Alchemist Karen No Longer Compromises, Chapter 24

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Chapter Twenty-four: Dinner Party

“It’s not as hard to move in as I thought.”

This was Karen’s impression after being dressed in a gown. It was a bright lemon-yellow dress, prepared who knows when. She had imagined it would be a corset dress emphasizing her waist, but it wasn’t. While she had been made to wear shapewear underneath, it wasn’t so tight that she couldn’t eat.

“It would be troublesome if it restricted movement in case of emergency. Though I must say, fighting in this outfit would be rather difficult.”

“Lady Alise, do you mean you would fight too if something happened?”

“Of course. I am a noble, after all.”

Karen had hardly any opportunities to interact with nobility before, and she had vaguely imagined nobles just living leisurely while exploiting commoners. But since coming to the Ehlertt estate, her preconceptions had been constantly overturned. When she first met Sieg, he had been overly conscientious to the point where she initially suspected someone might have been badmouthing him behind his back, making him withdrawn. In reality, he was just too committed to his responsibilities as a noble.

“Thank you for providing such a lovely dress. Though if I had known I would be wearing something like this, I would have avoided making the curry…!”

“This is just a regular dinner dress, and if you’re worried about staining it, please don’t be. Clothes are meant to be worn and will naturally get dirty with use.”

“I’ll eat very carefully…”

Karen responded with determination not to stain it as Alise smiled kindly at her. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Please, come in.”

Alise said that, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

The one who entered was Julius. Karen’s heart began to race violently, though he was probably just wearing what nobles considered normal dinner attire. But when they first met, he had been wearing a regular shirt and trousers, and when they met a second time, he had been worn out from exploring the dungeon. This must be what they call a "gap." That’s why Julius looked so dazzling just wearing proper noble attire.

As Karen stood there dumbfounded, Julius approached her with a bright smile.

“You’re always beautiful, but you’re especially stunning today, Karen.”

“Ha ha, thank you.”

Knowing it was mere flattery, she could only respond with a dry laugh.

“The sachet you gave me the other day has been quite helpful. It’s perfect when I want to fall into a deep sleep.”

“Well, it is a fragrance sachet for a good night’s sleep after all.”

If it was about that, she could talk forever. How it worked for him, how much it helped on restless nights—she wanted to know everything.

As Karen looked up, Julius’s smile deepened.

“I apologize for not having properly thanked you yet, but would you honor me by allowing me to escort you, Karen?”

Faced with his gentle smile, Karen frantically looked around for help, but Alise just kept grinning. Left with no choice, Karen resigned herself to handle the situation on her own.

“There’s no need for thanks, and this is too much for someone like me. I can walk there on my own just fine, please don’t trouble yourself.”

“Am I, who has no prospects of inheriting a title, not worthy enough to escort our honored guest Karen, who saved Sieg? Perhaps my brother, Earl Ehlertt, should escort you instead?”

Julius lowered his eyes sadly. Karen hurriedly denied it.

“That’s not what I meant at all!”

“Then, would you grant me the honor of escorting you?”

He extended his arm. Refusing any further would be like saying she couldn’t trust Julius. Karen stiffly placed her hand on his arm. The other day, Sieg had encouraged her to give Julius the sachet, which led to him kissing her hand, and now she was being escorted by him. Was it really alright for someone like her, an F-rank alchemist, to have the most eligible man in three countries doing such things?

Could this all stem from her initial request for a completion reward? Was she causing Julius terrible inconvenience? As these thoughts swirled in her head, Karen said while being escorted to the dining room:

“Master Julius, I deeply regret making such a presumptuous request regarding the completion reward the other day, so please don’t feel obligated…”

“Don’t worry, I’m not concerned about it at all.”

“I-I see…”

Julius responded with a smile, leaving Karen unable to say anything more.

Karen realized that from the moment she made that completion reward request, she obviously revealed her “ulterior motives” regarding Julius. The people of this household seemed to feel indebted to her because of Sieg, so they were probably just being nice to her. Karen was sweating from embarrassment and guilt and actually felt relieved when she was released from Julius upon reaching the dining room.

Though not completely released, since they were seated next to each other.

“Did you properly escort Karen, Julius?”

“Of course, Brother.”

“Karen looks somewhat dejected, though…”

“I’m just overwhelmed by this undeserved treatment. Please don’t worry about it.”

As Helfried questioned Julius with a suspicious look, Karen jumped in to defend him. It wasn’t Julius’s fault. The responsibility was entirely her own.

“Karen, you look very beautiful today.”

“Thank you, Master Sieg. You look wonderful too.”

Karen’s tense expression softened as she addressed Sieg, who was seated diagonally across from her. He was so soothing to be around.

“Since everyone’s here, shall we have the food brought in, dear?”

