Chapter 32

"Ha..."

Frey and I sighed at the entrance of the village. In the end, we couldn't find either the "Pharmacist" or the "Alchemist."

"There's nothing we can do, let's go back."

"…Yeah."

I nodded at Frey's words, and we headed towards Torte's house.

"Welcome back! How did it go?"

When we got home, Torte was the first to come. Behind her were Reina and Luna, but both of them didn't look good. It seemed they couldn't find anyone either. Frey quietly shook her head, and Torte's ears drooped. She said, "It's okay," but she was probably just putting on a brave face.

"It's already late. Let's eat and rest."

Looking at the table, dinner was already prepared. It seemed Torte had made it during the breaks from taking care of Tarte.

"Yeah, let's do that. A hungry stomach won't come up with good ideas."

"Right."

Frey and Luna nodded and sat down, so Reina and I followed. Tonight's dinner was stew, bread, and salad.

I ate the stew while thinking about what to do.

…If I could change my job to "Pharmacist" or "Alchemist," it would be the quickest solution…

Unfortunately, the place to change to "Pharmacist" is in "Peach Blossom Land," and the place to change to "Alchemist" is in the Republic of Lauraldate, which is next to the Kingdom of Fabulum. Both places are difficult to reach, and considering how urgently we need the medicine, there's not enough time.

I need to tell Frey and the others about the possibility of changing jobs… but it might be a good idea to consider it as a last resort.

"…Ron"

"Sharon!"

"Huh?"

I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I was called by a loud voice. Looking around, everyone except me had already finished eating.

"Sorry, I'll eat quickly."

"It's okay to take your time. You looked so serious, I was worried."

"Ah… I was just thinking. I'm fine now."

I showed a smile and hurriedly dipped the bread into the stew and put it in my mouth. Torte's cooking is always delicious.

"I said you don't have to rush, didn't I?"

Frey laughed and then said, "I've made a decision," looking at everyone.

"I think we should go back to Tzile tomorrow. There should be both 'Pharmacists' and 'Alchemists' there. If we check one by one, we should find someone with the skill."

"Frey… thank you."

"We care about Tarte too, and we think of her like a sister. Don't worry, we'll definitely save her!"

Frey clenched her fist, and everyone nodded. Then, there was a noise, and I turned to see Tarte standing there. Her complexion was better than before, and I felt a little relieved.

"Tarte! You should still be resting."

"I feel much better, so I wanted to eat with everyone."

Tarte put her hand on her stomach and smiled shyly. A small "kyuu" sound could be heard, which was cute.

Torte hurriedly said, "I'll prepare it right away!" and Tarte sat down.

"Onee-chan's cooking is delicious."

Tarte, with a smile, ate the stew and seemed more energetic than before. Having an appetite is a good sign.

Tarte slowly ate and looked at us.

"…You were looking for a doctor, right?"

"Yeah. But it seems there isn't one in this village. I plan to find and bring one tomorrow."

Frey answered for us, and Tarte smiled and said, "Thank you."

"If Grandma were here, we wouldn't be in such a bind…"

"Grandma?"

I tilted my head at the sudden mention of a grandma.

"Our grandmother was an 'Alchemist.' There's a laboratory in the basement of this house, but no one uses it anymore."

"Wow, really—"

I stopped myself from nodding casually. If the grandmother was an alchemist, it's possible that there are other "Alchemists" in Torte's family. But Torte's job is "Helper," so it's different.

…By the way, what is Tarte's job?

We confirmed everyone's jobs earlier, but we didn't check Tarte's.

If she's in good condition now, she might be able to make the medicine if she has the skill…

"Hey, Tarte?"

"Meow?"

"What's your job, Tarte?"

"I am—'Alchemist' meow."