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1Chapter 127: Preparation for Making Ink (2)
2Translator: Forest Zou
3Every year I had a fever and fainted because of it. So I had no chance to get involved in pork processing in my neighborhood, nor to work in the butcher’s or the smokehouse. I put my hands together to thank Mr. Benno’s advice.
4
5“Can you get the glue if you have animal skin and bones?”
6
7“I know how to make it somehow, but I’ve never made glue. Because it has broad use, I want to make at all cost.”
8
9To make the glue, we should soak animal skin, bones and the like in lime water to remove unnecessary things such as hair, and concentrate them by boiling till they are solidified, then dry them. The ingredient taken from the skin is more water resistant than the one from the bone.
10
11If possible, I want to make the glue that is distracted from the skin first.
12
13The main ingredient of glue is collagen, a sort of protein, so the ink made by an amateur will rot if it is stored too long. It is unexpectedly difficult to use because it is easy to rot in places where the temperature and humidity are high in hot summer days, and it hardens if the temperature is too low.
14
15“So, you need to add some ‘lime’ into the ‘glue’.”
16
17“What’s that?”
18
19“Well, people use it when building a house. To make the white wall…”
20
21“Oh, is it lime?”
22
23According to Lutz, I come up with the wording of lime here.
24
25Lime is also used in mortar. Lutz’s father works in architectural industry, he must know where we can buy it.
26
27“So, Lutz. Can you ask Uncle Deid where to buy lime?”
28
29“Ok, I see. … The lime. It looks like paper ash. Do you need only a little?”
30
31“Yeah.”
32
33Now it’s different from the first time when I made paper. This year, Lutz is able to write. And his parents have allowed him to be a merchant, so we can buy the materials with money. Last year, he had no money of his own, and could not get useful material with his parents’ consent. Now his condition has changed a lot.
34
35While I am thinking, Lutz has noted down. He looks up at me.
36
37“Is there anything else you need?”
38
39“Eh, for ‘Chinese ink’, soot and ‘glue’ are ok. For ‘oil paint’, we need ‘linseed oil’. Maybe Mr. Benno know this?”
40
41When I turn to Mr. Benno, Lutz also turns to him. Mr. Benno thinks while scratching his head, then he shakes his head slowly.
42
43“… I’ve never heard about it. What’s that?”
44
45“The cloths shop sells linen. Can we get hemp yarns there? ‘Linseed oil’ is simply extracted by squeezing hemp seeds. So I think it is sold anywhere.”
46
47“Oh, linseed oil? Ok, I see…But the oil is not so cheap, right?”
48
49I respond to Mr. Benno’s words with a vague smile. I have no choice even if it is not cheap.
50
51“I have to buy it. I cannot cultivate hemp in order to get its seeds. Besides, there is no squeezer even if I buy the seeds. I would rather buy the linseed oil than to buy the machine to squeeze it. I will decide what we should do next year, after comparing the price of the seeds and the squeeze machine.”
52
53“I see.”
54
55Meanwhile, some other drying oils come to my mind. But it is easier to get linseed oil than safflower oil or sunflower oil. Because it is used to make cloths at this place. Neither safflower nor sunflower has seen in this area.
56
57“If we have enough raw materials, we can make the simplest sort of ink. Then let’s think about the equipments. The best way is to mix the materials with a muller on a solid table such as marble.”
58
59“Are there any strange tools as you use when you made paper?”
60
61I shake my head.
62
63“No, I don’t need so many tools. We can start if we have a plate, a muller, a sealed container for storage and a putty pallet, etc. If we ask the painting workshop, probably we can get the tools. My mother works at the dyeing workshop, so I will ask her, too.”
64
65“… I see. So let’s prepare the materials and bring them to Maine’s Workshop.”
66
67As Mr. Benno ends the discussion, we start to go.
68
69To collect the soot, I have to clean the house. Thus both my mother and Aunt Carla will be pleased. So I try my best to clean the chimney. It’s to kill two birds with a stone. As a result, I run a fever and fall in a faint. While I am unconscious on my bed, Lutz cleaned up Maine’s Workshop and Mr. Benno’s house, and have the soot collected.
70
71“As you said, the quantity doubles without much trouble.”
72
73Lutz reports to me when he comes for a visit.
74
75While Mr. Benno is talking to Colinna about how Lutz had cleaned the furnace and chimney for soot collecting, Otto has collected soot from her own house and given it to Lutz.
76
77“Otto is a true love slave. You will definitely win Corinna.”
78
79“Besides, gray-robed priests all did their best.”
80
81“Huh?”
82
83The gray-robed priests heard that Lutz was collecting the soot. Because they must clean the house for blue-robed priests before winter, they collected the soot from the blue priests’ fireplaces, furnaces and every kitchen for me.
84
85It was Gil that cleaned the furnace and fireplace of my house.
86
87“Because of that, a lot of soot has been gathered in Maine’s Workshop.”
88
89“Really?”
