Kays Translations

Chapter 440: Tail Fin and Dorsal Fin

The exhaustion of moments before vanished completely. I gave Leon a basic stamina-recovery potion, which restored stamina and motivation.

“Whoa! I feel completely refreshed! Somehow, I’m overflowing with energy!”

“That’s what this potion does. Even when you’re tired, it lets you push through one more round.”

“I can’t believe such a wonderful potion exists… It’s almost as though it was made especially for me!”

The praise was exaggerated, but Leon seemed entirely sincere. His eyes shone as he began compounding a basic stamina-recovery potion of his own.

I was glad I had kept the effect mild. At this rate, if I encouraged him even slightly, he might drink bottle after bottle without a second thought. That had been close.

“Julius-sama, will this be all right?”

“Yes, it should be fine. There will probably be considerable demand for it. The knights of House Mulan will certainly appreciate it, and I’m sure Marquis Mulan will as well.”

Marquis Mulan always seemed extremely busy. I saw him only at dinner; at other times, he was either shut inside his office or away conducting inspections. I worried that the strain was steadily wearing down both his body and mind. He might collapse one day.

“Master, is something wrong?”

“Nothing. Once your potion is finished, let’s take some to the knights. You should also offer one to Marquis Mulan. It will be another opportunity to demonstrate your ability.”

“That’s a wonderful idea! Father has seemed tired lately too, so perhaps this will help him.”

Leon had noticed Marquis Mulan’s exhaustion as well. That was hardly surprising. Even I, who had only recently arrived, could see it. There was no possibility that the members of House Mulan had failed to notice.

The completed potion was delivered to Marquis Mulan at once. Meanwhile, I decided to take the remaining basic stamina-recovery potions to the knights. Leon and I parted ways outside the compounding room.

“Phew. I managed to avoid being dragged into that.”

“Was that wise? Leon may embellish the story when he reports to Marquis Mulan…”

“…Perhaps I should have gone with him.”

It was too late now. I decided to trust Leon and continue on. I would ask him for details when we met again at the training ground. Depending on what he said, I might make him run until dinner.

“Julius-sama, has something happened?”

“I’ve brought you a gift.”

“This is… a basic stamina-recovery potion. How thoughtful of you.”

Lionel recognised it immediately. Perhaps he had heard that we were coming, because Giles and Christopher soon appeared as well. Axel and Ijidol were approaching from the other side.

“Leon made this basic stamina-recovery potion. Its quality is equal to mine, so please use it without concern. Make sure the knights of House Mulan know that he made it.”

“Of course. I had not realised Lord Leon was already such an accomplished magic pharmacist, capable of producing potions equal to yours. Truly, he is a son of House Mulan.”

“Really?”

Lionel nodded. Apparently, House Mulan had once had a magic pharmacist from an older generation than my grandmother’s. There may have been some connection between the two houses, which could also explain why House Mulan had sought help from the Heine Margraviate.

I distributed the basic stamina-recovery potions among the gathered knights of House Mulan, repeatedly emphasising that Leon had made them. This should greatly improve his standing within the household.

“By the way, Julius-sama, Margrave Draken, the Eastern Margrave, is expected to arrive soon.”

The captain of House Mulan’s knights told me this. An escort detail had probably already been assigned. Perhaps the impending visit was another reason Marquis Mulan had been so busy.

“Margrave Draken? Is he coming to make the formal report that the subjugation is complete?”

“That may be part of the reason, but I believe there will also be discussions concerning Lady Hilda’s marriage.”

“I see. So matters have already progressed that far.”

I wondered what was happening in House Heine. Sister-in-law Daniela had stayed with us during the winter for bridal training, so it would not be surprising if similar discussions began soon. Things might already have progressed while I was away. By the time I returned to the Heine Margraviate, preparations for the wedding could be moving rapidly.

“What… what is this magic potion…? I feel full of energy!”

“Whoa! It feels as though my blood is boiling!”

The knights of House Mulan who drank the basic stamina-recovery potion rapidly recovered their energy. Their reactions were still so dramatic that I did not know what expression to make. The more exhausted someone was, the more powerful the sensation seemed to be.

As the knights began exercising, Leon returned with Marquis Mulan.

Instead of the mildly tired face I usually saw at dinner, Marquis Mulan now looked lively and radiant.

…He had apparently been far more exhausted than I realised. The potion had filled him with energy, and Leon beside him was smiling broadly.

Perhaps teaching them the basic stamina-recovery potion had been a mistake after all. Even so, it was absolutely necessary for Leon’s training, given his lack of stamina.

“Julius-sama, thank you for always taking care of my son. You have helped him greatly.”

“N-no, not at all. Leon is so talented that teaching him motivates me as well.”

I forced a smile and tried to keep my discomfort from showing.

Leon, what exactly did you tell Marquis Mulan? His attitude towards me had suddenly become extremely respectful. Perhaps I truly should have accompanied you.

Afterwards, Leon and Marquis Mulan enthusiastically explained how extraordinary the potion was, while the knights praised it with equal fervour. Lionel and the others were grinning too. I wished they would stop.

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