Chapter 440: Tail Fin and Dorsal Fin

Goodbye to the tired you from just a moment ago. I made the beginner’s stamina recovery potion, which is well-known for lifting spirits and boosting motivation, and gave it to Leon.

“Whoa! I feel so refreshed! Somehow, I feel full of energy!”

“That’s the kind of effect this potion has. With this, even when you’re tired, you’ll be able to push through another round.”

“I can’t believe such a wonderful potion exists… It’s like it’s made just for me!”

It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it seems the person who said it genuinely believes it, as he started making the beginner’s stamina recovery potion with a shining look in his eyes.

I’m glad I kept the effects weak. At this rate, even if I teased him, he would have drunk it in large quantities without caring. That was close.

“Julius-sama, is everything alright?”

“Yeah, it should be fine. There’s probably a demand for it. The knights of the Mulan Marquis family will definitely like it, and I’m sure the Marquis himself will too.”

The Marquis of Mulan always seems very busy. I only see him at dinner. At other times, he’s either locked in his office or out on inspections. I wonder if his physical and mental state is being worn down significantly. I’m worried that he might collapse someday.

“Master, is something wrong?”

“Nothing at all. Once it’s finished, we should take it straight to the knights. Also, how about offering it to the Marquis of Mulan? It’ll be a good opportunity to prove Leon’s abilities once again.”

“That’s a good idea! Recently, Father seems tired too, so maybe this will help him feel better.”

It seems like Leon has noticed the Marquis’s exhaustion too. I suppose it makes sense; even though I’ve only just arrived, I noticed it. There’s no way the people at the Mulan family wouldn’t have noticed.

The potion that was completed was immediately delivered to the Marquis of Mulan. In the meantime, I decided to deliver the beginner’s stamina recovery potions to the knights. I parted ways with Leon as I left the alchemy room.

“Phew, I managed to avoid getting caught up in that.”

“Was that alright? There’s a chance that Leon might embellish things and talk about you to the Marquis of Mulan…”

“…Maybe I should’ve gone along.”

But it’s too late to say that now. I decided to trust Leon and move forward. I’ll ask him for more details when we meet at the training grounds. Depending on what he says, I might have him do some running exercises at the training grounds until dinner.

“Julius-sama, has something happened?”

“I’ve brought you a gift.”

“This is… a beginner’s stamina recovery potion. How kind of you.”

Lionel seemed to immediately recognize what it was. Perhaps he had heard that we had arrived, as Gyle and Christopher also showed up. From the other side, Axel and Isidore seemed to be heading our way as well.

“This beginner’s stamina recovery potion was made by Leon. It’s just as good as the potions I make, so please feel free to use it. Be sure to tell the knights of the Mulan family the same thing.”

“Of course. Still, I didn’t realize you had such skill as a potion master, on par with Julius-sama. Truly, you are the son of the Mulan Marquis family.”

“Truly?”

Lionel nodded. According to him, there used to be a potion master in the Mulan family who was older than his grandmother. Perhaps they had some kind of connection. That might also explain why they sought help from the Heine Frontier Count’s Territory.

I offered the beginner’s stamina recovery potion to the knights of the Mulan family who had gathered around. Of course, I made sure to emphasize that it was a potion made by Leon. With this, Leon’s reputation in the Mulan family should rise dramatically.

“By the way, Julius-sama, it seems that Baron Draken of the Eastern Frontier will be visiting soon.”

The captain of the Mulan family’s knights said this. It’s likely that a mission to escort him has been issued. Perhaps this is one of the reasons the Marquis of Mulan has been especially busy lately.

“Is it the Baron Draken from the frontier? Is he coming to officially report the completion of the subjugation?”

“That might be part of it, but I think there will also be a discussion about Hilda-sama’s marriage.”

“I see. So it’s already reached that stage, huh.”

I wonder about the Heine frontier family. Since my sister-in-law, Daniela, stayed with us during the winter for her bridal training, it wouldn’t be surprising if such a topic comes up soon. It’s possible that things have moved forward while I’ve been away. When I return to the Heine frontier family, the preparations for the wedding might be progressing rapidly.

“What… What is this magical potion…? I feel so energized!”

“Whoa! I feel like my blood is burning!”

The knights from the Mulan Marquis family, who had taken the basic stamina recovery potion, were starting to feel better. They’re still giving reactions that make it hard to know what kind of face to make. It seems like the more exhausted someone is, the stronger their reaction is.

As the knights began working out, Leon returned, bringing along Marquis Mulan.

His face wasn’t the slightly tired one I usually see at dinner, but a lively, glowing face full of energy.

…It seems like Marquis Mulan had been quite exhausted. And perhaps as a result, he’s now full of energy. Leon, who’s with him, is also smiling.

I suppose it wasn’t a good idea to teach them how to make the basic stamina recovery potion after all. But I thought it was absolutely necessary to help train Leon, who lacks stamina.

“Julius-sama, my son is always in your care. You’ve been a great help.”

“N-no, it’s not like that at all. He’s so talented that I feel motivated to teach him as well.”

I forced a smile, trying not to let my face show signs of discomfort.

Leon, what kind of report did you give Marquis Mulan? Your attitude toward me has suddenly become one of respect. Maybe I should have gone along with you after all.

Afterward, Leon and Marquis Mulan excitedly talked about how amazing this magical potion was, and the knights praised the basic stamina recovery potion with the same enthusiasm. Lionel and the others were all smiling too. I just wish they would stop.

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