“Yes, Alise. I’m quite curious about Karen’s dish as well.”

At Alise’s word, the dinner party began.

While dining with nobles was nerve-wracking, Karen more or less knew everyone’s personalities except for Julius.

Helfried could be scary when it came to Sieg, but there wouldn’t be any problems as long as she didn’t offend Sieg. Alise was a person full of love who was deeply grateful to Karen, so she would likely overlook minor mistakes. Sieg was used to her presenting meals to stimulate his appetite and act as a taster; lately, they had even been dining together, so she wasn’t too worried.

Julius was the one who worried her most. She couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing her dropping food everywhere and staining her dress. Yet not only was he sitting next to her, but he kept watching her intently.

“Sara! Help me!”

“Are you hungry? Please wait until the poison testing is complete.”

When Karen quietly asked Sara for help as she served the food, Sara responded matter-of-factly. Though Karen knew it would be futile in every sense to ask Sara for help, she had been the only one Karen could think to ask. She was the person Karen had connected with most since coming to the Ehlertt estate.

Sara scooped a spoonful of curry from the serving pot on her cart.

“There is no change in the taste.”

With curry, she probably wouldn’t be able to tell even if there was. Karen regretted completely forgetting about poison testing when planning the menu.

Sara took out the appraisal mirror.

That’s when Karen remembered that the curry had become a panacea.

Could a panacea be made so easily? Was it just because Karen was F-rank that she didn’t know? Well, since it wasn’t harmful, Karen was starting to feel a bit more at ease despite her nervousness.

“I’ve appraised it, but nothing shows up. It doesn’t seem to be a potion anymore.”

Karen blinked in confusion at Sara’s words.

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Alchemist Karen No Longer Compromises, Chapter 23

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Chapter Twenty-three: A Farewell Curry

After almost a month without Sieg having a fever, Karen’s services were no longer needed. It wasn’t the end of the trial period, but rather the completion of her task.

In this world, people age with each new year. Although there were still several months until Sieg would turn ten, Helfried had judged that his life was no longer in danger.

“Lady Karen, the smell and color are quite intense. Are you sure this is alright?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine!”

Karen, who had been relieved of her service, was invited to dinner, and she had asked to make one last potion, which she was currently doing in the kitchen. Sara was helping her, and the usually expressionless Sara was actually wrinkling her nose in obvious skepticism.

“Karen, I could smell this from my room. What are you making?”

Sieg had popped his head into the kitchen. Though still confined to the house, he had recovered enough to walk around. He’d grown taller, and his cheeks had filled out remarkably.

“It’s a very delicious dish.”

“Didn’t you say you were making a potion?”

“It will probably be a potion too.”

“So taste comes first…”

Sieg gave her an exasperated look, then pulled out a chair and sat down. It seemed he intended to stay in the kitchen.

“The smell is unique, but it does smell tasty.”

“I’ve wanted to make this for so long! But the spices were too expensive, and I couldn’t afford them!”

“So you’re using our family’s resources to make it. Well, that’s fine. Nobody will be angry even if it doesn’t turn out to have the effects of a potion.”

Not everything Karen makes becomes a potion. This might not become one either, despite using mountains of expensive spices. But apparently, no one would be angry. With Sieg’s approval, Karen cheerfully continued sautéing the ingredients while infusing them with magical powers.

“Master Sieg, you came at just the right time. I was about to taste it to adjust the flavoring.”

“You’ll let me taste it?”

“Let me first taste it for poison.”

Sara interrupted as Sieg’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“I’m not really worried about Karen’s cooking anymore.”

“I’m honored by your trust, but I might not notice if someone slipped something in. Sara, please go ahead.”

“Very well, then.”

Sara took a bite and her eyes widened.

“This is… how should I put it… even if there was poison, I wouldn’t be able to tell from the taste. I’m starting to sweat.”

“That’s because of the hot peppers.”

“…After appraising it, it appears to be called ‘curry.’ The effect is health improvement.”

“Oh? It’s already become a potion even though it’s not finished?”

Karen was surprised it had become a potion when she hadn’t even added all the ingredients yet. Sara looked alarmed at Karen’s words.

“You’re planning to add more ingredients even though it’s already complete as a potion? It might lose its potion properties! Besides, it’s already quite delicious as is.”

Sara seemed to prefer spicy curry.

“Sara, let Karen do as she likes. At least since it’s a potion, it should be safe for me to eat.”

Grateful for Sieg’s support, Karen fed a spoonful to Sieg, who was waiting with his mouth open like a baby bird. After taking a bite, he widened his eyes and started coughing.

“It’s a bit… spicy.”

“Should I add some honey? Grated apples would also help to make it milder.”

