Kays Translations

Chapter 10: The Iron Pact

　The wounded men were watching me imploringly. They must have their hopes pinned on the basic recovery potion we were about to use. I’d sweetened the antidote because, left as it was, a bitterness would inevitably come through. So I’d tweaked it a little to make it drinkable even for a child.

　The taste of the basic recovery potion, on the other hand, I hadn’t touched at all. Even so, it’s tasteless and odourless, so it ought to go down like water. I can’t say for certain, not having drunk any myself.

“Right then, I’ll issue the basic recovery potions. I think you’ll probably find them easier to drink than the magic potions you’ve had until now.”

“Even that alone would be more than enough!”

“So I won’t have to taste that hellish suffering ever again. If we’d had this magic potion, he might have…”

　That’s a rather ominous thing to bring up. I’m fairly sure nobody had actually died from Grandmother’s magic potions… Were there men who left because they couldn’t endure it?

　As I handed one to each man, I found myself being asked for a handshake, for some reason. Why?!

　Once every man had his basic recovery potion, it fell to me to lead the toast. Why?!

“R-Right then, everyone, are you braced for this? Down it in one. Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“Cheeers!”

　Lionel and the medic, who had no need to drink, joined in with water. And the change arrived almost immediately.

“I can drink it — I can actually drink it!”

“It doesn’t taste foul! This is just water!”

“Incredible! The wounds are closing so fast it’s eerie.”

“Ohhh! Wounds I thought would never heal without drinking that high-grade recovery potion are sealing over beautifully… are you a god?”

　Tears streaming down their faces, the former wounded had dropped to their knees before me as though it were the most natural thing in the world. What on earth is this situation? Lionel and the medic were kneeling too, weeping.

“Ah — err, I’m glad everyone’s wounds have healed safely. You’re an important fighting force for the Heine margraviate. I look forward to your continued good work!”

“As you command!”

　Every man there spoke in unison. What’s this? I get the feeling the knight order’s loyalty has shot up enormously. In any case, I’d achieved what I came for, so let’s call that a success.

“Lord Julius, might we ask you for further magic potions? There are still comrades of ours suffering from Killer Spider venom.”

“Of course. As soon as I’ve made more basic recovery potions and antidote, I’ll bring them to you in secret.”

　I said it with the emphasis firmly on “in secret.” Lionel returned a deep nod.

“Are you not yet able to make mid-grade recovery potions and the like?”

　The medic put the innocent question to me. With mid-grade recovery potions, far worse injuries could be dealt with.

“Mm. I’m short on the materials I’d need.”

“…Incidentally, where did you obtain the materials for these?”

　Lionel asked it gingerly. Perhaps he suspected I’d been pilfering them from Grandmother’s stores.

“Do you know that I’ve been making a flower bed?”

“Of course. I’ve heard Her Ladyship speaking of it. Could it be…?”

“That’s right. That flower bed is in fact a medicinal herb garden. I grow medicinal herbs and antidote herb there.”

“Good heavens!”

　At that, the commotion among the knights swelled louder and louder. Somewhere in it I caught someone saying, “We must defend it to the death, whatever it takes.” It’s true the place is essential for making magic potions — though worst case, I could always find more by going foraging in the forest.

“Lord Julius, from here on I should like to strengthen the guard on your medicinal herb garden.”

“Eh? There’s really no need to go that far for me.”

“And what if wild animals were to eat them? We’ll protect it without fail.”

“U-Um, all right. I’ll leave it to you, then.”

　Overwhelmed by the burning eyes of every man present, I couldn’t very well refuse. Hmm. This is going to draw attention. What will Mother think if she finds out? I’m a little uneasy about it.

　And so an iron pact was forged between me and the knight order. I’d assumed the guard would only be mounted during the day, but apparently they were doing it at night as well.

　They really must have loathed the magic potions they’d had until now…

　After that, Lionel took on escort duty whenever I went out into town. He was fired up about not letting a single finger be laid on me. The other knights’ gazes were as fervent as ever.

　As materials came in, I made basic recovery potions and antidote and delivered them. I could only manage one bottle of one or the other per day, but even so, more and more men gradually returned to duty in the knight order.

“Lionel, could we not go to the forest where the monsters are?”

“Lord Julius, I do think that would be rather too dangerous…”

“Quite right. What if something were to happen to you?”

　Gyre seemed to be against it as well. Christopher said nothing. But “I don’t want to go” was written plainly across his face.

“The truth is, I’ve been wanting some mana herb.”

“Mana herb… would it not do for us to fetch it for you?”

“I intend to plant it in the medicinal herb garden. Which means I want it lifted together with the surrounding soil, so as not to damage the mana herb — and I think that would be difficult.”

“And so you wish to go and gather it yourself…”

“Mm.”

　Lionel put a hand to his chin and sank into thought. The reason I can’t make new magic potions is simply that I don’t have the materials.

　Conveniently enough, there was a forest where monsters lived not far from the town. There had to be all sorts of materials lying about in there. There was no reason on earth not to make use of it.

“Understood. I’ll see about putting a plan together somehow.”

“I’m counting on you.”

“As you command!”

　Lionel had dropped to one knee. Seeing it, Gyre and Christopher hurriedly followed suit. I feel rather like I’ve become the boss of the knight order.

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