Chapter 234: Sweet Temptation

　While I’m thinking about what to do, Giovanni-sama was exchanging greetings with Duke Hayden. Giovanni-sama…that’s right, Giovanni-sama can also use the ‘Appraisal’ skill. If I can induce him to do so, he might be able to tell Duke Hayden about his condition.

 　As soon as Giovanni-sama finished his greeting, I tugged on his sleeve.

“Giovanni-sama,, doesn’t Duke Hayden look very pale?”

“ Duke Hayden?　Hmm, indeed, I see it now that you put it that way.”

“Is there something wrong with him?”

“Maybe so.”

　Come on, let’s do the appraisal!　Muuuu!

“Can’t you do something about it with your appraisal, Giovanni-sama?”

“Use appraisals?　Don’t tell me you use your appraisal on people?!”

　What?　Was that bad?　Or perhaps he was under the illusion that it could only be used for things?　Since when? Perhaps I may have imparted some unnecessary wisdom. But I can’t just let it go.

　Perhaps noticing my passionate gaze, Giovanni-sama nodded his head.

“It’s a test. Let’s do it.”

　Just as I thought! Giovanni-sama looked at Duke Hayden, as if assessing him. Then, as if he realized something, he suddenly put his hand over his mouth.

“Professor Julius! Duke Hayden is suffering from a lung disease.”

“Really!?　But don’t worry, Giovanni-sama. Just in case something like this happens, I’ve brought a magic potion that is effective against lung disease. Of course, there is also an elementary recovery potion. It’s for children, though……”

　I pretended like I was just finding this out for the first time and gently took out the magic potion I had brought with me from my inner pocket. Giovanni-sama was astonished. Why are you looking at me as if you were looking at a God? I have a bad feeling about this.

“You don’t mean to tell me that you had it all figured out!”

“No, of course not. I don’t think he’ll accept the magic potion if I gave it to Him, so please give it to him, Giovanni-sama.”

“What?　That will not do!　There’s no way I could take credit for something you did, Julius-sensei!”

“Shhhh!　Keep your voice down!”

　The surroundings became noisy. Shit, how did this happen? Was it because I warned the head of the royal magic potion division? That’s right. I think so too. I just couldn’t keep my voice down.

“Julius, is something wrong?”

“Huh?　No, it’s, uh… ……”

　I looked at Giovanni-sama as if asking for help. Giovanni-sama nodded as if he knew what to do. I have a very bad feeling about this. It’s been like this since a while ago.

“Duke Hayden, I believe you are suffering from a lung ailment?”

　 Giovanni-sama said in a small voice after approaching a little closer. Clearly, Duke Hayden’s complexion turned pale. Perhaps he heard that, or perhaps brother Alex’s and Daniela-sama’s faces had changed to expressions of surprise.

　Duke Hayden pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the sweat from his face. He looks embarrassed.

“Oh no, that’s the thing, I feel a little bad. Just a little bit?”

“Duke Hayden, perhaps it is that you don’t like drinking magic potions?”

“Uh, no, I mean, it’s not as if I need to take a magic potion, is it that bad?”

　He is sweating a lot!　It seems like he really hates drinking magic potions. So far, all he’s seen are ghastly magic potions. It can’t be helped.

“Duke Hayden, you don’t like the taste and smell of Potions, do you?　But you needn’t worry about that. With the potions created by Julius-sensei here, there is no need to worry about such things at all. Both of these potions are sweetened so that even small children can take them. I’m sure even you, Duke Hayden, who is not fond of magic potions, will be happy to take them.”

　Giovanni-sama was speaking in a stealthy manner. He looked like a shady person who was selling some dubious drugs. And don’t just sell me casually. He can make the same magic potion, so it would be fine if he had just said that.

　I see the hopeful look in Duke Hayden’s eyes because he mentioned ……my name!　Maybe his lung disease was extremely painful?　If that was the case, even if you have to force yourself, drink the unpleasant magic potion!　Are you a child?!

“Really?”

　Duke Hayden has a look of admiration in his eyes. Where is the dignity he had earlier? Oh, you decided to keep it aside, I see.

“Duke Hayden, there is no doubt about it. I assure you. Between you and me, Julius has been personally granted permission by His Majesty the King to act as a Potions Master. He is still working hard to develop potions that are easy to take.”

　Daniela-sama provided covering fire. I’m being backed up by the princess. I’m more than honored, but there is some kind of unpleasant sweat running down my back. I wonder why.

“I-I see. Well then, since we’re here, I’d like to drink it. In a separate room.”

　We all nodded in agreement. As for Duke Hayden, he must have been prepared for any eventuality. He couldn’t expose himself to so many people as he writhe in unpleasantness.

　Guided by Duke Hayden’s servant, we headed to the most luxurious break room in the building.

　On the table were pink and green magic potions. You have probably seen green magic potions before, but the beauty of the color and transparency probably made you realize that it wasn’t an ordinary potion. He’s groaning.

　 Giovanni-sama appraised it and was excited all by himself, saying, “This is amazing, too amazing.” This is more troublesome than I thought. I can’t make a secret magic potion, can I?

“First of all, please take this potion.  It is a magic potion that is effective against lung diseases. Then, please continue with this one, which is an elementary recovery potion.”

“Why do you want me to take the elementary recovery potion?”

　He asked with a smile while wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. It was a slightly strained smile.

“Magical potions that are effective against lung diseases have a slight negative effect on the lungs. Even if you leave them alone, they will heal naturally, but it will take a few months. However, if you take the elementary recovery potion, you can quickly return them to their original healthy state.”

“I see.”

　The Duke of Hayden kept looking at the potion as he says this. Come on, drink up. It looks like he’s not a fan of drinking magic potions. His attendants are also looking at us with harried expressions.

　Eventually, as if he had made up his mind, he reached for the potion. There was no light in his eyes.

“Cheers to Princess Daniela and the next Margrave Heine.”

　With these words, he drank the pink magic potion with a gulp. He seemed to be in a state of shock. he probably doesn’t even know what he is saying anymore. brother and Daniela-sama’s shoulders are shaking. It seems that they are desperately trying to hold back their laughter.

“Sweet! What is this!?”

　He drank it down thoroughly and stared at the empty bottle with wide eyes. The light had returned to his eyes. It was a good thing I had brought the magic potion for children.

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