Kays Translations

Chapter 123: Who’s the Mastermind?

After studying the recipe for some time, His Majesty passed it to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister glanced towards me as he read, then fell into thought.

“An advanced healing potion and a strong antidote,” he said. “Both are valuable, but the royal magic pharmacists can already prepare them.”

“I’m relieved to hear that,” His Majesty replied. “For a moment, I feared Julius would have to teach them those recipes as well.”

His Majesty exhaled, and the Prime Minister gave a strained smile. Apparently, the King had genuinely wondered whether his own pharmacists could make an advanced healing potion and strong antidote. That possibility had never occurred to me.

“I can’t guarantee that every ingredient is currently in storage,” the Prime Minister continued, “but producing a Panacea should be possible.”

“Then have one prepared immediately. Julius, would you consider serving here as a royal magic pharmacist?”

What? Working here as a royal magic pharmacist?

I had never considered it. I would be employed directly by the Crown, and any improvements I made might become state secrets rather than knowledge that could be spread throughout the world. The methods used by royal magic pharmacists were already kept confidential.

Highly effective, pleasant-tasting potions produced only in Spencer could become diplomatic weapons. That wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted useful potions to reach everyone, regardless of nationality.

“I’m honoured, Your Majesty, but I’m still a child. I would prefer to decide after graduating from the academy.”

“I understand. I shall wait until then.”

He appeared satisfied for now. I would need another plan before graduation. Perhaps studying abroad, travelling for training, or finding some entirely different path.

While I considered my options, the Prime Minister began explaining the poisoning investigation. Was it really acceptable for a child to hear such information? Perhaps that was precisely why we were in this confidential room.

“The party behind this despicable poisoning appears to be the Lazar Empire, on the neighbouring continent.”

“The Lazar Empire…” Father said grimly. “How was that determined?”

I had never heard the name, but Father clearly knew it. Did Spencer have a hostile relationship with them?

“The poison was highly distinctive. Our investigation found that it can be collected only in one particular region of the Lazar Empire. They apparently believed no potion could neutralise it.”

“Did the culprit confess?”

“Yes. The perpetrator was one of the royal food tasters. He had lived in this country and served in that role for twenty years, all in preparation for this day. He laughed and declared that Spencer was finished.”

Father groaned.

If the man claimed the country was finished, the King’s death must have been intended to trigger a larger operation. Because His Majesty survived and the incident was concealed, that plan had failed before it could begin.

“Have any other countries made unusual movements?” Father asked.

The Prime Minister shook his head. None had. Since the attempted assassination had never been announced, the enemy couldn’t be certain whether it had succeeded.

“The Lazar Empire has dealings with the neighbouring Kingdom of Lund Al, does it not?” Father asked.

“That’s correct, Maximilian,” His Majesty said. “But we have no proof that Lund Al was involved. I very much hope they weren’t.”

His Majesty closed his eyes, a deep crease forming between his brows.

According to my lessons, the Kingdom of Spencer currently had no openly hostile neighbours. Relations with the Kingdom of Lund Al were supposedly good.

Was someone trying to destroy that relationship? Or was Lund Al expected to invade after Spencer lost its king? There was far too little information to know.

“We’re investigating every connection to the Lazar Empire,” the Prime Minister said. “I’ve told you this because the Margrave of Heine must be warned.”

“I understand the seriousness of the situation,” Father replied.

The Heine Margraviate shared part of Spencer’s border with Lund Al. Of all the border territories, ours possessed the greatest area and military strength. Naturally, the Crown would rely heavily on Father.

This meant he could no longer leave the territory as freely as before. If we passed through this year safely, Alex would begin assisting him after graduation and could maintain relationships and gather information in the royal capital.

I couldn’t help wondering whether the earlier poisoning had targeted Grandfather as well as Grandmother. Still, there was no evidence that Lund Al was an enemy.

“I’m relying on you, Maximilian,” His Majesty said. “As for Julius’s reward, I shall bestow upon him the Honorary Magic Pharmacist Medal.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

I had no idea what that medal was, but I bowed. A subject shouldn’t refuse a royal honour.

“Ordinarily, it would be presented in a grand public ceremony. That’s impossible under the circumstances, so forgive this private bestowal.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

The Prime Minister produced a case. Inside lay a golden medal suspended from an emerald-green ribbon. At Father’s urging, I stood beside His Majesty.

The King pinned it to the left side of my chest.

“With this medal, Julius may legally compound potions. Continue your efforts for the good of this kingdom.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will.”

Father and I bowed deeply.

Apparently, this medal allowed me to make as many potions as I pleased without violating the law.

Wait. Did that mean I no longer needed to attend the academy?

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