Chapter 110: I’m Sorry, Grandma

After a lively family dinner that had been a long time coming, I was summoned to Father’s study. When I entered the room, Lionel was already there. It seemed like I was called for the same matter. Deep furrows had already formed on Father’s forehead.

“I’ve heard most of the details about Mount Claire from Lionel. I don’t doubt it, but I want to hear it from you again, Julius. Can you tell me?”

“Of course, Father.”

I carefully explained the whole situation to Father, answering his questions along the way. By the time I finished, the furrows on Father’s forehead had deepened even more. After listening to everything, Father let out a heavy sigh.

“Thanks to your actions, Julius, we’ll manage with firewood during the winter. If you hadn’t returned to the capital and arranged for the firewood, this winter would have been quite troublesome. Even if we had bought firewood from other territories with a surplus, it would have come at a high price. Anyway, we managed to minimize the losses.”

To avoid the chaos caused by the firewood shortage in the capital, we had no choice but to buy firewood from other territories, even at a high price. However, because I took the initiative and bought it at a lower price, we minimized the losses in the Haine Margraviate.

“It’s probably better for us to continue managing Mount Claire for the time being in our Heine Margraviate. Once heating is replaced with magical tools instead of firewood, that may no longer be necessary.”

“That’s true. But it will still take some time until then. However, I never imagined Mount Claire would turn out like this. It’s malicious to leave only the visible slopes with trees, but we also have some responsibility for trusting them and not conducting inspections.”

Father placed his hand on his chin and fell into deep thought. He seemed to be contemplating how to handle the situation. While the employees would likely continue working for the Haine Margraviate, the problem lay with the landowners. It would be unacceptable. After all, they had undermined the Heine Margraviate’s authority.

“Julius, you’ve done well. Now I’ll take care of the rest. As for the management of Mount Claire, I’m entrusting it to you. Will you take care of it?”

“Yes, of course. Leave it to me.”

I did it. Now I can visit Mount Claire anytime under the guise of an inspection. There should be plenty of blessings from the mountains, including strawberries. Naturally, there should also be materials that can be used for magic potions. And I’ll be able to let Mira roam freely.

“By the way, regarding the plant nutrient you made, Julius…”

“Uh, yes?”

Father questioned me intently. Naturally, I claimed that it was written in the magic medicine book I received from Grandma.

Let me say it once again. I’m sorry, Grandma. I felt like I could see Grandma giving a thumbs-up and saying, “It’s fine.” I hope that’s the case.

“I don’t know where your innate talent for magic medicine comes from, but it seems Mother made the right choice in choosing you as her successor. If there really is such a highly effective magic medicine, it wouldn’t be easy to release it to the world. But what if the seedlings had withered? Who knows what would have happened…”

Phew, I’m relieved. It seems like we somehow made it through. No reprimands for me. As I sighed in relief, Lionel also let out a sigh of relief. Maybe he was worried about me? No, perhaps Lionel himself thought he would be scolded. I hope Lionel’s surveillance doesn’t become stricter, right?

“By the way, Julius, there’s something else I want to ask. What happened to the universal medicine you made?”

“Oh, um…”

I instinctively averted my gaze from Father. What should I do? Should I tell the truth or try to cover it up? If I tell him, he’ll probably ask how I managed to bring it into the royal castle.

That’s it! I’ll say I hid it inside the stuffed toy I gave as a present.

“Julius?”

Father stared at me with a stern look. I felt like my defensive power had decreased by one level.

“Um, well, I gave the universal medicine to Princess Chloe as a precautionary measure.”

“To Princess Chloe? How did you manage that?”

“Well, um, I hid it inside the stuffed toy I gave her. And of course, Princess Chloe is aware of it.”

“I see…”

Father closed his eyes and looked up at the sky. He must be organizing his thoughts. Father’s expression didn’t look too good. Maybe he’s been plagued by doubts about whether I’m considering the possibility of an assassination of the king.

“Do you think King Your Majesty will be poisoned, Julius?”

“I don’t know for sure. I just thought it would be wise to be prepared in case something were to happen. Besides, it might not be his Majesty the King, but Queen Consort or Princess Chloe who becomes the target.”

I said it myself, but I still wasn’t completely confident with only one universal medicine. What if all three of them were poisoned at once? Just thinking about it sent shivers down my spine. Chloe would definitely use it on someone other than herself.

“I see. It’s a possibility. Julius, can you make additional universal medicines?”

“If I have the ingredients. However, all of them are rare materials. I was able to make it quickly this time because Grandma happened to have the materials, but it won’t be easy to make additional universal medicines right away.”

“I see. I don’t mind how much it costs. Arrange for the ingredients as soon as possible.”

“Understood.”

Good, I’m glad. I’m already relying on adventurers for it, but it seems I won’t be scolded for that matter. After all, it has Father’s seal of approval.

Oh, right. There’s something I wanted to ask Father on this occasion.

“Um, Father, I have one request…”

“What is it?”

“I would like a dedicated room for making magical tools…”

I stole glances at Father with upturned eyes. It would have been great if Rosalia were here, but then Mother would surely be present as well.

In that case, there’s a possibility of being completely rejected. Mother has a personality that prioritizes protecting the household. Therefore, she must want Rosalia to do the same.

From my perspective, it’s an outdated way of thinking, but in this world, that mindset is still prevalent, and it’s considered natural. That’s why Mother would probably reject the idea.

However, if Father decides on it in this situation, Mother will likely yield in order to support Father.

“I’ll think about it.”

Father said that and closed his eyes again. He must be considering it. I wonder what Father really thinks about us making magical tools? He seems to be hesitating, although it’s clear that he does.

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