Chapter 90

"Shall we proceed immediately? May I ask you a few questions about the preparation of medicines using plants?"

"Y-Yes, please go ahead!"

William's monocle gleamed as he smoothly adjusted it.

His demeanor, which had been calm, now took on the air of an examiner testing a candidate.

"First, are you familiar with the medicinal properties of the Lumerian Tree?"

"Lumerian Tree..."

Amelia murmured softly before answering.

"Yes, the main medicinal property of the Lumerian Tree is for fatigue recovery. Especially, the extract from its fruit has a powerful regenerative effect and is used as a medicine to heal tired bodies."

At Amelia's answer, William's eyebrows twitched.

"Hmm..." he murmured.

"That's correct. You've studied well."

William's words brought a sigh of relief from Amelia.

"Next, tell me about the Selenium Moss. Specifically, what kind of medicine can be made from this plant?"

"Um, Selenium Moss is used as a material for wound ointments. The components extracted from its flowers are effective for cuts and scrapes."

"Correct. Lastly, can you tell me about the Solistyle Grass?"

"Solistyle Grass... I believe it is used as a material for painkillers. The liquid extracted from its roots is the active ingredient, which helps reduce pain."

"...Perfect, I have nothing to add."

William clapped his hands softly.

The tension in Amelia's shoulders eased, and she nearly slumped onto the sofa.

"I was surprised... The first question was basic, but the second and third were advanced questions typically taught at the university level."

"R-Really? But, the third one was a bit difficult, I suppose."

Despite her words, William asked Amelia, who had answered the questions effortlessly.

"How did you acquire such extensive knowledge?"

For a moment, silence fell over the reception room. Logan frowned slightly.

This was the first time Amelia's source of knowledge was being revealed.

"...Thanks to my mother."

"Was your mother a distinguished scholar or something?"

"No, not exactly, but..."

Amelia's eyes took on a distant look as she recalled the past.

"My mother loved plants, especially combining them to make medicine... However, her family was a traveling merchant, so she couldn't pursue that path. Instead, she would find and bring back books on pharmacology and botany from her travels."

Amelia's lips curved into a gentle smile as she reminisced.

"Do you know which countries the books were from?"

"Um... I think most of them were from Terrania and Arides."

"Terrania, Arides... Indeed, both countries are far more advanced in medicine and pharmacology compared to ours."

William nodded deeply, resting his chin in his hand.

"Eventually, my mother became a servant for the Haggle family due to financial difficulties... After that, she taught me the knowledge she had. My knowledge is based on the books she had and what she taught me."

Amelia decided not to delve into the details of her difficult days with the Haggle family.

William, who had been listening intently, nodded deeply before speaking.

"I'm impressed. You received an education far beyond the typical household... So, where is your mother now?"

A hint of loneliness appeared in Amelia's eyes.

"My mother... passed away ten years ago."

"That's very unfortunate..."

William averted his gaze slightly.

"It's okay. I've come to terms with it."

William continued, looking at Amelia.

"After your mother passed away, did you mainly rely on books?"

"Yes. I read books and experimented with the plants in the garden. Over time, I gradually acquired the knowledge."

William nodded, impressed.

"I see... I heard you are 17 years old. To have such extensive knowledge and ambition at your age... Honestly, I feel humbled."

"Thank you. I'm sure my mother would be happy to hear that."

Seeing Amelia's delighted expression, William spoke.

"You had a wonderful mother, I see."

"Yes... She was truly a wonderful mother."

This was an undeniable fact.

Indeed, there may have been a moment of indiscretion.

But Mother Sophie gave Amelia more love and the means to survive.

In the end, Sophie left this world with the stigma of being an "adulterous woman."

Amelia was her only ally.

Perhaps that's why Amelia felt a personal joy when William praised her mother.

(Ah... I can't...)

Her eyes welled up, and she felt something about to overflow.

She couldn't let herself cry here, so she tried her best to hold back.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Excuse me, I've brought a fresh pot of tea."

(Perfect timing, Lila!)

Amelia mentally gave Lila a thumbs up.

Seizing the moment when William's attention was on the tea, Amelia calmed herself.

"Thank you. Oh, this crispal scent... Is it Amberleaf?"

"Correct. It's impressive that you can identify it by scent alone..."

"It's just one of my quirks."

"Modesty. This tea is best steeped just before serving to enhance its flavor, so please wait a moment."

Lila began to steep the tea slowly.

While Lila prepared the tea, William spoke.

"I understand your knowledge. Based on that, may I ask one more question?"

"Yes, anything!"

Amelia was excited, like a child eagerly waiting for a quiz.

"Suppose we develop a new medicine by combining Zazalily, Tackopy, and Ilrian. The components of these three plants are expected to interact. What can we expect from this interaction?"

