Chapter 98

Starting from the morning, the practical test at the Alchemist Guild was completed by the evening, having managed to create a series of potions. During this time, my master and my brother waited for me the entire time, which made me feel really guilty.

Well, both of them brought books and spent the time reading. My brother also told me to take breaks occasionally, and I had tea and meals during those breaks.

The test content included about 20% of the 100 recipes, some of which were extremely difficult with a very low success rate, but I managed to complete all of them. There were many rare materials that I don't usually use, and the amount of materials prepared was enough for about 10 attempts... although there were times when I failed four times in a row. It was good that I succeeded before feeling too much pressure.

I wonder if I can keep the leftover materials... no, probably not. It seems that all the potions I made will be collected, which is a bit disappointing.

I took notes while making the potions and was relieved to be told that I could take the notes home. There were materials I had never handled before, so I took notes on the appraisals. Notes are important. Also, not being able to use magic was inconvenient.

Usually, I use water and magic for alcohol disinfection and drying... well, I used it without being noticed.

If not disinfected, the success rate drops, so I used purification (Purification) along with alcohol disinfection, just a little. Then, while pretending to remove moisture with a towel, I used drying (Dry).

The recipes had quite a few differences from my master's recipes. For example, there were no extra steps that my master adds during material processing, and the temperature control when heating was rather vague.

Especially for higher-level potions, the quality of the preliminary potions is affected, but some of the methods used would lower the quality.

Well, I tried to follow my master's methods as much as possible and made them carefully.

"You did well. It was faster than I expected... It seems you've been improving your skills even while I was away... Well, can we go home now?"

When my master asked the new Alchemist Guild Master, he was told to wait a moment, so I had no choice but to sit next to my brother and wait.

While reading a book my brother had, I was called over.

"Do you have any plans to transfer from the Adventurer Guild to the Commercial Guild?"

"No, I don't. I'm still a novice alchemist, so I want to start by obtaining materials myself for research... The Adventurer Guild is more convenient for me."

The invitation from the Commercial Guild Master I met in the morning... I declined.

There's no need for me to transfer to the Commercial Guild. Besides, the registration fee is high. Well, I can earn that much by delivering potions, but...

It's more profitable to gather materials myself and sell them rather than buying materials through the Commercial Guild and then selling the potions. There's no benefit.

"This young one is at the stage of inheriting the research of potions. For now, I plan to have her work as an adventurer for a few years to learn about materials from scratch."

"I see... However, with such a training policy, it's no wonder you had trouble finding apprentices."

"Thanks for understanding... Well, I'm getting old. From now on, please direct any potion requests to her."

Huh? Me?

It seems that my master has been delivering potions to the Commercial Guild when they were in short supply, and I will be taking over this responsibility in the future.

It's not a fixed monthly delivery. Apparently, when there's a shortage of potions, the Commercial Guild asks for a large delivery to adjust the market price.

"Also, before new products are released, or during epidemics and other chaotic times, the Commercial Guild handles the distribution uniformly, rather than through individual stores. You might be asked to supply potions during such times... However, the Adventurer Guild also adjusts the supply of potions, so you won't be asked to do this regularly."

I nodded at the Commercial Guild Master's words. By the way, I applied to register my store with the Commercial Guild. I'm not sure why, but it seems that you can register a store, just like registering pets with the Tamer Guild.

Is it okay to register even though I haven't received approval from the Alchemist Guild yet? Is it okay to get a store permit without confirming the safety of the potions I made?

Well, I have employees, so I'll register the store.

"Excuse me, Miss Medici. Do you have any interest in becoming a Royal Alchemist?"

"Um... I'm supposed to become the personal alchemist for Lord Lazulite..."

This person is a Royal Alchemist. They came to talk to me a few times during the break... It seems they have concerns about the procedures and methods I use, which are the same as my master's.

"This young one has a connection with the third son of the Duke, Lord Lazulite. Due to the relationship of titles, it's not yet official, but she is already serving as his personal alchemist."