90
91“My boss has bought linseed oil, and I also asked my father to buy the lime. I have also asked the painting workshop about the painting tools, and ordered the tools from the workshop that makes them. So the tools will be delivered soon.”
92
93Thus, more and more materials and tools had been collected to the workshop while I was collapsed by the fever. Human-wave tactic is great.
94
95“Now that we will prepare for the coming winter soon, let’s make the glue later. First we should try to extract the oil for making ink. Then we will make the engraving and print it. Oh, I have to order the boards for engraving. But the ink is only the trial product, maybe I can use a stamp instead. Lutz, what do you think?”
96
97“… Maine, don’t get so excited. First of all, if you don’t bring the fever down, you cannot do anything, right?”
98
99“Awe…”
100
101I’ll start with oil painting tools after the fever goes down.
102
103One month since the Empire’s declaration of war in a very common bar that also serves as inn, located in Mismarca’s castle town. The residents aside, a group of travelers calling themselves hunters and even adventurers are here today, resting or gathering information. The sun has long disappeared over the horizon yet the bar is still thriving.
104
105“I thought there was a war on? It sure is slow round here.” (Amid)
106
107Amid said while nursing a mug. She’s past her mid-twenties, wearing a priestess hat and pigtails. A cross hanging from her neck marks her as a sister of the Divine Faith Organization.
108
109“Well, guess there just hasn’t been a major scuffle yet, huh? Oh, miserable lambs, waste not these scarce peaceful times. Praise the Lord!” Amid cackles.
110
111Jace, sitting opposite the delinquent sister, scowled at the guffawing Amid while saying,
112
113“…Are you an idiot? Aren’t you a sister? What happened to…thou must not drink?” (Jace)
114
115“No, no. According to the Lord in the 471st doctrine, thou must not drive if you drink. Doesn’t that mean that all those not praising the Lord are bound for hell for drunk driving!?” Amid cackles even more wildly.
116Jace only sighs in irritation. Pointedly ignoring her, he stabs the chicken with the fork in his left hand and puts it into his mouth.
117
118“Hey, you listenin’? You’re a Brave, right? I’m a sister. Look here, you just got lucky in the lottery of the oracle, but I’m part of the Lord’s family. A great, transcendent being. You get what I’m tellin’ ya? Thou must not defy a sister. Okay?” (Amid)
119
120Amid drunkenly bangs on the table but Jace just continues to silently stuff food in his mouth.
121It’s only been a few days since Amid met this 18-year-old brave. Since then, she hasn’t seen anything but a scowl on his face. He was probably bullied in the past. He was a gloomy, unsociable youth.
122Having given up on trying to make him laugh, Amid lowers the tone of her voice.
123
124“…Now then, my Brave, whaddya think is going to happen tomorrow?” (Amid)
125
126“In regards to?” (Jace)
127
128“You’d get it if you looked around!” (Amid)
129
130Amid licked her lips once and gestured at the surroundings with the mug in her hand.
131
132“The one at the counter over there is Noble Youth Phendy. The ones writing autographs for the waiter back there are the twin Braves, Binary Star AbelCayn. At the five-person table on the opposite side, that armored woman is the Battle Maiden of Zemun, Jasmine Arljew…” (Amid)
133
134Jace silently looks in each direction the mug is pointed. His eyes wander over the people, each with their own style and all adventurers with good looks and equipment.
135But his response was curt.
136
137“Don’t care.” (Jace)
138
139“Tell you what, though…they’re all here to rub elbows and impress the Mismarcan king and get that legendary sacred treasure, the Holy Devil Cup. All of them be titled A-rank Braves. How bout it? You nervous now?” (Amid)
140
141The international major religious power that propagates the Mary Faith, the state religion of many countries on the continent, and also acts as the authority of heaven to purify and exterminate all things deemed demonic 1…that’s the 『Divine Faith Organization』.
142Based on its doctrine, the term 『Brave』 is granted to young people that have been chosen through a ritual called oracle. The title Brave is granted to very few each year. Among those granted that title, the ones that managed to obtain the rank of A class through their resourcefulness and power were the true heroes of this age.
143
144“…I have no clue who’s who. This is the first time I’m seeing any of them.” (Jace)
145
146“So apathetic…you’re so unlovable.” (Amid)
147
148While they are talking, yet another new figure appears in the bar’s entrance. Probably because of its proximity to the main street, it’s a very accessible business.
149
150“Hey, that…ain’t that Shina!?”
151
152“You’re right, that’s Shina Millrosa!”
153
154“Shina, the Rainbow Sword!”
155
156If male Braves are heroes, female Braves are idols. She is the epitome of that.
157Long hair held back by an Alice Band, light armor with a stylish design over a beautiful robe, she was a beautiful Magic Swordswoman. The bar was swept with excitement at her entrance.
