Book 4: Chapter 2 (5)

Territory Pioneering 2

The same evening Christina arrived I decided to visit Gonzalez in his room.

It was just him and I here.

Since we had only just begun building this town, not every member of the Twilight Company had their own personal rooms. The buildings I’ve completed are being finished up by them and they’re opened up as they’re completed, but it takes a lot of space to house over two hundred people.

Even with this being the case, Gonzalez was given a room all to himself. I’m not sure whether this was because he’s their leader or they knew he and I would have to discuss private matters on a regular basis.

“Gonzalez, there’s one thing I wanted to ask.”

‘Hm? And that is?”

I still need to learn more about mana potions. Gonzalez has gone into many battles with his clans, so it’s likely he knows a lot about them.

“It’s about the things called mana potions in this country….”

He was sitting on a chair, slowly sipping the drink in his hand.

It was a simple wooden chair that had been made from some leftover wood from one of the trees his clan had cut down. He was seated behind a small desk with a couple glass bottles lined up on it. The way the macho ikemen sat behind his desk swirling his drink looked so cool.

“Actually, why don’t we have a drink before speaking about any business. Sit down over here.”

“Ah, thank you.”

I took a seat on the edge of the bed close to the desk. Gonzalez handed me an empty glass before pouring a fragrant amber liquor into it.

We clinked our glasses together before I took a sip.

The liquor went down smoothly and I noted a hint of vanilla and caramel.

It was delicious.

“So, what were you saying about mana potions?”

“There are some things I need to know about.”

His room was only lit by a few small candles. The dancing shadows cast across his face increased the intimidating aura he usually gives off by fifty percent. The way he sat with his elbow on the table while sipping at his drink was peak dandyism.

Every middle-aged Japanese man dreams of drinking in such an aloof manner.

But that’s impossible for my soy sauce face.

“Is there something similar to a mana potion that’s maybe called a life potion? Drinking it will cure diseases, heal wounds, or even regrow limbs. A magical medicine basically.”

“Aah, from time to time I’ve heard rumours about a special medicine like that. I’ve actually seen one or two of them in person but they’re not at all common. They were probably found locked away within some long forgotten ruins.”

“I see.”

It’s exactly as I expected. This is why recovery magic is in such high demand.

This is good.

“I understand the basics of making a mana potion. Add raw mana into a solution or material capable of storing mana. Is it common practice in this country to add a form of magic rather than raw magical essence? Something like adding recovery magic instead.”

“Well, I don’t think anything like that is common.”

“I see, that’s good.”

“I guess I shouldn’t say it isn’t common. I’ve just never heard of it myself. Does something happen to the potion when you add other forms of magic?”

“Yeah, I believe so….”

“Hou? That’s the first I’ve ever heard of it. Ah, that reminds me, you were talking about magic with that young girl. Does this all have something to do with those amazing baths?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

I’m glad that healing potions aren’t common.

Those will be my backup plan if the pessari grass additive doesn’t work out.

“Then, I’m sure you’ll be relieved that these life potions as you call them were made using a technology that’s been lost to the past. The only thing I’ve heard in recent memory is that people from Academy City are doing research to see if it’s possible to recreate such a medicine.”

“People are doing research?”

“That’s right, but, from what I’ve heard, nobody has been successful in recreating them.”

“I see.”

This is just my own theory based on the little evidence I have, but I believe it requires all of a person’s raw mana to actually have any effect on the mana medium. Essentially, humans don’t possess enough mana to activate a form of magic and simultaneously pump the medium with tons of mana. But this rule doesn’t apply to Christina.

If this holds true, I should be able to confidently proceed with my hot spring project.

And I’ve also discovered useful knowledge. I need to find or create a medium that is capable of easily absorbing and storing recovery magic. If I can, my dream of making a healing drug, or a life potion, will be possible. If I find myself with some free time, I should speak with Edita Sensei. She may have useful information for me.

I can also use this as an excuse to go worship her thick thighs.

“…don’t tell me you’re planning something else.”

“Not right this moment. Just thinking of what the future might hold.”

“Really? I can’t help but get anxious whenever you get that look in your eye.”

“I’m not planning anything right now.”

“What did that girl, uhh Christina, say? She said your recovery magic had been added to the water. It’s a strong enough effect that I can even feel it on my skin, although I didn’t know what it was at the time.”

“That’s true.”

“Then, there’s something I wanted to ask you. Okay?”

“Of course, what is it?”

Gonzalez looked unsure of what to say at first. He swirled the glass in his hand before taking a sip. I wasn’t sure what to do so I followed after him.

The sweet aroma filled my nostrils as the warm liquor ran down my throat. The alcohol helped me relax a little as well.

It was only after I set my glass down that Gonzalez spoke.

“Is that okay? You taught me and my men how to make the powder.”

