Kays Translations

Chapter 316: The Power of Mandragora

What should I do? Should I talk about the potion that allows you to wake up refreshed the next day, no matter how much you eat or drink? I glanced at Nero to avoid the gazes of the two.

“Julius-sama, is there such a potion? If there is, it would help in progressing the next day’s work smoothly.”

Whether intentional or not, Nero’s words seemed to strike a chord with Alex-niisan and sister-in-law Daniela. They looked down with an expression of embarrassment. I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.

“Julius.”

“Julius-chan…”

“Ah, well, there is one, sort of. It’s called ‘Mandragora’s Strength,’ you see.”

“Mandragora’s…”

“Strength…”

Wow, Alex-niisan and sister-in-law Daniela are making very displeased faces. As expected, Mandragora is notorious for its unpleasantness. Even though they likely don’t know much about potions, it seems they are familiar with Mandragora. It may look creepy, but it’s a top-notch ingredient. Nutrient-rich and versatile.

“We use an extract squeezed from Mandragora, but getting Mandragora itself is quite difficult. If you can bring some Mandragora, we can make it, though…”

Could this be an opportunity to obtain a large quantity of fresh Mandragora? I gazed at Alex-niisan with expectation.

“That might be… a bit difficult.”

Alex-niisan said with a strained smile. It seems he’s not keen on drinking Mandragora juice. Oh well, that’s a shame. But this settles the matter. There is a potion, but it can’t be made without the ingredients. That’s the conclusion.

“In that case, please be careful about overindulgence in the future. Oh, and if something similar happens again, we might need to make it as a precaution. I do have some poor-quality Mandragora, so should I prepare it just in case?”

I smiled brightly at Alex-niisan and sister-in-law Daniela. It’s not a lie. Among the materials left by my grandmother, there’s dried Mandragora of unknown age. Using that would result in a “terribly bad Mandragora Strength” potion.

The two of them looked visibly pale.

“It’s fine, we don’t need it.”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

They’re really desperate. But perhaps this will make them more mindful. Overindulgence isn’t good for your health. I hope they live long.

Just then, conveniently, my parents arrived as Alex-niisan and sister-in-law Daniela headed to their seats. They seemed to be completely overindulged, possibly suffering from a hangover. Their faces already looked unwell.

“Good morning, Father, Mother. It seems you were drinking quite late into the night yesterday.”

“Good morning, Julius. As an adult, there’s something called socializing.”

“Good morning, Julius. Just as Max said, this is part of the job.”

It seems neither of them is reflecting on their actions. This is very disappointing. I should make a suggestion here.

“I see. Both Father and Mother must be suffering from a hangover. There is a magical potion that can help you wake up refreshed the next day without a hangover. It’s called ‘Mandragora’s Strength’.”

“Mandragora’s…”

“Strength…”

Ah, they’re saying the same thing as Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela earlier. Just like parent and child. Their complexion… is already poor, so I can’t tell. Maybe they’re even looking forward to it.

“Yes, it uses mandragora juice. There are poor-quality mandragoras, so should I make it with those? I can’t guarantee the taste of the finished product.”

When I smiled cheerfully, their faces grew even worse. It seems there was another level of bad. They are turning ashen. The effect seems to be excellent.

“It’s, it’s alright, no problem.”

“Yes, it’s fine. Mother is feeling well…”

Even as she said this, Mother seemed to gag. Please, don’t vomit towards me. The servants hurried over. It looks like Mother won’t be able to have lunch today. And ‘Mandragora’s Strength’ is needed. It can’t be helped. There’s one good-quality mandragora left, so I’ll make it with that and bring it over.

Later, Rosalia and Cain-niisan arrived, and everyone was present. We had a normal lunch, but Father and the others had easily digestible porridge. It would have been nice to have sports drinks in a situation like this, but it can’t be helped.

“Father, Mother, and Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela, drinking too much is not good.”

“Yes, I understand, Rosalia. I realize we overindulged this time.”

Father looked very apologetic at Rosalia’s reprimand. As expected of Father. He is quite weak to Rosalia. The older brothers also had wry smiles. I hope they reflect on their actions now.

It must be quite tough to be lectured by the youngest child.

Having finished my meal first, I immediately headed to the alchemy room. I put distilled water into a pot and then set it on the fire, adding the mandragora. The face on the mandragora twisted for a moment, but then it quickly took on a peaceful expression.

“Julius-sama, are you making ‘Mandragora’s Strength’?”

“Yes. Since Mother is suffering, I’ll make sure to give some to Father as well. If his duties are delayed any further, it could affect Alex-niisan.”

“Even so, Julius-sama, you are very kind.”

“Really?”

Being told that makes me a bit embarrassed. If family is suffering, it’s only natural to want to help. Of course, Nero and Lelie, and everyone working in this mansion are family as well. I’ll do anything I can for them.

I added salt, dried Careless Grass, and Antidote Grass to the pot. Once the brown liquid was completed, I reduced and concentrated it carefully and slowly. If I try to concentrate it too quickly, the taste will worsen drastically.

Should I sweeten it to make it more drinkable? No, making it too easy to drink might lead to it being relied upon. I’ll leave it as it is. It should taste like broth.

“Alright, it’s done. I think I made about ten bottles.”

“The amount to drink should be small, right?”

“Yes, well, given the taste, it’s recommended to drink it all at once.”

Imagining the taste, Nero’s smile faltered. But it should be better than suffering from a hangover. Now, let’s take it to Mother.

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