158
159“Oh man, that’s amazin’. An S-rank is here. Tomorrow is going to be a good show.” (Amid)
160
161“…I’ve seen her somewhere.” (Jace)
162
163“Ain’t it cause she was in the same class as you?” (Amid)
164
165Surrounded by the ordinary folk, Shina is flooded with requests for autographs. Even the Braves that Amid pointed out earlier were socializing with her but…when the uproar finally died down a little, she suddenly noticed Amid and Jace, and approached them with a look of mild surprise.
166
167“Oh my, just when I was wondering who it might be, isn’t that you, Jace? You were still alive?” (Shina)
168
169“What, so your memory does work.” (Jace)
170
171Shina lightly flicked her long hair over her shoulder, eyes narrowing with disdain.
172
173“How could I ever forget you…? There’s no other Brave with an appearance like yours, is there? Rather than that, for you to come to this country, Jace, don’t tell me you are targeting the Holy Devil Cup…there’s no way you are going to say something like that, right?” (Shina)
174
175“That’s my intention.” (Jace)
176
177As soon as he answers, Shina put her hands on her hips and scoffed at him.
178
179“That appearance of yours is joke enough, you don’t need to do anything else. I don’t know what you’ve been up to, but amongst us classmates, you are the only one still stuck at E-rank, you know? And before that, are you saying you will be able to accomplish something in that state?” (Shina)
180
181“Yeah, unfortunately I’m in this sorry state. I cannot kill the demon king without the Holy Devil Cup.” (Jace)
182
183Since Jace didn’t seem to realize that he was being mocked, Shina shrugged her shoulders and sighed.
184
185“You really don’t understand anything. Are you still saying such nonsense? In the first place, why do you think Mismarca is gathering Braves? To defeat the demon king? No, it’s because a war has started. If the continent is ruled by the Grand Marsenal Empire, it will turn into a world where us humans would be treated as slaves for life.” (Shina)
186
187A vague sort of anxiety seemed to settle over the entire bar at Shina’s words. The invasion of the Empire and the existence of the legendary Holy Devil Cup had already become common knowledge, after all. However, the one who brushed that anxiety away was also Shina.
188
189“But, such tyranny cannot be allowed. We cannot yield to it. The might of the Holy Devil Cup is necessary for the sake of justice. In order to awaken that might, the power of us Braves is required. For the sake of justice! Isn’t that right!?” (Shina)
190
191Rallying cries resounded through the bar, not just from the Braves and travelers but also from the citizens. But…
192(…Hmm.)
193After all this, only my Brave has still that unchanging sour look, Amid sees. Jace looks on at the display with cold and indifferent eyes.
194
195“What we need in the alliance right now is a will to win against the Empire! Yes, you might be a Brave, but if you say something anachronistic like defeating the demon king, you’ll just be turned away at the gate, Jace.” (Shina)
196
197And with the flow of the conversation so far, even the other guests have understood the situation. Half of them look on with disdain, and the other half address them with sympathetic voices. Amid roughly scratches her head. While she’s pondering what kind of sermon she should give based on the situation…
198
199“It took great pains for me to arrive here. I will try anyway.” (Jace)
200
201What a perfectly honest reply. Believing that her warning had been ignored, the look in Shina’s eyes hardened and she brought her hand down on the table.
202
203“With someone like you becoming a Brave, people might think that we’re on the same level. I’m telling you that you’re a bother.” (Shina)
204
205“My bad.” (Jace)
206
207Even this apology is upfront. But, his eyes are also looking straight forward without hesitation. As though…she was unable to endure, the one who averted her eyes first was Shina. Instead, it was Amid who suffered collateral damage.
208
209“Humph…do as you see fit. Just keep that drunken fake sister of yours company.” (Shina)
210
211“What, I’m a real sister. Thou must not doubt. If you like, I can bless you? Do your best Brave! Here, you have my super divine protection! See?” Amid laughs.
212
213Finally Shina’s jaw drops in disbelief. She ignores any attempt to form a connection and turns towards Jace.
214(How boring…)
215
216“Three years ago, when we received our oracle, it was regarded as a once-in-a-century good year for us Braves. Only you are still an E-rank. I haven’t heard anything of you in these three years. Despite not having put in any effort and not doing any good deeds, you’re boldly aiming for the Holy Devil Cup now that you’ve heard that it possesses an almighty power!” (Shina)
217
218She stopped talking and pointed at the Mismarca castle towering over the town through the window.
219
220“Right now the kings and ministers of all the nations have assembled over there to frantically discuss day and night how they should fight against the invading Empire. Even Riezel, who is from our generation, is currently fighting in that place as representative of Highland! And yet you…! You are saying that you want the Holy Devil Cup just for your own sake. Don’t you find that inexcusable!?” (Shina)
221
222“I don’t.” (Jace)
223
224Shina lifts a brow at his immediate reply, releasing a somewhat threatening aura.
225
226“…Look here, my Brave. Do you know the expression A conversation is like playing catch?” (Amid)
227
228“Don’t care.” (Jace)
229
230This guy’s a lost case.
