Chapter 83

After enjoying a delightful tea party, I began to reflect once again.

The tea party with my younger brothers was undeniably fun, and the tea party with Diora was enjoyable as well.

Perhaps tea parties are actually enjoyable.

"Maybe I should try making a complete elixir?"

During the tea party, the arbor was adorned with so many sweets that the air was filled with their sweet aroma.

However, the sweets that Fere once recommended were not there.

The incomplete elixir, made with non-toxic substitutes, improves asthma-like symptoms with continuous use.

I am still receiving updates on my sister's condition from Nomariola, and I have heard that as long as she does not overexert herself, she is fine, and if an attack occurs, it can be quickly calmed by taking the elixir.

"It suppresses harmful reactions in the body, but it hasn't cured the condition. That's where it's incomplete. It's far from the legendary super recovery."

I am now in the library, flipping through books on herbs, pondering.

This is the blue room, a room with built-in bookshelves lining the walls.

A few years ago, it was almost empty, but thanks to Diora, some books are now lined up.

Now, with the annual stipend, we can regularly acquire books and use the room for its intended purpose.

Today, Wald will bring new books, so I am waiting in the library while contemplating the incomplete elixir.

"Still, when making medicines with minerals, better ventilation and protection are necessary."

Lead poisoning and mercury poisoning were issues in my previous life.

While not mentioned in alchemy books, there are accounts of people dying from handling minerals in magic-related books, which criticize alchemy.

Studying alchemy on my own is risky.

Considering safety, I need an alchemy teacher, and the only place that comes to mind is the alchemy department at the Luciusaria Kingdom's academy.

"Excuse me, my lord. I have brought your drink. Would you like to take a break?"

"Ah, Nomariola. Thank you."

Nomariola smiles softly in response to my gratitude.

What happened to the cool and distant demeanor?

As I thought this, Nomariola's expression turned serious.

"There is something I would like to discuss."

"Lucaios Duke?"

Nomariola is still working as a double agent.

However, he no longer accepts payment.

He is grateful for the improvement in his sister's condition and has become much brighter.

But the main reason seems to be that he believes he should pay for the equipment and the recipe for eucalyptus oil I provided.

Since the equipment was made by Helcof's nephews, it should not be a concern.

He is also interested in perfumes, so I might look for some books on that.

If anything comes up, I'll try to balance it out, yeah.

"Apparently, a servant recently scolded my lord for inaction."

"But I was just invited to a tea party by Terry and the others not long ago?"

"It seems that this servant was convinced that the assassination attempt at the cathedral was my lord's own doing."

Some people have wild ideas.

"Why would I be involved with the Edenval family? That's just what Retorio Mas was trying to pin on me. Besides, I have no connections with the criminal guild, and if I tried to make any, Duke Lucaios would be the first to blame me."

"It seems that he believes all misfortunes that befall the second prince are due to my lord."

The accusations are harsh, but that's nothing new.

In other words, the servant thought I would panic over the criminal guild's arrest.

However, Nomariola's report showed no such signs, so he was scolded for being negligent.

"Therefore, I told him that if he wanted me to do more investigation, he would have to provide additional compensation."

"You're shrewd. Nomariola's quick thinking is impressive."

And it seems to have worked.

"I also told him that without knowing what to suspect and what the issues are, I cannot do the job, and I created a better way to extract information."

Nomariola apparently made the other party offer the information by making them initiate the conversation.

It seems I have a very capable maid.

But do maids need to be this competent?

Well, it's useful to me, so I'm happy about it.

"Recently, on Duke Lucaios' side, the issue is my lord's proximity to him. It seems that this is having a negative impact on the second prince."

"Huh, a negative impact? What kind of impact? Did it take too long to get here and cause inconvenience? Did I invite him to play too much?"

Terry is the next emperor, and there is already too much to learn.

However, due to inadequate education, not only his father but also the empress is trying to strengthen his practical and cultural education.

"No, it seems that since starting to interact with my lord, Terry has been more resistant to his tutors and those around him."

"Huh, really? But he's only seven, so isn't that normal? Even without that, Terry is the type to assert his opinions clearly when he thinks they are right."

"Yes, according to the investigation, the resistance the servant mentioned is mainly about distancing himself from those who speak ill of my lord."

I see, like the sighing tutor Hados I met before.

He was trying to suppress and negate Terry from the start, and if there are more like him, it's pitiful for Terry.

"I'll ask Terry if he's having trouble, and if he is, I'll consult with the emperor. Thank you, Nomariola. I'm really glad you're here. This tea is delicious too."

Nomariola smiles softly and bows.

She has changed a lot from her initial impression.

At that moment, there was a knock, and Ict, who had been standing silently, went to answer.

The person he brought in was the awaited Wald.

"First Prince, is this the book you requested? 'Numerical Understanding in Natural Philosophy'?"

"Yes, this is it. It was listed as a reference, but it wasn't in the imperial library."

I took the book, which is too large for a child, and placed it on the table.

This book attempts to express natural phenomena in numbers, which is a scientific approach.

As the title suggests, it also contains philosophical discussions about the essence of human nature in a natural state.

I was excited to read the preface and table of contents.

However, Wald, who had obtained the book with the annual stipend, looked puzzled as he watched me.

"Is the First Prince really going to study alchemy from such a difficult book?"

"Have you read it? Do you understand the content?"

When Ict asked, Wald shook his head.

"Although it talks about numbers, it seems to be mostly about sensations and ideals. It's metaphysical, and it seems impossible to apply it as a practical technique."

"However, my lord has recreated many things from such books in this room."

Nomariola's comment made Wald nod, and I remembered.

"Oh, right. Wald, here, I have this for you. You were interested, right?"

I took a small bottle of four-colored essences from my pocket.

Actually, Wald had been looking a bit envious when Helcof was working with these essences, and when I asked if he wanted to try, he declined.

But since he was carrying heavy books, I decided to give them to him and had them ready.

"This is also something I recreated from descriptions in the imperial library. Making it doesn't require magic, and neither does using it. Alchemy is something anyone can use. Since you're the treasurer, try it out yourself."

"But, my lord, I..."

He seemed to want to refuse, but his eyes were fixed on the essences.

Thinking he needed a little push, Nomariola stepped forward and touched Wald's cheek.

"He is blushing. It seems he is quite pleased, so there is no need for my lord to worry."

"Oh, right. His complexion doesn't show it, but you can feel it when you touch him."

He has a dark complexion, but he seemed to be blushing with joy.

So I put the small bottle in his hand.

"My lord, there is one more thing I would like to report."

It seemed the spy report was not finished.

"There is a possibility that Duke Lucaios is having secret talks with Duke Eurasion."

Wald was startled by the mention of these two big names.

I also frowned, remembering the bad things that happened when these two were together.

Regular update

Next: Northern Rebellion 1