselves, so they don't need potions?"

"On the contrary. Only very high-level mages can cure diseases. They receive donations and, when they can't heal, they pretend to do so and give potions as a precaution. The church is the best place to buy valuable potions at high prices, even more so than merchants or nobles."

Indeed, it's frustrating to hear that they ask for high donations and then say they can't heal. Religion must be profitable in this world. It's clear because wounds visibly heal... but can old wounds be healed?

"The potions I give you don't have to be used. Think of them as a way to manage funds. For daily use, make them yourself. You should be able to make enough by now."

"Yes... I'll make sure to give them plenty of potions, including elixirs. Combining what we didn't use in the dungeon, I think it will be enough..."

"You didn't use them?"

"I only used them for MP recovery. My brother and Naga didn't struggle and didn't need to use healing magic... maybe once every few hours? I felt like a healer wasn't necessary."

"Is that so, is that so... Well, it's too early for you to go to places where a healer is needed. It's surprising to hear that Leo has become considerate like that."

From the master's perspective, even Leonis is treated like a child...

Well, we are like his grandchildren. He listened happily to the stories of the dungeon, and I continued concocting while talking.

In the evening, my brother came over to make dinner. Grilled river fish, potato soup, salad, and soft bread. There was even wine. It was very delicious... He must have bought spices like pepper and butter.

By the way... my brother usually cooks. He's good at it, so we let him, but... is the money okay?

"Leo, you're being quite generous."

"Well, I can't make such meals every day, but this is the only chance to have a leisurely meal with the master. Please accept it as a thank you for all your help."

"Indeed... Well, it's a rare opportunity. ...I have some secret wine. Should I bring it out? Help me carry it."

The master went to the back, and Naga followed. I tried to go too, but he said, "I'll go," and quickly went.

He brought out an old-looking barrel. I remember there was a barrel in the back of the concoction room's material storage... it was wine.

When the barrel was opened, a pleasant alcohol aroma filled the air.

"Wow! This is some impressive wine!"

"It's wine I made a long time ago. I've been aging the best batch."

"Master, you make wine too!"

"Sometimes wine is necessary for concoctions. Usually, taste is secondary, and I make it for concoctions. But occasionally, I make some that taste decent for when I want to drink."

"Got it! Please teach Crane how to make it!"

"Alright, alright... Well, it won't be ready in time for this time. If this wine is good, I can bottle it for you to take."

Brother seems to like alcohol.

Well, making it is fine. I might want to drink occasionally too. Besides, alcohol disinfection might be necessary, so it's essential.

Indeed, even a small barrel... it should contain a considerable amount.

"Hey, is it okay for Naga to drink?"

"......"

I suddenly thought... Is Naga underage? But, in this world, it doesn't matter. He seemed to feel a bit guilty for a moment.

"Drinking too much is not good, not just for Naga, but for you and your brother too."

"Um..."

"Alcohol can lead to addiction. Some people can collapse quickly... Please don't drink alone until you get used to it."

"Yes..."

"I understand..."

"Alright. Understood."

It's not that underage people can't drink. My brother checked, and it's okay for children, but alcohol is expensive. He bought it with the money from selling monster materials to the landlord and the neighbor, and the money from selling the remaining materials to the guild. By the way... there's no reward from the guild for slaying monsters in the dungeon, only for selling materials. So, it's better to sell to someone who offers a high price.

How do they know if it's inside or outside the dungeon... I thought, but apparently, the adventurer's card records the slaying records. It's high-tech! It seems the guild also knows if you sold it elsewhere.

The system is unclear, but the guild card records entries and exits from the dungeon, and the handling changes accordingly. Slaying monsters outside the dungeon is recommended to ensure the safety of merchants and others, so regular slaying is necessary.

"Brother, since we're eating together, please request the meal expenses."

"No, it's not that expensive. Besides, you're paying the rent for all of us. Also, the reward for the potions we made has been distributed to the party, so we've received money too."

"On the contrary, I received money for some monster materials I didn't slay. And if we need to, I can withdraw money from the party's funds... I think."

"That's fine, but don't hesitate to use it or hoard it."

"Both of you, calm down. Well, the distribution of the party's funds is something you decide among yourselves. It's understandable to want a slightly more luxurious meal for a celebration. But, don't bear the cost alone; it will make others feel uncomfortable. Next time, decide on a budget and work together. Naga too."

Naga seemed flustered. Come to think of it, is Naga contributing money too? Pepper used to be as valuable as gold... and it's rare in this world...

"Well, I'm glad for your intentions. I'll enjoy this meal, but... if you're going on a journey, make sure to have enough funds. If your sister has to worry about money, you're not ready. Try to grow a bit more by the next time."

"I can't match the master... I'll think about it properly."

I poured the master a drink, and we clinked glasses... and drank.

Indeed... it wasn't the right time to talk about that. Let's enjoy the meal.

It was a pleasant dinner... but, if you drink a lot, some people will get drunk. The master and my brother... despite telling Naga and me not to drink too much, they ended up passing out.

Hmm... I don't think they're weak. In the end, Naga carried my brother home.

The next day, I concocted as usual. I mass-produced potions for Naga and my brother. They seemed to have finished their preparations and were leisurely maintaining their weapons.

The armor we prepared for them was to be used by us. We didn't pay for it, but... should I ask For about the payment? I don't know the amount, but it seems to be the private property of Lord Laz... I don't understand why he has the armor of Leonis and Father (temporary).

My brother and Naga bought backup weapons with the money from selling monster materials at Kranach's shop. However, they didn't have swords, which made my brother unhappy.

By the way, Kranach... after the dungeon, he was very interested in the repair of magical weapons, which he requested from the neighboring blacksmith. The repair was fine even with the magic turned off, and he was asked to bring them in the future.

Tonight's dinner was a small gathering with Leonis, Lord Laz, and For. I invited the master, but he declined, saying, "It was enough yesterday." His face looked a bit pale, maybe from a hangover.

Lord Laz seemed to be enjoying himself, but... Leonis's behavior was a bit strange. It might be related to Diana not coming when invited...

Despite some issues, my brother and Naga didn't seem to dislike Lord Laz and For, so it seems they got along a bit. It was a pleasant time.

And then...

"I'm off."

"...Don't overdo it."

The next day, the two of them set off.

When they received the valuable potions from the master and the potions and medicines from me, they frowned slightly but accepted them without a word.

Naga, who spoke little, told the master and me, "I'll send a 'Lychee' regularly to keep in touch," and stroked 'Momo's' chin, saying, "I'm counting on you," with a slightly sad smile.

My brother smiled and waved, saying, "See you," as if it were nothing, and they set off.

The master and I watched them until they were out of sight, then returned home.

When I went to the room they used, there was a note and a mithril dagger, "This is a return gift. Use it."

"...When did they..."

A mithril dagger must be quite expensive. Even though it's a dagger, it requires less material than a sword, but did they have that much money?

I consulted the master about what to do if they didn't have enough money to last the night, but when I showed him the mithril dagger, he said, "It's fine," and gave it his approval.

The master doesn't seem to think they've spent all their money.

"Don't worry too much about those kids, Rookie. You also need to work hard. Well, you can make potions now, but as an alchemist, you're still a beginner... but from now on, even lessons every two days will be enough."

"Huh?"

"Come once a week. Otherwise, practice on your own."

The master said, "Work hard," and left.

I was surprised by the master's sudden declaration, but... it seems he has his reasons, so I didn't press him. To do what I can, I headed to the basement to concoct.

First, I'll do what I can. I don't want to be embarrassed when they return. I want to show them how much I've grown... Well, let's work hard today too.