231
232“I got it, I got it. In the end you are still the same. Whatever. But, if you want to defeat the demon king so much, I will tell you just one thing.” (Shina)
233
234“What is it?” (Jace)
235
236“The direction is the other way. The place where the demon king supposedly lives is at the end of the western regions. At the very least, this is not the place where you should be.” (Shina)
237
238Shina turned, flicking her mantle, and swept out of the bar she had just entered…as if she were unwilling to even breathe the same air as him.
239The interior of the bar was in uproar. There are many looks and voices that seemed to shun Jace.
240
241“Don’t worry, my Brave.” (Amid)
242
243“It doesn’t matter. I’m me.” (Jace)
244
245Has he grown accustomed to such public attention? Watching Jace’s ever-unchanging face, a natural smile formed on Amid’s lips.
246
247“Good fortune to you!” (Amid)
248
249“Not necessary. As long as I get my hands on the Holy Devil Cup, all will be fine.” (Jace)
250
251Chewing the last of his food, Jace leaves his seat and heads towards the second floor of the inn. Amid holds her mug up at his retreating figure.
252
253“I earnestly wish you all the best, my Brave…” (Amid)
254
255The youth that Amid had met a few days ago was dressed shabbily, like a thief, and his hair had turned white, like he had suffered some great shock. His right eye is missing. And so is his right arm.
256
257He was so natural about it that I ended up accepting the pamphlet. I wonder if he prepared this right from the start.
258
259I thanked him then entered the carriage. I sat myself between Fei-san and Ox-san.
260
261When I’d completely seated myself, the driver immediately rode away almost as if he had merely been waiting for me.
262
263I saw Orest seeing us off with a smile through the passing scenery from the windows.
264
265“Fuu…” [Reinhart, Pioro, Serge]
266
267When the carriage had completely left the lot, the three adults seated in front of me all heaved a sigh.
268
269“Thank you very much for accompanying me today.” [Ryouma]
270
271“I was free for the day. It was the least I could do.” [Reinhart]
272
273“And we couldn’t have let you go alone anyway.” [Pioro]
274
275“As for why, I’m sure you understand now, right, Ryouma-sama?” [Serge]
276
277Yeah. Everyone coming along was really a big help.
278
279If I’d gone to see that person alone without knowing anything, I would have probably ended up dancing on his palms. I mean more than I ended up dancing this time around anyway.
280
281“Just like you said, Serge-san. He’s not a bad person, but he’s certainly not someone you can let your guard down against.” [Ryouma]
282
283Reinhart-san said the same thing, but he’s really meticulous when it comes to balancing his distance with people.
284
285Even when I find myself caught up in his pace, I never feel any sort of discomfort.
286
287In my case, everything concluded without things escalating to the point where I had to raise my voice and yell at him.
288
289Whenever we talked, he would lead the conversation along and confuse me, and by the time we’re done, I just don’t care anymore.
290
291I’m sure he adjusts his personality accordingly and does the same thing to everyone.
292
293He’s a really exhausting person to be with. Because of that I can more or less understand everyone’s feelings, but still… He’s not someone I can hate.
294
295Besides, I’m sure he’ll probably just enjoy himself all the same if someone were to hate him.
296
297“It is him that we’re talking about, so yeah, that would probably be the case. Still, you sure understand him well despite this being your first meeting.” [Reinhart]
298
299“If I were alone, then I probably wouldn’t have had such an easy time dealing with him, but you guys were with me and acted as a wall for me. Because of that I was able to calmly talk to him… By talking to him I was able to find something about me that’s similar to him… If only a little.” [Ryouma]
300
301“Something similar? You and Orest?　But you’re not really similar. No.” Reinhart]
302
303“Indeed.” [Serge]
304
305“I’m not talking about our personality. I guess what I’m referring to is how we think in regards to our object of interest.” [Ryouma]
306
307When I find a new slime, I make them approach various things to see what they’re good at and what they’re bad at. If needed, I would even give them poison. And even if the slime ended up biting my hand because of that, I don’t think I would get mad. If anything I’ll just become even more curious and wonder ‘How did the slime manage to bite my hand?’ ‘What kind of abilities can it demonstrate?’
308
309Although, to be honest, I’m not really that interested when it comes to people, so I can’t really understand using the same mindset to approach people.
310
311“Basically, what I’m saying is that it feels as if he doesn’t seem to think about whether he’s acting close or not.” [Ryouma]
312
313“Ahh…” [Reinhart]]
314
315“So that’s what you mean…” [Serge]
316
317“So that’s what it is…” [Pioro]
318
319When I said that, everyone was able to understand what I was trying to get at. Fei-san too, who was sitting beside me, although he wasn’t saying anything. Ox-san didn’t know about my love for slimes, so he couldn’t understand…
320
321Oh, well, that was rude of me, wasn’t it? Even though I didn’t know Ox-san all that well, I just went and started a conversation about something he knew absolutely nothing about.
322
323“Sorry for ignoring you.” [Ryouma]
324
325“Don’t mind me.” [Ox]
326
327I’m glad he’s so understanding, but… We have introduced ourselves already, so maybe I should talk to him about the future.