“Indeed, any potion would be meaningless if Master Sieg can’t eat it.”

Sara quickly switched gears and began grating an apple. Karen loved curry whether it was spicy or mild. It was her favorite food from her previous life, something she’d desperately wanted to eat but thought impossible in this world. She had experience making curry from spices before, so she had persistently tracked down the locations of spices in this world, waiting for the day she could gather them all to make curry.

“Sorry for making you ruin the potion for my sake.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I was planning to add these ingredients and simmer them anyway.”

Karen showed him a bowl filled with chunky pieces of carrots, eggplant, and kocco meat. Sieg smiled wryly at the sight of the chopped kocco.

“If it was just kocco, I’d think it was for my sake, but since you’re adding various other things, I guess this is your preference.”

“That’s right. I’m making this curry exactly how I like it best, so please don’t worry. Though if I deserve scolding for using House Ehlertt’s ingredients under the pretext of making a potion, I’ll accept it.”

“Hahaha!”

There was no need to worry about Karen doing as she liked, but if there would be a scolding, she had no choice but to accept it.

Seeing Karen’s antics makes Sieg laugh out loud.

Lately, Karen had been acting up just to see Sieg hold his stomach laughing.

Karen added honey to the curry base, stired it, and took a spoonful.

“Master Sieg, how is this?”

“Hehe… it’s easier to eat than before. But it’s still spicy.”

“Let’s add the grated apple that Ms. Sara prepared.”

After adjusting the taste again, she started adding other ingredients. Eggplant because Karen wanted it, carrots for color, and kocco because Sieg liked it. Kocco was a domesticated monster that looked like a chicken but was three times larger.

She covered the pot and simmered it on low heat.

The meat’s juices seemed to be making the curry even more delicious.

“Ah! What a delicious smell!”

“I’m getting hungry too.”

“Lady Karen, could I taste test a bit more?”

It seemed Sara had also fallen under the curry’s spell. Karen gave a thumbs up to Sara’s request, as they had grown quite close over the past month.

Then she added her secret ingredient.

“Karen, what are you putting in?”

“Heh heh heh. Herbs.”

“You’re using medicinal herbs in cooking?”

She had always thought when handling herbs that they had a unique smell and flavor. They were bitter in potions. But wouldn’t they work well in curry? She thought.

This was powdered dried medicinal herbs.

Karen has little understanding of medicinal herbs. As an F-rank alchemist, she wasn’t allowed to read other alchemists’ papers. She had no knowledge beyond what she learned in a commoner school and only knew that they could be used in healing potions. They seem to have healing properties, though they can’t heal those with Bloodline Blessings. When brewed and drunk, they restore the body to some extent. That’s all she knows. But Karen adds them anyway because taste comes first.

After tasting it, she confirmed it worked. The herbs seemed to be the perfect seasoning for curry, adding a depth of flavor. It was less of a seasoning and more of a harmonizer. The taste was perfect as if the herbs were meant for curry.

Half-certain that this had completely ruined it as a potion, she set aside a small pot of curry for Sara and hid it in the cupboard. When Karen signaled to Sara with her eyes, Sara nodded in return, expressionless but clearly pleased.

Karen appraised the finished curry.

“…Huh?”

“Did it finally break? Well, that’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Sieg was half-smiling. Karen returned an ambiguous smile and looked into the appraisal mirror again.

Kocco Curry

Minor Panacea.

A panacea was a type of potion that cured all status ailments that could be found in dungeons. It even cured illnesses that healing potions couldn’t fix. Naturally, it only dropped in the depths of dungeons and was quite valuable. Karen had only seen it in books until now.

To her knowledge, no alchemist had ever created one themselves. Her heart pounded so loudly it seemed to echo in her ears.

“It’s time for me to get dressed. I’m looking forward to the dinner.”

“Ah, right.”

While Karen was zoning out, Sieg had already left.

“Lady Karen, since it’s ready, you should change into your dress too.”

“I need to change too? I don’t even have a dress.”

“Lady Alise has prepared one.”

“When did she do that!?”

Led away by Sara, Karen lost her chance to mention the curry’s effects.

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Alchemist Karen No Longer Compromises, Chapter 22

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Chapter Twenty-two: Enchanting Reward (Julius’s POV)

When they emerged from the dungeon, a message from Helfried was waiting at the entrance. Following the instructions to return, Julius gave leave to the knights who had been exploring the dungeon with him and dragged his tired body back to the Ehlertt estate.

The moment he stepped onto the grounds, he was puzzled by cheerful laughter coming from somewhere. Everyone in this mansion was deeply devoted to their masters, and since Sieg had fallen ill, they had been walking on eggshells. Though Helfried had told them not to be so tense, their unwavering loyalty was both reassuring and seemed to be weighing heavily on Sieg.