Amelia blinked at William's question.

She crossed her arms and pondered.

After a moment, she looked up at the ceiling, trying to recall her memories.

"I'm sorry... I've thought about it, but I don't know..."

She looked down, dejected.

"Especially Zazalily is a plant I've never heard of, and I only know the individual effects of the other two... I'm really sorry..."

"There's no need to be discouraged."

William quickly reassured Amelia, who looked like the world had ended.

"This combination of three plants was only recently developed in our country. It hasn't been made public yet, so it's understandable that you wouldn't know."

"Oh... I see...!! That's a relief..."

Amelia's face lit up with relief.

"I apologize, I was a bit mischievous. However, this has clarified one thing we need to learn."

William continued.

"In the academic world, many researchers discover and organize new principles before they are generalized. There are new methods of preparation and new plants that haven't been documented yet... I would like to teach you about them."

"That makes sense..."

Amelia nodded deeply.

"I'm not familiar with the latest knowledge, so I would like to learn as much as possible."

Amelia bowed her head as if touching the floor.

The thought of learning about the mysteries of unknown herbs made her excitement uncontrollable.

Her chest was filled with a sense of elation.

At that moment, Lila arrived with the teapot.

"Excuse me for interrupting. The Amberleaf has finished steeping, so I'll serve it now."

Lila began to pour the tea with practiced skill.

A sweet aroma filled the room.

"Thank you."

William bowed his head and took a cup.

Amelia also took a sip from her cup.

The scent of Amberleaf filled her mouth, and its sweet, refreshing taste spread across her tongue.

The pleasant aftertaste made her want to close her eyes.

William sipped the tea elegantly and began to speak about the plant knowledge.

"By the way, when Zazalily, Tackopy, and Ilrian are combined, a medicine to treat Red Death can be created."

"Red Death..."

Amelia murmured.

Logan's eyebrows twitched.

"Are you familiar with it?"

"Yes, I believe it's a disease characterized by red spots on the body, which gradually spread and turn the entire body red... In the worst cases, it can be fatal. I think women are more susceptible to it."

"That was a foolish question."

William smiled gently and nodded in satisfaction.

"I've received reports that the number of people suffering from this disease is increasing in our territory."

"I see... I understand."

After nodding at Logan's comment, William continued.

"Red Death is named for the red spots that spread over the body. Until now, there has been no specific treatment, and only symptomatic treatment was possible. However, with this new medicine, many patients suffering from Red Death can be saved."

"That's a wonderful medicine..."

Amelia listened intently to William's words.

"...Of course, this medicine still has room for improvement."

(Improvement...?)

Amelia was intrigued by the word but hesitated to ask. William continued.

"While it may be premature to ask now, do you have the desire to be involved in the development of such medicines in the future?"

"I... I do..."

Amelia glanced at Logan.

"Don't worry about me, just answer honestly."

"Thank you..."

She thought.

Using the knowledge of plants she had learned to save lives...

She believed it was a wonderful thing, and she would be thrilled to contribute in any way she could.

"I've been making medicines by combining plants for a long time, and I enjoy it... Also, I have a strong desire to be of service to others, so I hope to be involved in the end..."

"I see, I understand."

"I'm not sure if I can be of any help at my level..."

"You can."

William answered immediately to Amelia, who smiled self-deprecatingly.

"At least, I believe you have the knowledge and wisdom to enter Kaido University at this stage."

"That's an exaggeration."

"I am a professor, I don't lie."

William's strong, affirmative words made Amelia feel encouraged.

She was honestly filled with anxiety.

Whether she could be of any help to the impressive William, whose background alone was daunting.

But William himself dispelled her doubts.

The fog in her chest seemed to clear a little.

William extended his hand.

"Please, I look forward to working with you, Amelia."

"Y-Yes! I'm not very capable, but I look forward to working with you!"

Amelia took William's hand, feeling a sense of excitement.

(I can continue to study plants...!!)

Amelia, who had a deep understanding of botany and pharmacology, realized through this short exchange that William was an expert in these fields.

Being able to learn from a knowledgeable person who was active at the forefront of the country was an unparalleled environment for learning.

The thought of being able to explore and touch unknown knowledge in the future made her excitement overflow uncontrollably, and she couldn't help but smile.

Thus, Amelia began to study botany and pharmacology more deeply under William's guidance.

◇◇◇

While Amelia and William were shaking hands firmly.

"The new medicine for Red Death..."

After serving a second pot of tea to the guest, a professor from Kaido University,

Lila, who had left the room, muttered softly in the hallway.

When the name Red Death was mentioned, Lila, who had been clearing the tea set, stopped and listened intently.

She had a reason to do so.

Lila clenched her fists in front of her chest.

Her eyes shone with a certain resolve.