Chapter 206 A Fleeting Moment (2)

Chapter 206 A Fleeting Moment (2)

A Fleeting Moment (2)

A Fleeting Moment (2)

[It’s been a while, Miss Rainwales.]

Amelia involuntarily tilted her head as she received a call from the city through the crystal ball.

Because it wasn’t the Lord’s voice that was in her memory.

“...Old Man Alchemist?”

[Kekeke, it’s an honor that you recognized me by my voice.]

“...How can you use the communication network?”

[I asked the Lord. I told him I had something to ask you and that it would be more convenient for both of us if I could speak to you directly. And I could hear your voice too.]

“I see.”

It wasn’t something she couldn’t understand.

The alchemist was as important as the Lord in Noark. The Lord had no choice but to grant his request.

Amelia quickly got to the point.

“So what is it you want to ask?”

[Ah, it’s nothing special. More importantly, how are you doing?]

“...You know that kind of talk doesn’t suit me.”

[You still haven’t let go?]

Amelia kept her mouth shut, avoiding the question.

The old man, whom she had known since childhood, was one of the few people who knew her circumstances.

[Miss Rainwales, I have a guess as to why you accepted this mission. But it’s time to let go. I’m sure your sister would also rather you—]

“Stop.”

Amelia cut him off coldly.

“Enough with that, just tell me what you need.”

Those who are left behind have their own roles to fulfill.

She didn’t want to be interfered with, even by the old man.

[...Alright. Then let’s get to the point.]

The alchemist then listed a few items he needed, and Amelia wrote them down so she wouldn’t forget.

They were mostly alchemy ingredients like magic reagents.

Nothing special, but things that were difficult to obtain in Noark, which was under lockdown.

[How long will it take you to get them all?]

“A few days should be enough.”

[Really? Then could you get me some Sleeping Flower Pollen a little earlier?]

“I can send it to you right now.”

[Oh, do you have some?]

“...You already knew, didn’t you?”

Sleeping Flower Pollen has a sleep-inducing effect.

Although the effect isn’t that strong, she often used it because it could bypass poison resistance.

Not on her enemies, but on herself.

“I’ll put it in the two-way subspace pocket as soon as we’re done.”

[Kekeke, then we’re already done?]

The old man chuckled as if he was disappointed.

Amelia, who was about to end the call, stopped as a question came to mind.

“But... what do you need Sleeping Flower Pollen for?”

Amelia felt awkward asking that question.

Because she wouldn’t have asked if it were normal.

She rarely asked others questions first. Especially if it was out of simple curiosity.

But...

“There are very few alchemy formulas that use Sleeping Flower Pollen.”

...today was different.

She felt like she was missing something important.

[Ah, that?]

The old man’s voice soon came through the crystal ball.

[It’s for treating Dragonslayer, Regal Vagos. Ah, not for making medicine, but it would be easier to put him to sleep beforehand.]

“...Don’t tell me you found a way to restore his memories?”

[Not that, I’m just planning to heal his broken body first. As you know, we need all the strength we can get right now.]

“I see.”

Amelia let out a sigh of relief.

As long as his memories weren’t restored, it wouldn’t affect her, whether he recovered or not—

[Kekeke, but once his body recovers, I’m planning to try restoring his lost memories.]

Amelia froze.

[The method is so drastic that it’s impossible in his current state. Well, the success rate is only about 50% since there aren’t many samples.]

50% success rate.

It was an incredibly low probability to leave things to chance.

But it wasn’t a big problem.

It would be fine if his body didn’t recover.

“I see.”

Amelia ended the call with that.

And she put the Sleeping Flower Pollen in the two-way subspace pocket as promised.

Coated with a deadly poison that destroys living tissue upon consumption.

___________________

The second vine broke.

I had let my guard down because it had been quiet for a while...

Erwen chugged down the rest of her drink at my words.

“I regret it. Back then... why didn’t I accept your offer? I thought I would be able to close the gap quickly, but it’s only widening...”

It was closer to a lament than a request.

But I think I understand what she’s trying to say.

She wants to join our team, but she can’t ask us to kick someone out.

Her specs aren’t even better than the current members.

Hmm, so she hasn’t changed her mind.

“Anyway, so what I’m trying to say is...”

“Stop.”

I cut her off.

There was a misunderstanding I had to clear up first.

“I never intended to add you to the current team.”

“...Yes?”

A brief silence fell.

Confusion appeared in Erwen’s eyes a moment later, as her gaze darted around restlessly.

Tsk, that wasn’t what I meant.

I said firmly before the misunderstanding grew any further,

“Erwen, I’m going to form a clan.”

“A, a clan?!”

“Of course, not now, it will take a few months. But if you’re okay with it, I’d like you to join—”

“Okay!! I’ll join!!”

The answer came before I could even finish my sentence.

“No, but at least let me explain—”

“It’s okay! I’m joining anyway!”

“...If that’s the case. Anyway, this is a secret. I haven’t told anyone on our team yet.”

“Uh, so I’m the first one you offered this to...?”

Huh?

I tilted my head.

“Isn’t that obvious?”

How could I make an offer without even mentioning that I’m forming a clan? In the first place, there’s no need to even ask Misha and Ainar.

Raven, who’s from the Magic Tower, will probably refuse.

I’m not sure about the bear-like man.

‘He seemed to have some bad memories of clans.’

That’s when...

“Hehe, hihihi!”

...Erwen started making a strange laughing sound.

__________________

The drinking party with Erwen, which started in the early evening, lasted longer than expected.

I was originally planning to just listen to her request and catch up, and then leave...

“What? The clan master is bald?”

“Yes, that’s right. It was so hard to hold back my laughter when his wig came off during a hunt.”

But our conversation was very entertaining today.

Is it because I haven’t had alcohol in a long time?

Why is it so funny even though it’s nothing special?

‘Ah, the kids will be waiting at home...’

That thought crossed my mind, but Erwen kept bringing up interesting stories, so I couldn’t find the right time to leave.

But it’s really time to go back now.

“We, we should—”

“Ah, right!”

“Huh?”

“Did I tell you about the new essence I absorbed?”

What? She absorbed an essence?

I couldn’t just leave without hearing about this.

“It has a really unique ability. And it suits me well.”

“Stop beating around the bush and tell me. What did you absorb?”

I adjusted my posture and listened to Erwen attentively.

It was a 5th-grade essence.

Since it was an essence her veteran sister recommended, it was a perfect fit for her, a bow-wielding fairy.

‘I don’t have to remove this later.’

I thought I should help Erwen plan her build when I get back and asked her about the essence she absorbed.

“Wow, you know? Your eyes are sparkling all of a sudden.”

Well, it’s only natural.

I’m a player who loves this game more than anyone else.

“It’s an essence that people say is very unique. I can’t help but be curious about how it actually feels.”

“But it’s hard to explain. I can’t show you...”

Hmm, that’s true.

That’s when, as I nodded in understanding...

“Um, so... mister.”

...Erwen glanced at me, trailing off.

Her face was flushed, perhaps from the alcohol.

“Do you want to go upstairs and see my ability for a bit?”

...What should I do?