When Julius went to investigate, he was stunned by the sight before him.

“Alright, next, it’s your turn to give Uncle Julius the sachet, Karen.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary anymore…”

“You promised you would after I gave one to Mother.”

“Did I say that?”

“Oh my, you two get along so well.”

In the garden, Sieg and Alise were enjoying tea time. Sieg was sitting independently in his chair, holding his cup and bringing it to his lips by himself.

Before understanding what was happening, tears welled up in Julius’s eyes at the transformed sight of Sieg, who just three weeks ago couldn’t do anything but lie in bed, not even able to lift his arms.

“It’s not a big deal, so just give it boldly. Don’t overthink it. Oh, should I prepare a fancy box for you?”

“I wish you’d said those words to yourself before giving the sachet to the Countess.”

Sieg stuck out his tongue, grinning like a mischievous child. The woman he was smiling at was Karen, the alchemist who had accepted the request in exchange for marrying Julius.

“Brother, I have returned.”

“Welcome back, I’m glad you’ve returned safely.”

When Julius entered Helfried’s office, Helfried approached him with open arms. Having watched his brother Helfried all this time, Julius’s eyes already began to water at the sight of his bright smile.

“So that woman was the real deal, Brother.”

“Yes. Karen was a genuine alchemist, Julius. You brought us a wonderful alchemist.”

Saying this, Helfried embraced Julius tightly. A fresh, sweet scent tickled his nose—perhaps perfume. As Helfried patted his back, Julius squeezed his eyes shut to hold back his tears.

“Is Sieg completely cured?”

“Not completely, but the frequency of his fevers has definitely decreased. He says the severity of his symptoms during fevers has also lessened. Here are the daily records and Karen’s treatment plan.”

Julius picked up the documents Helfried had placed on the desk. The daily records contained detailed descriptions of Sieg’s physical symptoms, described in Sieg’s own words.

“To think Sieg would become able to open up about his suffering…”

“That’s also thanks to Karen. She cleverly made Sieg her research collaborator, guiding him to speak up naturally. I initially thought she was trying to use Sieg and treated her rudely, but—she ended up helping us.”

Helfried’s gaze fell on a torn-up contract on his desk.

“Somewhere in my heart, I had started to give up on Sieg’s life… Clever Sieg almost noticed this, but she covered for me. Or perhaps she genuinely misunderstood…? Either way, I owe her a deep debt of gratitude.”

Overwhelming gratitude seeped through Helfried’s words. Karen the alchemist was no longer someone to be referred to as "that woman." Julius adjusted his mindset accordingly.

“She plans to write a research paper using Sieg’s case, not just as a means to help him. Sieg is gladly cooperating with this. The Ehlertt family name will be recorded in this groundbreaking research paper about treating the Bloodline Blessing complications. This could become part of Sieg’s achievements as well. He understands this well… I should have seen it as fortunate from the beginning.”

Among their relatives, some had already started vying for the successor position, treating Sieg as good as dead. While Sieg’s recovery would calm these movements, the attempts to remove him as successor wouldn’t completely disappear. Though these forces weren’t surfacing now due to Julius’s presence, they would eventually become a source of suffering for Sieg. However, if Sieg himself could build achievements, those would serve as his shield.

“Karen has been attentive to Alise as well. Thanks to her, I’ve been able to see Alise’s smile for the first time in years. Look at this.”

Helfried happily pulled a small pouch from his chest pocket. A fresh, sweet scent wafted from it. This must have been the scent Julius had smelled when Helfried embraced him.

“This is a sachet, a scented pouch that Alise made for me. She chose the fabric and ribbon to match my hair and eye colors. She learned to make it from Sieg, who originally learned from Karen.”

Julius watched with soft eyes as Helfried spoke cheerfully. He was savoring the fact that Karen—the alchemist who had demanded that absurd reward—had restored his brother’s gentle smile.

“Today too, Alise was excited since morning, saying she would have tea with Sieg.”

“I saw Sister-in-law and Sieg. They both looked healthy.”

“It’s all thanks to Karen.”

“In that case—”

“Yes.”

Helfried nodded, his smile fading.

“Though she tried to withdraw the reward once—possibly because she was drunk when she made such a demand—if that is her true wish, I intend to fulfill it on the honor of Ehlertt Earldom. Regardless of your will.”

“From the moment we accepted the request, my will has been aligned with yours, Brother.”

Those who achieve difficult tasks must be given proper rewards. It would never be acceptable to muddy the waters by offering alternative compensation. Even if the person in question is an F-rank alchemist.

During a Great Stampede Collapse, when people flee from dungeons overrun with monsters to nearby towns, F-rank individuals in any field are not allowed entry. Towns have limited capacity and only useful individuals are selected. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to survive the next Great Stampede Collapse that might occur in their own town.