328
329I’ll be staying at the duke’s family for the next three days, so during that time, I want him to talk to Fei-san and get a good explanation of matters regarding the store, especially regarding security related stuff. Moreover, if possible, I would also like to get his help for the wedding hall. If he can swing that heavy sword of his with one hand so easily, then I’m sure he’ll be a great boon to us in our work.
330
331“And one more thing. If you’re okay with it, I would like you to help me with my experiments in medicine.” [Ryouma]
332
333“Medicine?” [Ox Lord]
334
335At that, I told him about the scenario I was given. The one where I learned about the concoction and theory of medicine from my grandma and am actually quite skilled at it.
336
337I told him that the medicine I want to test is the Mana Recovery Medicine. Not the instant effect type sold of in stores, but a different type of mana recovery medicine that gradually restores mana over time.
338
339Ox-san learned how to use his sword with magic because he didn’t want to give up his sword even after losing his left hand. Unfortunately, because he is a member of the beast tribe, he doesn’t have that much mana. I think it would be a waste to leave his skill to rot on its own like this..
340
341He doesn’t have a lot of mana, so he can’t fight for a long time.
342
343And when he runs out of mana, his conditions gets so bad that even his movements start to lose their luster.
344
345As his condition deteriorates, he’ll eventually find himself unable to attack anymore. It’s basically self-destruction.
346
347If the main reason behind that is his lack of mana, then perhaps a ‘mana recovery medicine that persistently recovers mana’ will be able to help.
348
349Such a medicine exists within the knowledge I received.
350
351“You can recover from mana exhaustion just by resting, so medicines are only really used during wartime or to allow the casting of a much needed healing spell. A mana recovery medicine that takes effect immediately is highly sought for in times of emergency, but in this world, there is an abnormal body constitution referred to as ‘Mana Leakage’. When one is afflicted with Mana Leakage, then his mana will slowly decrease even without doing anything. It was in hopes of treating this body constitution that research in a persistent mana recovery medicine was started, a mana recovery medicine that continuously supplemented mana.” [Ryouma]
352
353If one just wishes to mitigate the effects of mana exhaustion, then the instant-type will be more than enough. The catch is that one will have to take the medicine every time the symptoms appear. But with a persistent-type, one can take the medicine prior and prevent the symptoms from appearing.
354
355“I just know about the medicine and I’ve never actually made it. It’s possible to change the duration of effect and amount of mana recovered by adjusting the ratios of the ingredients used. So I was thinking it might be possible to modify this medicine such that it could compensate for the mana consumption and allow you to use your spell for a longer time.” [Ryouma]
356
357“Is that really possible?” [Ox Lord]
358
359“This is just a guess, but I believe it will be a great help to you in your training. During our match, I felt as if your left hand was mostly moving based on your experience before losing the use of your left hand. It felt as if you barely had any training with it.” [Ryouma]
360
361When I said that, Ox-san nodded before saying anything.
362
363“Exactly. I can maintain the spell for a few minutes at most before falling asleep. And as a debt slave, I couldn’t afford purchasing unneeded medicine in large amounts, so I couldn’t really train. Just being able to train properly is something I would be grateful for, but won’t that strain your finances, Master?　I’m sure concocting medicine must cost a lot of money.” [Ox Lord]
364
365“Ahh, you don’t have to worry about that.” [Ryouma]
366
367For the ingredients, I can just use the running mash that I’ve been cultivating all this time for the purpose of preserving fungus.
368
369The market price for them is really high, so even selling them through the guild master has its limits.
370
371Because of that I’ve been starting to stock up on them and frankly I don’t really know what to do with them.
372
373“The concoction process and the experiments will be a great boon to my studies… And I don’t exactly have any issues with my finances. Otherwise I would never have chosen you, Ox-san.” [Ryouma]
374
375“That’s true. I suppose there was no need for me to worry.” [Ox Lord]
376
377“Although I’m not so well off that I can afford not to save money, this much expense won’t pose a problem. More importantly, I would be much more at ease if you could use your full potential with that medicine. But if you’re still bothered about it, then why don’t you teach me your chantless casting?” [Ryouma]
378
379“I just learned that by coincidence, but if you wish to learn it, then it would be my pleasure to teach it to you.” [Ox Lord]
380
381Ox Lord bowed deeply to me. He seemed very uncomfortable, what with his large stature and the confined space we were in.
382
383“Thank you!” [Ryouma]
384
385I first learned about chantless casting from the street performers I was acquainted with, the sword dancers, Maiya-san and Soldio-san. Under their tutelage I was able to learn how to use it, but despite practicing on my own for some time now, I can’t seem to make any progress. Getting some advice should help me a lot.
386
387Also, this doesn’t have anything to do with work, but plans to expand Gimuru have already started, and the centerpiece of the new city is supposedly a fighting arena. I remember gathering treant lumber for that.
388
389If the medicine works well for him and he wants to return to the arena, then I don’t mind letting him participate. Although having a strong guard working at the store is reassuring, I want people to work at my store because they want to.
