Chapter 173: First Class Products

　There was a line of disappointed faces in the royal palace’s mixing room. I am very disappointed too.

“I see. So the Ice House is to be left to His Majesty the King’s decision?”

“I’m sorry. It’s because I said something unnecessary to my brother.”

“No, no, please don’t worry about it. It is not our intention to put you in a bad position by keeping quiet, Julius-sensei.”

　When Giovanni-sama said this, everyone present nodded. They seemed to think it was unfortunate but unavoidable. And calling me Sensei seems to have taken root.

　I would like to beg them to call me “Sensei” only here. I’d be mortified if we bumped into each other in the palace and they called me “Sensei.”

“I’m sure His Majesty the King knows the importance of the icehouse and how important the quality of the ingredients for the magic potion is. I am sure that in a short while he will give us permission.”

“That’s right. Let’s wait for that day. Julius-sensei, what are you going to teach us today?”

“Today we will make the ‘strong antidote’.”

　Ooooh! A cheer went up. If I teach them how to make a strong antidote, we’re one step closer to creating a panacea. The only problem is that all the materials are so precious that it can’t be made very often.

　Of course, the materials for advanced recovery potions and strong antidotes are also precious. But the state can manage to collect them. But the ingredients for the panacea are …… the leaves of the World Tree and dragon’s blood. I wonder if we can get them?　I don’t know where the leaves of the world tree are, let alone dragon’s blood.

　Thus began the making of the strong antidote. First, as usual, I demonstrate how to make the antidote. The royal court potion masters watched and imitated my work, and I went around and corrected the areas they got stuck on.

　In the process, a total of 16 strong antidotes were completed. The quality of all of them was low, though.

　I was glad that they were not of the lowest quality. …… The magic potion ended up being a very compromised magic potion, but that can’t be helped. The quality of the materials is poor. It is not because of their skills. Rather, everyone’s skill must be first class. Otherwise, it would be impossible for everyone to complete the task.

“As expected of royal court Potion Masters. No one failed. I am very impressed.”

“Julius-sensei.”

“Yes?”

　Huh?　What is it? For some reason, everyone looks extremely troubled. Just a few minutes ago, we had successfully completed the magic potion and were high-fiving each other with joy. That’s strange.

“It’s because of your good teaching, Julius-sensei. Last time I made a strong antidote, I couldn’t even make half of this.”

“Yes, that’s right. That’s despite the fact that we chose to make it with materials that were clearly of better quality than those used in this exercise.”

“I’m sorry to say this, but I never thought that everyone would be able to make a strong antidote using leftover inferior materials. I was hoping that this would be a good practice for the next step. …… We are the ones who should be impressed.”

　Saying this, everyone present knelt down in front of me and bowed their heads.

　Stop it!　The servants will write things in that notebook again!　Look, he’s still running his pen!

　I knew with my “Appraisal” skill that the materials were inferior, but they still made low-quality potions. All I can say is, they did a good job. I don’t want to use it, though.

“Here, look up. Please stand up.”

　I clapped my hands and made them look up. If other people saw this scene, strange rumors might start up again. Finally, everyone stood up.

“Next, we will finally start creating the panacea, but there’s an issue with the ingredients. Do you still have any materials left?”

“Well, we can make three more.”

　Oh, as expected of the Royal Palace Magic potions Division. I didn’t think there would still be some rare materials left. With this, I can teach them how to make the panacea. After all, making a panacea is a long game activity. With this many people, we can handle it in rotation. There’s no problem with their skills. We can do this.

“Then tomorrow we’ll start the panacea ……”

“One moment, Julius-sensei.”

“What’s wrong?”

　Giovanni-sama waited. What’s wrong? Is there something wrong with the material?　I turned my head.

“Could you give us some time to practice and review?　We have learned so much from you in this short period of time. None of which we have ever done before. We want to make sure that we have firmly learned what you’ve taught us.”

　He looked at me with pleading eyes. I couldn’t refuse him.

　I will be in The royal capital for the social season, so I don’t mind. It would be good if I could teach them before returning to my territory.

　Yes, and while I’m at it, I’ll teach them about other magic potions. That way, I won’t have to be summoned by His Majesty the King if something happens.

“I understand. Then let’s have a practice period for a while from now on. Of course, during that time, I will teach you how to make other magic potions.”

“Thank you.”

　All the royal court magic potion masters prostrate themselves once again. A servant writes down the scene in his notebook.

　I’ll also teach you some useful and helpful magic potions. If we teach them how to make hand cream and lotion, Her Highness the Queen will be pleased. The servants working in the castle will also be happy.

　There are not only potions for drinking, but also for applying. I’ll gradually expand the awareness of magic potions in this way. If I do that, the range of magic potions will expand and the market for magic potions will  also grow.

　If that happens, the number of potion masters will increase, and the price of potions will drop. If the price goes down, more and more citizens will be able to use magic potions. Yes, my dreams are expanding.

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