Thus, they are the first to be abandoned in times of crisis. It was quite strange that someone of such status had helped them, but that was the reality.

“I will eliminate all obstacles to this marriage.”

Helfried’s sharp gaze pierced through Julius as if to say "even if it’s your own feelings." Julius pictured the smiles of Sieg, Alise, and Helfried in his mind, one by one, and smiled.

“Considering what she has brought to the Ehlertt Family, I will be able to cherish her as my wife with genuine affection.”

That sweet scent had tickled his nose when Helfried embraced him. For the person who had given Julius that moment that brought tears to his eyes, he could even dedicate his life. Whether that would be good for Karen was unclear—but since it was what she wanted, it should be fine. Even if Karen comes to regret it someday, that would be a separate matter.

After parting with Helfried, Julius headed to the garden. When they noticed him, Sieg and Alise smiled. When he looked at Karen, she was frozen, eyes wide. What emotion was that? Julius wondered internally. Since he was certainly liked, he approached with a lady-killer’s smile.

“Uncle! Welcome back!”

“We’re so glad you’ve returned safely!”

“Now, Karen! This is your chance!”

“You better help if this gets awkward, okay?”

After whispering with Sieg, Karen stepped forward.

“Master Julius, it’s been a while. If you’d like, please accept this. It’s a sachet—a medicinal fragrance pouch that helps with sleep. Consider it a sort of sample.”

Yellow fabric with gold ribbon. The color combination seemed perfectly suited for Julius.

Karen’s awkward expression suggested she was still concerned about the reward. Even though they had accepted the request with that condition, she still worried—probably because she was kindhearted by nature.

“Thank you, Karen. I’ll gladly accept this.”

“Huh?”

He caught her hand still holding the sachet and drew it close, kissing her fingertips. Looking up, he saw Karen’s face had turned bright red as she opened and closed her mouth. Julius responded to Karen, who seemed to have forgotten how to breathe, with his most charming smile.

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Alchemist Karen No Longer Compromises, Chapter 21

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Chapter Twenty-one: Treasure of a Lifetime

“Thank you for hiding here, my lady.”

Karen said that, kneeling before the Countess and studying her face.

She covered her mouth with a handkerchief to stay quiet and avoid being discovered by Sieg, as promised.

“You heard it, didn’t you? Master Sieg made a sachet—a fragrance pouch—for you, his mother. Do you understand now how much he has recovered?”

“Yes… yes…”

Alise nodded repeatedly through her tears.

The truth was, Alise hadn’t believed the reports of Sieg’s recovery and had fallen into despair. That’s why they arranged for her to witness him sitting up, getting excited over games, and making sachets as a hobby for his mother—or rather, to hear him doing these things.

This was only possible with the full cooperation of Sophie, the head maid who attended to Alise.

Seeing her mistress crying tears of joy, Sophie too began to weep.

“My lady, I want Sieg to give you that sachet directly. But in your current state, it would only cause him pain.”

It was easy to imagine that this kindhearted mother was the main reason Sieg had been hiding his poor health. He had finally started being honest about reporting his health issues in detail, but seeing Alise in this state might undo all that progress.

“Please accept his request to meet in three days. Let’s work on restoring your health in that time. I’ll help you with everything I can.”

“Ms. Karen… thank you…”

And so, the plan for Alise’s revival began.

Alise recovered her strength with remarkable speed. Whether it was the power of Karen’s potions or Alise’s high magical powers—Karen suspected it was both. This was why people with high magical powers were so valued in this world, where survival depended on constantly defeating monsters. Even if it meant sacrifices like Sieg’s—

“Thank you for inviting me today, Sieg. I’m sorry I couldn’t visit sooner because of how busy I’ve been.”

“Please don’t worry about me, Mother. I’m just happy to see you like this.”

“Ah… your complexion has improved. Have you grown taller too?”

“Yes. I’ve been measuring daily, and I always gain a little height. That’s why my body aches every night.”

“Oh my, it aches?”

“It feels like my bones and muscles are stretching and expanding.”

Alise laughed brightly as Sieg demonstrated with a stretch. Though her cheeks were still thin, she wasn’t gaunt anymore, and her eyes weren’t swollen. Her red hair was glossy, her skin had a healthy flush, and her eyes sparkled with life.

“When I started feeling better, I had too much free time, so I made a sachet with Karen the other day.”

“That sounds fun.”

Sieg mentioned it as if it were no big deal. Alise watched him with gentle blue eyes as she played along.

“I apologize that it’s rather crudely made, but I’d like to give it to you, Mother. Please feel free to discard it if you don’t want it.”