390
391From what I’ve heard from Mr. Moulton during our chats, there are nobles that purchase slaves to create gladiators. As such, if Ox-san feels like going back to the arena, then I don’t mind having him work there instead.
392
393…I told Ox-san that that was also part of the reason I chose him.
394
395“I never thought I would receive such good treatment after becoming a slave.” [Ox Lord]
396
397I couldn’t tell whether he was laughing or crying, but one thing I knew for sure was that he was grateful.
398
399I’ll accept those feelings. But the one he should really be grateful to isn’t me but Orest-san.
400
401“That man?” [Ox Lord]
402
403“I feel like I can more or less guess what sort of relationship you have with him given your reaction, but the one who recommended you to me is Mr. Moulton. He probably knew about my medicine and my personality.” [Ryouma]
404
405Mana Leakage and Mana Recovery Medicine are rare, but he is at least the second generation of a large slave company. If we are to assume that he loves people as much as I love slimes, then he is probably taking advantage of his position to be involved with many people everyday. It wouldn’t be strange if among those people one of them were suffering from Mana Leakage or knew something about medicine.
406
407And even if that’s not the case, at the very least, he knew about Ox-san’s technique. If he was thinking of a way to help him use that technique more effectively, then it wouldn’t be strange if he thought of the idea of using a persistent-type mana recovery medicine.
408
409“His excuse for acting dumb was that he couldn’t get rid of a ‘troublesome slave’… But when you think about how he sold you to me this time around, then perhaps he was merely deciding who to sell you to…” [Ryouma]
410
411Just as Ox-san said a while ago, concocting medicine and giving it to someone costs money. There’s the cost of the ingredients, and then there’s the problem of procuring them in the first place, as normal stores might not have some of the ingredients. In the first place, Ox-san is strong enough to be able to work as a guard even with just one arm. It’s unlikely that anyone who purchases him would spend so much money and effort to help him recover.　If the person who purchased him thought that he was ‘good enough’, then his skills would have rotted away.
412
413That would be such a waste.
414
415If Ox-san were a slime, there’s no way I would permit that to happen. Moreover, I would certainly want to have a few words with a person who thought that way.
416
417And if I could choose who to give him to, then I certainly wouldn’t pick that person.
418
419“You really love slimes, don’t you, Master?” [Ox Lord]
420
421As Ox-san muttered that it was his first time being compared to a slime, everyone other than me smiled wryly… But anyway, given Mr. Moulton’s standing, perhaps that’s the reason why he wanted to choose who to sell Ox-san to.
422
423On that point, I have some knowledge on medicine. A fact I’ve never really bothered to hide. And I also treat my employees well at my Gimuru branch. Another well-known fact.
424
425In fact it is so well known that there are merchants who think I’m ‘too soft to employees’ or ‘too wasteful’. Orest-san did say that he investigated me, so it should be safe to assume that he should know that much.
426
427“I can’t say anything for certain, but it always felt like he’s been dropping hints left and right when talking to me. Like when he talked about the slave gladiators.” [Ryouma]
428
429Just how much of his actions were planned?
430
431The more I think about it, the more I think he’s not a bad person. Still, there’s no denying that the way he does things is roundabout and annoying.
432
433“…No wonder everyone is like that around him.” [Ryouma]
434
435The way Reinhart-san and the others were looking at me at the time was like they were looking at a new fellow victim.
436
437 That evening.
438
439“—Something like that, I guess. Although, now that I think back to it, those few hours did feel unusually long…” [Ryouma]
440
441“It must’ve been difficult.” [Elize]
442
443This evening would be our fourth time having tea together, so I’m already used to it. I talked to the madam about the events that occurred earlier this day.
444
445Apparently, the madam knew about Orest-san too and she was full of understanding for my plight.
446
447As our conversation concluded and we moved on to the next topic…
448
449“Umm…” [Ryouma]
450
451Something hit me – although to be honest, it was rather late to only be noticing it now – but in any case, I decided to go and confirm it.
452
453“What is it?” [Reinhart]
454
455“I know this is a bit sudden, but… Could it be that you’re all avoiding touching my past?” [Ryouma]
456
457The moment I asked that, time seemed to stop.
458
459That was how dramatic everyone’s response was as their expressions stiffened up.
460
461So that really was the case.
462
463“Why are you asking that so suddenly?” [Reinhart]
464
465Reinhart-san asked as if to make up his resolve.
466
467The reason I noticed that was because of Orest-san. The first clue was when he mentioned having investigating me.
468
469Because for some reason, whenever he tried to talk about my past, someone from the three adults would try and stop him.
470
471Moreover, when they invited me to become a specialist and they told me that they would have to impose a heavy condition on me, and the air turned heavy, in the end, the only condition they gave was that I would have to tell them the reason behind my knowledge and abilities. In other words, I would have to divulge to them my past. That’s all.
472
473It’s likely that they’re having ideas because of the High Pain Resistance I showed to them.
