Chapter Sixty-three: The Golden Wrath 2
“Within dungeons, the Merchants’ Guild and Adventurers’ Guild work together to establish relay stations in front of gates on each floor. However, the deeper one delves, the harder it becomes to set up these outposts. The monsters grow stronger, few can even reach such depths, and even if they do, maintaining a base there is a formidable challenge. Yet, thanks to those who risk their lives to deliver supplies, we warriors are able to venture even further—where even a single drop of a minor healing potion is a precious resource.”
A potion used as a mere cosmetic on the surface was considered a treasure in the lowest levels of a dungeon. If parties consisting only of combat-capable individuals delved into dungeons, such an outcome was inevitable.
This must have been what Julius meant when he said that combat strength alone wasn’t the only thing needed in a dungeon.
“There are those on the surface who use minor healing potions as if they were limitless… But I won’t say they shouldn’t. As long as the alchemists who make them are satisfied and sell them at a reasonable price, that’s fine. However, if that alchemist is capable of crafting more valuable potions, shouldn’t we refrain from making them waste their efforts on minor healing potions?”
Julius’s words were likely metaphorical. His gaze was fixed on Karen.
“Karen is an alchemist who created a potion that cures Sieg’s Bloodline Blessing. Our house has received numerous inquiries about her potions. However, each family has offered to give up their place in line for those suffering from more severe Bloodline Blessing, and our house is currently coordinating the order of requests for Karen’s potion-making.”
“Really!?”
“I’m sorry, this was meant to be discussed with you first, Karen. We had arranged to have this conversation after confirming Sieg had made it through winter without issues, as we were fairly certain he would be fine, but wanted absolute confirmation of his good health before proceeding.”
It seemed many families wanted to request Karen’s services if Sieg successfully made it through winter.
Had she known that in advance, Karen would have surely felt pressured. She was beginning to feel that pressure now, which confirmed this. The Ehlertt family had likely withheld this information out of consideration for her.
After smiling gently at Karen, Julius turned his cold gaze back to Petra and Frank.
The two trembled like small animals.
“Her Highness Waltride, despite suffering from a Bloodline Blessing, has declined treatment with Karen’s potion, saying her condition isn’t life-threatening. She’s giving up her chance at healing for those whose lives are at stake—so what exactly were you thinking?”
“I-I’m so sorry… I…”
“If you didn’t know it was poison, that can’t be helped. But to knowingly and selfishly consume poison, and then try to monopolize an excellent alchemist to make potions to cure that poison—I can’t believe you even considered it.”
Petra was shaking uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face. Frank was desperately trying to wipe her face. With her makeup partially removed, Petra looked terrible, though her features were still quite pretty.
“You said you couldn’t show an unbeautiful face in my presence, as if it were my fault—”
“Alright, let’s stop there, Master Julius.”
Karen could only guess what Julius had been about to say, but sensing it would be overkill, she raised her palm to stop him.
“Master Julius, she is ill. That’s enough.”
“She foolishly consumed poison knowing it was poison, and brought this illness upon herself.”
“Being so obsessed with beauty that one continues using something despite knowing it’s poison—that in itself is an illness.”
“…You mean it’s something she can’t control? Does such an illness really exist?”
“It does.”
When Karen affirmed this clearly, Julius muttered with a bitter expression, "If you say so, then I suppose it exists.”
“Nevertheless, I find this unpleasant, so I’ll take my leave.”
With that, Julius left the room with uncharacteristically heavy footsteps.
Petra, who had been holding herself together until Julius left, collapsed to her knees once his footsteps faded into the distance.
“I… I just… wanted Master Julius… to think… I was beautiful…”
“What foolishness…”
Frank held his head in his hands as he looked down at the sobbing Petra.
Karen went to Petra and stroked her back.
“When the body weakens, the mind weakens too. This is just one manifestation of that weakened state, so it can’t be helped to some extent. If Master Julius doesn’t understand, I’ll explain it to him properly later, so please don’t worry too much.”
“Waaaaaahhhh!”
Petra threw herself into Karen’s arms and wailed.
Karen embraced her frail body in return.
Petra continued to cry loudly.
“I heard that… if I used this… I could get closer… to Master Julius…”
“That’s incorrect, so please never use it again.”
“Waaaaaahhhh!”
As Karen gently patted Petra’s back while she wailed, Petra eventually exhausted herself and drifted into sleep.
Sorry, but that's hilarious
ReplyDeleteShe started so high and mighty but ended up crying on Karen