Sieg hadn’t even wrapped it, thinking it wasn’t a significant gift.

The bare sachet he presented—made with red fabric matching her hair color and tied with blue ribbon matching her eyes—was received by Alise as if handling delicate glasswork.

“I would never discard it. What a wonderful gift.”

Alise clutched the sachet to her chest and began to cry. At first, Sieg panicked, but seeing Alise’s smile, his own eyes grew misty.

“I… I never thought you would be so happy with it. Compared to what Sara and Karen make, mine is so wrinkled and—”

As Sieg spoke, large tears began rolling down his cheeks, and Alise embraced him.

“I’m so happy because you made it for me, Sieg. This will be my treasure for life.”

“Mother… I’m so sorry… I couldn’t do anything… couldn’t study… even though I’m the heir… I’ve been nothing but trouble for everyone…!”

“You’ve lived so bravely, Sieg. Don’t say you couldn’t do anything. You’ve shown the strength and patience to endure difficult times without giving up. That’s what an heir needs… Everyone wants to support you because of who you are. No one thinks you’re trouble…”

Karen, Sara, and Sophie quietly left the room. When they reached the end of the hallway where their voices wouldn’t carry, Sara and Sophie burst into tears. Even Karen couldn’t help crying along with them.

“Thank you, Lady Karen. Thank you for accepting our request…!”

“It’s all thanks to you… truly… truly…!”

As Sara and Sophie expressed their tearful gratitude, nearby servants gathered around Karen.

“Thank you, Lady Karen…!”

“Thank you for coming, really, thank you!”

“Thank you, Master Alchemist…!”

Karen bashfully received their flood of grateful words through her tears.

As she shyly, embarrassedly, and proudly responded to the numerous handshakes, she found her eyes growing hot, and before she knew it, Karen too was crying freely.

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Alchemist Karen No Longer Compromises, Chapter 20

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Chapter Twenty: Sachet Making

“Ah, I lost to you again, Karen!”

“Haha. It’s a hundred years too early for you to try to beat me, Master Sieg.”

It took less than two weeks for Sieg to be able to sit up in bed after Karen suppressed all of his ailments with her potions. To be honest, his recovery was too fast. Karen often found herself staring blankly, wondering why it had taken Lyos six years…

That said, she hadn’t expected it to take six years. In the first few years after meeting Lyos, they weren’t particularly close, nor was she making him home-cooked meals. Still, she thought it would take at least a year or so. Because that’s how it had been with Lyos.

Was this because the Bloodline Blessing of Lyos was heavier? Or was it because Lyos, barely healed, would overdo things and nearly die every time he felt slightly better?

Karen suspected it was probably the latter. Or perhaps those with stronger magical powers recover faster. Those with high magical powers naturally have robust bodies. If they could break free from the negative cycle, their body might rapidly transform into an extraordinarily strong physique unlike that of an ordinary person.

Karen had been measuring his weight and height, and in just one week, he had gained three kilos and grown a centimeter taller. As Sieg regained his energy, just as Karen had expected, he began to get bored and started using the games Karen had brought in. In their Reversi matches, Karen was persistently winning game after game.

“By the way. I heard you met Mother?”

“Yes. I did meet her.”

“How… was it?”

Karen immediately understood what Sieg was hesitantly trying to ask. He wanted to know if she was doing well. However, she didn’t look well at all. Since that time, Karen had been having Sophie deliver potions to her regularly. Apparently, Alise would take them when she was emotionally stable, but it was impossible during her more distressed moments.

“She didn’t seem to be sleeping much.”

“I see.”

Sieg dropped his shoulders dejectedly. He probably blamed himself. Though Sieg looked like his father, he seemed to have inherited his mother’s personality.

“So, I have a proposal. Would you like to make a sachet with me?”

“A sachet?”

“It’s a fragrant bag filled with dried herbs. I’ve made some dried herbs with a calming scent, and I’d like you to make a bag for them.”

It wasn’t her first time making them. She had wondered if these would count as potions and ended up making them into medicinal fragrances.

With a hesitant expression, Sieg spoke up:

“If it’s sewing, wouldn’t the maids be better at it? I’ve never done this before.”

“A sachet prepared by the maids or me might not be something the Countess would use. But a sachet made by you, Master Sieg, I guarantee she would carry. Hehehe.”

“Karen, you’re making a really wicked face right now.”

Sieg looked exasperated once again.

But Karen shook her head.

“Oh, not at all. She would carry it of her own will. Initially, I was thinking of secretly adding a sleeping potion to the Countess’s bath water since she wouldn’t drink the potion.”

“That’s what you did to me!”

“However, since the Countess isn’t in a life-threatening condition, I abandoned the idea, fearing I might be reproached and put my position at risk.”