474
475It did always feel as if they didn’t want to touch my past out of consideration. And even Gayn and the others did mention that they were usually holding back.
476
477I know it’s a bit late for me to be noticing it, but when I think back to the things that happened today, I can’t help but finally notice it.
478
479“Huh? Could it be that they’re taking it more seriously than I am?” …Something like that.
480
481“Umm… I’m grateful for your consideration, but I actually don’t think it’s that big of a deal, at least not as much as you guys are probably thinking it is.” [Ryouma]
482
483“Really?　You’re not just pushing yourself, right?” [Pioro]
484
485“Yes. Really. It’s not just me being reserved. Of course, I wouldn’t like it if you went and asked me about every single little detail, but if it’s people that I trust like you guys, then I don’t mind talking a little about stuff related to that specialist stuff.” [Ryouma]
486
487I mean, in the first place, that’s what Gayn and the others (the gods) made that background story for.
488
489Their misunderstanding might have worsened because I haven’t said anything all this time, but to be honest, they could have just asked me whenever they wanted. I wouldn’t have minded. Really.
490
491“Sorry for confusing you. But if I don’t talk about it now that I’ve noticed it, I’ll probably miss my timing to talk about it forever…” [Ryouma]
492
493It would be bad to leave them so concerned about it after noticing that there is a misunderstanding, so I thought I should talk about it.
494
495…Of course, I’m not wholly comfortable talking about this cover-up background story of mine, but still… That aside, is everyone alright?
496
497“We’re fine… We’re fine. It’s alright. There’s no reason for you to apologize.” [Reinhart]
498
499“Yeah. We might have indeed made a bigger deal out of it than it should’ve been.” [Serge]
500
501Parched laughter resounded in the room. It was really awkward.
502
503“Hmm… Umm, in that case, Ryouma-kun. Can you tell us what’s okay to ask?　Like for example, can we ask you about your grandma and grandpa that raised you?” [Elize]
504
505“Of course.” [Ryouma]
506
507I took out my Status Board and made visible those two titles that I’d never shown others before.
508
509“At the village, I was usually either being taught academics or how to fight, so I don’t think there’s anything special there. But these two are rather famous, so I think you’ll understand if I show these to you.” [Ryouma]
510
511I showed my status board to the madam.
512
513“Huh!?” [Elize]
514
515The madam cried out before she could even take my status board. When I thought she would take it, she covered her face with the back of her hand instead.
516
517“Elize?” [Reinhart]
518
519“You’ll understand if you see it…” [Elize]
520
521As soon as the status board was passed to Reinhart-san and he saw the contents, he too seemed like he was about to faint. After that the status board was passed to Serge-san and then Pioro-san.
522
523“Disciple of the Sage!?” [Serge]
524
525“Disciple of the Martial God!?　Is this for real!?” [Pioro]
526
527“It’s written right there.” [Ryouma]
528
529I did hear they were famous, but after seeing their reactions, I have a feeling they’re a lot bigger than I thought.
530
531It took some time before the four adults could calm down after finding out who the people who raised me were.
532
533“Fuu… Ryouma-kun. Have you showed this to anyone else?” [Reinhart]
534
535“No. This is my first time showing it to anyone.” [Ryouma]
536
537“That’s a relief…” [Reinhart]
538
539Reinhart-san openly showed his relief.
540
541I asked them if this wasn’t something I was supposed to show to others.
542
543“By the way everyone is reacting, it seems like it would be a bad idea if others were to see this.” [Ryouma]
544
545“You bet it would be. Wait a moment, could it be you don’t know anything about these two?” [Pioro]
546
547Well they did teach me all sorts of stuff, so I did feel like they were amazing, but they weren’t really the sort to boast about themselves, so…” [Ryouma]
548
549I told them that I thought they were just an old couple that knew a little more than other people.
550
551“It’s all finally starting to come together. For various reasons, it really is.” [Reinhart]
552
553“People of great character really do end up with unexpected results, don’t they?” [Elize]
554
555“No wonder you’re so smart and so strong.” [Pioro]
556
557“If you’re raised up in an isolated place like that and the only people you have for comparison are those two, then it’s no wonder that your common sense is so messed up.” [Serge]
558
559The four adults sighed exhaustedly many times.
560
561Then they talked about the many great achievements of the old couple.
562
563According to them, my grandmother, Melia the Sage, was a talented woman active in all fields of studies with a focus on medicine and magic.
564
565She was enrolled in the academy at the imperial capital and produced many thesis and research results.
566
567To this day, there is a faction known as the ‘Melia Faction’ that is present in many fields of studies and are always highly appraised.
568
569As for my grandpa, ‘Teagle the Martial God’, he was undefeated in his own generation despite not having studied anything.
570
571He started hunting monster beasts at the age of 7. And in pursuit of strength, he searched for foes stronger than himself and became an apprentice.
572
573Through his talent and effort, he absorbed all of the techniques in the blink of an eye and improved his techniques.