"Ah! Yes, as my brother said."

I was trying to decline without causing any trouble, but my brother came to my rescue.

Well, let's just say that's the case. My master is unaffiliated, but I am aligned with the Duke. It's important to be clear about this.

If the Royal Alchemist is aligned with the King, I would have to decline.

"...I see. If you change your mind, please let me know. I will prepare a recommendation letter for you."

"I would appreciate your assistance if that happens..."

Huh? Didn't I already become a personal alchemist? Well, I think it was just a proposal, so let's just say that's the case.

I declined, but the Royal Alchemist seemed satisfied. They even said to contact them if I need anything.

The situation with the Royal Capital Alchemist Guild is complicated. However, since they have already expelled my master, it's certain that I won't be affiliated with the Alchemist Guild.

By the way, most noble-employed alchemists are only registered by name with the Royal Capital Alchemist Guild, so they don't have to accept requests from the guild...

The new Alchemist Guild Master of Maarestat was originally a noble-employed alchemist and had the qualifications of a Royal Alchemist, but he became the Alchemist Guild Master of this town because no one else was willing to take the position.

If it becomes known that the Royal Capital Alchemist Guild is short of people, it would be dishonorable. But since no one wanted to take the position, it was left unattended, which was the root of the problem.

"Well... The results of today's test will take about a week, so would it be okay to come back to the Alchemist Guild at that time?"

The new Alchemist Guild Master, Mr. Recalst, is calm. He confirmed the results matter-of-factly, counted the remaining materials, and asked about the future.

I wonder if the remaining materials also affect the results...

What if I fail?

"By the way, the Adventurer Guild has informed me that there are signs of a stampede, and I need to prepare. I expect to be absent from the town for most of this month. Could you please deliver the results to my store?"

"Huh? Are you going to participate in the stampede!?"

The Commercial Guild Master is the one who exclaimed in surprise.

Yes, I am. It's an obligation for adventurers during this period. I have a week to prepare, and then I plan to head to the southern border where a stampede is expected to occur.

"It's dangerous. Besides, with your talent, it would be a loss if anything happened!"

"That's a personal decision, and I'm affiliated with the Adventurer Guild. No interference, please... Right?"

"I'm fine! I'll bring back the materials that can't be obtained around this town."

"Ah, I'm not worried. I'm looking forward to your souvenirs."

My master is smiling, but everyone else looks tense. Well, I have a preparation period, and it won't be dangerous if I go with a party.

"Then, I'll deliver the results to your store. I wish you success in the stampede."

"Thank you. I'll contact you when I settle down. But I don't want to come here too much... There were people who were in the way."

While I was making potions, some guild staff were making various comments, which was very distracting.

It was very disruptive. They were touching the materials I had already prepared without permission, and I don't know what they were trying to do, but they were just being disruptive.

Even when the new guild master told them not to interfere, they said they didn't intend to interfere... but they were being very disruptive, which was frustrating.

I understood why my master didn't like them. By the way, my master, along with Crow and my brother, was teaching them potion-making as assistants, and he said he would pass on the knowledge when they became senior alchemists.

It was funny to see the guild staff looking nervous.

Then, after returning home from the Alchemist Guild, my master joined us for dinner. My brother had put extra effort into the meal, and it was delicious.

"Even the disciple of a genius alchemist is a genius, it seems."

"To achieve that level at that age... It's not just about leveling up as an adventurer. It's impressive."

"She has the skills to be a Royal Alchemist right now. Well, due to factional issues, I'll have to give up... But as a successor to Alchemist Pamela, there are no problems."

Such conversations were taking place among the important people, and the staff of the town's Alchemist Guild were looking pale, but it wasn't my concern.

---

I apologize for the inconvenience. Due to a mistake in the order of the previous post, I have posted two chapters on August 2nd.

It's a bit complicated, but Chapter 3-8, "Crow's Special Training," was posted later.