For a commoner woman to slip sleeping medicine to a Countess would be unthinkable. Without proper permission, she’d literally lose her head.

“Yeah… I was really angry back then. But when I woke up and found my body feeling more comfortable, I thought, well, okay.”

Regarding Sieg, she had Helfried’s permission, and Sieg likely would have agreed easily anyway.

He was a child who believed he was a burden to others. If told it was necessary for his treatment, he would have endured any pain. The fact that he now gets upset shows he’s starting to trust her.

“Would Mother accept a sachet I made?”

“She’ll definitely keep it close to her.”

The maids hiding around nodded in agreement.

“…Okay. Can you tell me how to do it?”

“Please learn the sewing part from Ms. Sara. I’ll bring the medicinal herb potion and fabric scraps.”

She had received a mountain of fabric scraps and ribbons from Sophie left over from the clothes’ alterations. Pushing a wagon loaded with bottled dried herbs for sedation and fabric scraps, she returned to the room to find Sieg learning basic stitching from Sara on the bed. Sara would apparently do the knot-tying.

“Master Sieg, here’s a sample.”

Sara showed a bag she had prepared in advance. Folding the fabric, sewing two sides, and then turning it inside out.

“I see. Turning it inside out hides the seams.”

“Exactly. Since the seams are hidden, it’s okay even if you make a slight mistake.”

Sieg looked relieved.

“Now, let’s pick the fabric scraps and ribbons. Master Sieg, please choose for the Countess, and Ms. Sara, you can choose for Master Sieg. I’ll select something for myself.”

“I don’t know which to pick.”

“Just choose fabric scraps and ribbons that would suit the Countess.”

“Suit her…”

“For example, her hair color, eye color, or perhaps the color of the dress she usually wears.”

Sieg picked up a crimson red.

Karen suddenly remembered that Alise’s hair was indeed red. Because she was such a fragile person, Karen hadn’t considered choosing that color.

“What color did you choose, Sara?”

“A blue fabric, Master. It matches the color of your beautiful eyes, and I paired it with white lace ribbon to represent your nobility.”

“Hmm, it’s a cute ribbon.”

Sieg seemed slightly unsatisfied with the cuteness, but seeing Sara sewing earnestly, he gave up on commenting. Thinking it was a cute exchange, Karen also began sewing a fabric she had chosen at random.

“Are you going to give it to Uncle Julius?”

“Huh!?”

“Oh! Are you okay!?”

Sieg immediately showed concern when Karen pricked her finger with the needle. Karen’s heart began pounding loudly as she nervously pulled the needle out and asked cautiously:

“Why… does Master Julius come up?”

“Don’t you like my uncle?”

How much did Sieg know?

Looking to Sara for help, but she continued sewing intently, completely focused on making one for Sieg. Karen turned back to Sieg and resigned herself.

“I admire him, like most women in this country.”

“I think Uncle would be happy to receive a sachet from you, Karen.”

“Haha. Do you think so?”

Why would Karen give a sachet to Julius? And why would he be happy about it?

Laughing hollowly, she continued sewing casually, and once finished, quickly turned it inside out and filled it with dried herbs.

“Tie the mouth with a ribbon, and it’s complete.”

The bag made of yellow fabric, tied with a gold ribbon, was purely coincidental. She had absolutely no intention of giving it to someone with golden hair and golden eyes.

“…Mine seems a bit misshapen. Do you think Mother will accept it?”

“How could she not be delighted by a handmade item from her own child? Just try giving it to her. Don’t overthink it.”

“Hmm. So you’ll give yours to Uncle, right? No need to overthink it, right?”

“Yes, yes, I’ll give it.”

Not that they would even meet, anyway.

Karen casually agreed and entered the adjoining room.

There, she approached Alise, who was silently crying.

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Alchemist Karen No Longer Compromises, Chapter 19

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Chapter Nineteen: Countess

“I am Alise, Sieg’s mother.”

“I am Karen, an alchemist. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’ve heard from my husband that Sieg’s condition has improved significantly since you took on the request. Thank you for accepting.”

Saying this, Sieg’s mother, Countess Alise Ehlertt, smiled faintly.

She was thin, though not as much as Sieg, with blue eyes sunken deep. The white powder around her eyes was likely due to heavy makeup. Apparently, she cried every night, hiding the redness of her eyes with white powder. Though a potion could easily remedy this, she stubbornly refused to use one.

Glancing briefly at Sophie, the head maid standing beside Alise, Karen noticed her desperate gaze. Karen recalled what Sophie had told her, Alise believed her son Sieg’s illness from the Bloodline Blessing was her fault.

She had a higher magical power than Helfried. Because of this, she was consumed by guilt, blaming herself every day.

