Chapter 483: Going to the Secret Hideout

After getting out of the bath, we called a servant to our room to go over our plans for tomorrow. As expected, it seemed we wouldn’t be able to gather all the necessary items in just one day, so our trip to the secret hideout would have to wait for a few days.

Ah, my return to the Heine Frontier Count’s household keeps getting delayed. I knew this would happen, but I still worry whether Rosalia and Mira are sulking. I’ve been keeping in touch with Fabienne every day, so I don’t think she’s feeling too lonely.

I wish I could talk to Mira with something like telepathy, but it doesn’t seem like I have that ability yet. I wonder if it will manifest eventually—like when I grew giant or flew through the sky. Or maybe… I already can and just don’t realize it? Who knows.

The next day, at His Majesty the King’s suggestion, we were allowed to tour the royal castle.

The fact that we had repaired the holy sword couldn’t be made public. So this must have been the King’s way of showing his appreciation. Refusing might have put him in a difficult spot, so we gratefully accepted the tour.

“This is the treasury, right? Are we really allowed to go in?”

“We were guided here, so I guess it’s okay?”

“There’s no doubt we’re being treated exceptionally well.”

We were in the treasury beneath the castle. How did it come to this? Both Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela looked stiff. I rarely see those expressions. I was starting to get nervous.

Just then, Sophia-sama, who was guiding us, turned to face us.

“I’ve heard there are suits of armor in the treasury. I’d like to take them to the secret hideout.”

“I see. Of course, you’ve received His Majesty’s permission, haven’t you?”

“Yes. He said, ‘Do as you like.’”

Whoa. That’s quite a bit of trust. Then again, it makes sense—it’s a national crisis. They must want us to defeat the Bone Dragon no matter what. If that means a few secrets leak out, so be it.

We decided to make use of some old armor found in the treasury. Apparently, it had once been worn by an ancient hero. It was an ornate suit of armor, adorned with gold decorations in places. The result from my “Appraisal” skill revealed it to be just a normal suit of armor. Seems the impressive part was just the appearance.

“Does that mean preparations are complete now?”

“Yes. I believe the equipment is being delivered as we speak.”

“Because of me, the house is going to feel cramped.”

I’m not sure how big the secret hideout is, but once we bring in all the equipment necessary for making magical potions, at least one room will be completely filled. There’s no doubt that Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama’s love nest will be ruined.

“I don’t mind at all. In fact, I was thinking it would make a nice memory.”

A memory of what!? Sophia-sama giggled as she saw the surprise on my face. Was I… just teased? I couldn’t help but laugh, and everyone else joined in. It seemed like Sophia-sama’s true smile was finally starting to return.

The next day, everyone together headed for the secret hideout on the outskirts of the royal capital. Officially, it was called a “sightseeing trip” to the capital. I had heard that preparations would take several days, but it seems they rushed the work. I couldn’t be more grateful.

What we saw from the carriage window was a manor that looked like it had been built by a fairly wealthy person.

It was a two-story wooden house with a red roof. The bay windows were decorated with beautiful flowers. Of course, the garden also had flowers of various colors in bloom. Since there was a good distance to the neighboring house, it seemed like a peaceful place to spend a quiet day. Quite nice, actually.

“It’s a lovely house. Feels calming.”

“Doesn’t it? It’s such a comfortable place. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

“I understand that feeling completely.”

Apparently, Sophia-sama prefers a more modest lifestyle. I think I’m the same. Being surrounded by expensive furniture makes it hard to relax. Although lately, I’ve gotten more used to it.

Sophia-sama gave us a tour of the house. Erwin-sama was at the royal castle’s training ground again today, going through his intense training. The last time I saw him, he was so injured I hurriedly gave him one of my basic recovery potions. He recovered right away after drinking it, though.

“When he shouted, ‘This basic potion Julius made is on another level!’ I didn’t know what to say.”

I get that he doesn’t want to lose next time, but if he breaks his body before that, it defeats the whole purpose. I’ll have to ask Sophia-sama to warn him.

“This is the alchemy room. What do you think?”

“With this much equipment, it’s more than enough. Looks like the materials are all prepared too. I’ll start making the magic potion right away.”

The equipment was basic, but more than adequate for making the potion. If we had waited for more elaborate gear, it would have taken a lot more time.

While I worked on the potion, I asked my brother and the others to prepare the armor.

Once the sacred coating solution is finished, it must be applied immediately. After that, we’ll also need to check its durability.

On the table, I laid out the materials: black slime fluid, green neutralizer, detox herbs, obsidian powder, and holy dragon fur. I began the potion-making process. Just in case, I had also asked for various other materials to serve as decoys.

Even if someone had bad intentions, they shouldn’t be able to figure out which one is the sacred coating solution. Even if they did, without the key ingredient—holy dragon fur—they wouldn’t be able to reproduce it. Better to be safe than sorry.

Since I had made it before, I was able to complete the sacred coating solution quickly. All that remained was to apply it to the armor we brought from the castle.

When I asked Nero, who had been waiting outside, where everyone was, he told me they were in the largest room, having tea. The armor was also there. I asked him to guide me.

“The potion is complete.”

“Good work. Want to have some tea first?”

Invited by Alex-niisan, I took a seat. Nero quickly brought over tea and snacks. I hadn’t realized I was that tired, but the tea and sweets tasted amazing. I must have used more magic power than I thought. Could it have been the holy dragon fur? High-grade materials do tend to consume a lot of magical energy.

“We’re always putting the burden on you, Julius.”

Alex-niisan looked apologetic as he furrowed his brow. It wasn’t just him—Sister-in-law Daniela and Sophia-sama had the same expression. I quickly shook my head.

“Not at all. I do this because I want to. No matter how many times I do it, making magic potions is always fun.”

That’s how I truly feel. Making potions is fun. And if the potions I make help someone and make them happy, then it’s even more enjoyable and fulfilling.