His eyes were more serious than I had ever seen them.

It must be an important matter to him.

“When pessari grass is in its normal state it has simple magical attributes, but you had us grind it into a fine powder. If this powder were to be added to water, it would even be equal to an intermediate level potion. We were even able to confirm this ourselves. I don’t even want to consider it, but I know there are many men with me that realize just how valuable that powder is.”

“I wouldn’t mind if any of you used it to make a little money on the side. Consider it a bonus.”

“That’s just it though, that powder would be worth far more than it costs in manpower to harvest and convert it.”

“Eh, really?”

That’s the first I’ve heard of it.

When I tasted the basic solution during the exam, I don’t recall feeling any kind of rejuvenating effect. All I remember was the horrid taste, but it’s possible this caused me to miss any of the potential positives. My experiment was a success.

As far as I remember, Nannuzzi-san never said anything about my potion recovering mana. She just immediately started chastising for feeding her pessari grass. She might not have noticed either.

Or she was lying.

“Did you not know about this?”

“Well, I understood its effects to a certain extent….”

“Ah, I should’ve realized. With your bottomless pit of mana reserves, I doubt you’d ever even feel the effects of the powder. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you use a mana potion either.”

“I’m not sure if that’s the exact reason.”

But Gonzalez just shook his head. Was I misunderstanding something?

“Are you sure it’s okay for us to use it?”

“Thank you for telling me how effective it is as a powder, and I’m sure you’ve already realized that it has an acrid taste. I don’t mind what you do with it, but I’d appreciate it if you can sell it or use it in its raw form. Please, refrain from adding mana to it.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”

They already know how to process it into the powder. I wouldn’t accomplish anything by denying them the right to sell it.

I created that powder following Edita Sensei’s recipe anyway. I’m the one stealing research for my own profit, but it’s to avoid becoming a slave. All I can do is apologize in my mind and push forward.

“…you really are a strange man.”

“You think so?”

“Absolutely.”

Anyway, with this, my concerns surrounding healing potions have been resolved.

Now I can focus entirely on creating my town.

***

[Sophia-chan’s point of view]

After I finished speaking with Ester-sama last night, she invited me to stay the night in her room and we even slept in the same bed. I tried to refuse several times but she wouldn’t have it.

Ester-sama comforted me by holding my hand until I fell asleep. This healed my heart in a way I’ve never experienced before. It was different than Mercedes-san’s strange hobby. Something far beyond a physical relationship. This may just be my own one-sided opinion, but Ester-sama treats those close to her as family.

She continues to impress me in new ways that I never expect from a noblewoman like her. I hope I can continue to serve her for a long time and, hopefully, someday repay her kindness.

It was now the morning and we had returned to our rightful positions as maid and master.

“Let’s get going!”

“Eh, u-umm, where are we going…?”

Ester-sama had been waiting at the dining table for me to finish cleaning the dishes. Once I returned to the dining room, she said we were going somewhere.

We’ve also returned to Tanaka-san’s room after sleeping in the other room last night. Ester-sama claims she likes eating here more than anywhere else. I just sat quietly nervously playing with the fringe of the tablecloth as Ester-sama ate her meal with a big smile as she looked around the room.

This is love. This is what pure love looks like. She called us friends, and as her friend, I must do whatever I can to help her in her pursuit of love. This is the least I can do to repay Ester-sama.

“We’re going to meet with her so I can get a better feel for what kind of person she is!”

“….”

The ‘she’ she’s referring to is Lydia Nannuzzi-sama. Ester-sama surprised me yesterday by saying she believes me, but I wasn’t expecting to meet with that person today.

“But, umm, I-I don’t think me meeting with that noblewoman is a good idea….”

“Aren’t I much higher ranking than her? You’ll be fine with me by your side!”

“O-Of course.”

When Ester-sama acts like this I feel like I can rely on her to get me through any situation.

She usually never speaks about her family’s status, but in order to help her friend, she doesn’t even hesitate. She’s a woman like me but I can feel my heart starting to beat faster.

I know she’s popular amongst other female students at the school, but for me, even aiming to be an admirer like them seems like a far off dream.

“Then, I should get ready….”

Ester-sama’s words were cut off by a knock at the door. For a moment, I thought Tanaka-san had returned home, but he wouldn’t be knocking.

It could be a noble or the guards here to take me away over what happened yesterday. My whole body went stiff at this thought. My heart rate was already increased after speaking with Ester-sama, but that gave me a pleasant feeling while the throbbing in my chest now is painful.

“Excuse me, this is E-Edita, is Tanaka here?”

A familiar voice could be heard from outside in the corridor.

It was the Elf-san that attended the conference a couple of days ago.

She’s looking for Tanaka-san.

“P-Please, wait just a moment, I’ll be right there!”

If it’s someone looking for my master, I need to act like a proper maid.