When Sophie asked to share some potions with the Countess, who looked like she might collapse at any moment, Karen readily agreed. However, the self-blaming Countess apparently won’t even touch them. Since Sophie looked discouraged, Karen decided to meet Alise directly.

“I explained to the Earl, but I’ve come today to help you understand the treatment plan for Master Sieg as well.”

“My, is that so?”

Alise appeared puzzled. She probably thought Karen had come to make her drink a potion. Sophie also looked like this was unexpected.

But this woman, crushed by her sense of guilt and refusing potions, would surely not drink one no matter what Karen said.

“May I spread my documents on that desk?”

“Of course. I’ll have tea prepared right away.”

“No, please allow me to take care of the tea myself.”

“Oh my… might you be demonstrating potions?”

Alise spoke with a wary look, to which Karen nodded with a smile.

“Exactly. Some of the potions Master Sieg is taking are in the form of tea. I thought you might be interested in what your son consumes, so I’ve brought them. You can even drink them if you’d like.”

“…Potions Sieg is drinking?”

“Please see for yourself what they taste like and what effects they have.”

She seemed to have piqued Alise’s interest. Sophie immediately pushed in a wagon with a tea set.

Karen was offered a chair, and after sitting down across from Alise, she placed a sheet of paper before her.

“Regarding Master Sieg’s future plans, the basic approach is to lower the fever from magical power with potions, temporarily suppress his condition’s deterioration, and have him eat meals necessary for his health.”

“My husband said that with your potions, Sieg has been more comfortable, able to eat, and able to sleep. Is that true?”

“So far, it’s working well.”

There was a precedent with Lyos, where things went well. Though she felt awkward prescribing treatment without being a doctor, she intended to continue since the effects were real.

“Did my husband instruct you to say that just to comfort me?”

Karen was taken aback by Alise’s suspicion and then wondered.

“I’ve received no such instructions. Has something like this happened before?”

“Yes…”

“Even if I say otherwise, you wouldn’t believe me, would you?”

“Indeed… I asked something meaningless.”

Saying this, Alise scrutinized Karen’s contract mark. She didn’t seem to know what kind of contract it was but appeared to recognize that it was one with Helfried. It would be futile to argue that it wasn’t a contract to deceive Alise—her expression suggested as much. Certain now that Sieg inherited his stubbornness from his mother, Karen proceeded to prepare the tea.

“This is the first potion I had Master Sieg drink.”

“It looks just like tea. May I have it examined?”

“Please, feel free to check.”

Sophie had arranged for the appraisal mirror to be brought over as well. After examining it, Alise murmured the results aloud.

“Reduces fever… a blended tea?”

“Would you like to try it? This is what Master Sieg drinks almost every day. So far, we haven’t observed that it would excessively reduce the body temperature of someone without a fever.”

“Oh…”

“I brought it because I thought you might be curious about the taste. Master Sieg said he doesn’t dislike it.”

From the corner of her eye, Karen caught Sophie gesturing as if to say, “That’s not the one.”

Karen was well aware of this, of course. Alise wasn’t running a fever. A fever-reducing potion would be meaningless to her. That’s precisely why Alise would be genuinely curious about the potion her son drinks.

“It’s a potion made from non-magical ingredients, so any side effects would be hard to detect. So if you’re afraid—”

“Since Sieg drinks it, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

With that, Alise gently took the cup and brought it to her lips.

“…It tastes of ginger.”

“It’s included.”

“Aren’t recipes considered trade secrets in alchemy? Is it alright to reveal such things?”

“The taste is obvious, so it doesn’t matter.”

It was something to be mindful of if she planned to sell it in the future. Even when writing research papers, not everything was disclosed. Recipes, in particular, were the lifeline for alchemists. Recovery potions might be said to be made simply with medicinal herbs and water, but some enhance effects by mixing in other ingredients. Magic stones were a famous additional ingredient, but there were likely other recipes unknown to the public.

When the main ingredients exceed three or four, the naming often becomes ambiguous, so she planned to mix various ingredients to obscure the composition when selling. However, in some situations, a potion with ingredients openly listed might provide more reassurance—just like now.

“Would it be inappropriate to examine the other potions?”

“Please feel free to appraise them. That’s exactly why I brought them.”

A chamomile tea to increase appetite, a lavender tea to induce sleep. A honey-lemon water to recover from fatigue.

After examining each one, Alise gave a wry smile.

From here, the potions also began showcasing effects potentially beneficial to Alise herself.

“These are all things Master Sieg consumes daily. Please feel free to confirm.”

Although Karen thought she might not drink, Alise eventually picked up the honey-lemon water and took a sip.

“It’s sweet and sour. Seems like a flavor Sieg would enjoy.”

Wearing a motherly expression, Alise tasted each potion in turn.

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