574
575It is said that in his later years, he has become so strong that weapons would break before he could even go all out.
576
577The truth remains unclear, but what’s for certain is that he owns a smithy and that he’s a first-rate blacksmith.
578
579If even a single one of his works were to be discovered, people would flock enough to fill a house regardless what type it is.
580
581‘The both of them are on a completely different level from your run-of-the-mill intellectual or person of ability!’ Or so the four adults said. They used the entirety of our teatime to talk about what kind of people my grandparents were and how highly appraised they are.
582
583I found the topic interesting since it was a lot more detailed than what I had been told. I’ll be going to where they lived before, so I think it’s good to know too.
584
585Also, by being able to reveal my past, I feel like I’ve gotten a lot closer to everyone.
586
587But…
588
589“Just to be sure, but it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it’s a bad idea for other people to find out about this, right?” [Ryouma]
590
591“It would be dangerous.” [Serge]
592
593“You’ll be targeted for sure.” [Elize]
594
595“As we’ve been saying for the past few days now, knowledge and technology are treasures to people in authority.” [Pioro]
596
597“The pupils of famous people are highly valued too, after all.” [Reinhart]
598
599…Well, if it’s those two people’s disciple, then I guess it makes sense.
600
601Maybe there’s another reason why Gayn and the others chose those two people to make my cover-up story.
602
603As I went back to my room, I resolved myself to ask Gayn and the others that next time.
604
605 
606 
607 
608
609The next day.
610
611This would be my fifth day staying at the duke’s family, and I’ve already more or less gotten used to it.
612
613The servants have all gotten used to me as well.
614
615“Ah, Takebayashi-sama. The head chef was looking for you earlier. There will be a sampling of the dishes to be served at the wedding reception around noon, and he was hoping that you would be able to make it. Of course, if you’re schedule permits it.” [Rurunez]
616
617“Thank you for inviting me. I’ll be sure to be drop by.” [Ryouma]
618
619“Hey!　About the ceremonial hall, are we going to complete it today?　There are people quarreling over whether it would be completed today or tomorrow.” [Guard]
620
621“We finished the foundation yesterday afternoon, so the remaining upper part should take shape before the day is over. But even then there’s still decorations to be done, so construction won’t be complete until then.” [Ryouma]
622
623Now, when I walked through the premises of the manor, people would often call out to me.
624
625We’ve been working together all this time to complete the preparations for the wedding ceremony, but at some point, they stopped treating me as a ‘guest’.
626
627There’s still a hint of that relationship, but I feel we’ve all gotten a little closer.
628
629“The experiment the other day sure was effective. Word of how you’ve treated the children about to be dismissed has spread, and now the maids see you as a gentle person. They also see you as someone they can ask questions to without fear.” [Rurunez]
630
631Rurunez-san said that, but isn’t it normal to be able to ask people questions without being afraid?
632
633…That’s what I was thinking initially, but when I thought about it some more, it’s true that there are plenty of places where that ‘normal’ isn’t true.
634
635In the first place, the idea of ‘normal’ is really vague.
636
637Hmm… Normal sure is complicated…
638
639“…Well, I’m glad that I didn’t scare them.” [Ryouma]
640
641We chatted in leisure like that as we headed toward the magic training area that I was borrowing.
642
643Preparations for the experiment to improve the sugar scrub were already underway.
644
645And Fei-san and Ox-san could be seen at a corner.
646
647“Sorry to keep you waiting. Let us begin the Sugar Scrub experiment.” [Ryouma]
648
649“Yes!” [Test Subjects]
650
651“Last time we tested the perfumed oils to go with the sugar scrub. Today, we’ll be thinking about the improvement of the sugar scrub itself. Which oil feels good? How fine should the particles of the mumitou be? Please make the comparisons just like before and have all the inputs – no matter how seemingly trivial – summarized in a sheet of paper.” [Ryouma]
652
653I asked them to pass that on to the rest of the people helping me out, then I called out to Fei-san and Ox-san. The servants of the duke’s family, especially those that are higher ranked, are very smart people, so I can be at ease and leave things to them. Besides, all they have to do is ask the test subjects for their impressions, and it’s not like they need any specialized knowledge, so there’s no need for me to gather the data personally.
654
655As such, I’ve decided to make the most of my time and make preparations for concocting Ox-san’s mana recovery medicine.
656
657My schedule is packed with all the preparations for the wedding, so as much as possible, I want to make the most out of my time.
658
659“Sorry to have kept you waiting.” [Ryouma]
660
661“Master. I’ve brought my weapon and status board as you’ve asked.” [Ox]
662
663“I’ve also prepared the mana recovery medicines.” [Fei]
664
665“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
666
667In order to make Ox-san’s mana recovery medicine, I need to match the amount of mana restored by the medicine with Ox-san’s consumption of mana when using his sword.
668
669If the amount of mana restored is too little, then Ox-san will run out of mana.
670
671If the amount of mana restored is too great, then he’ll end up with mana intoxication.
672
673In order to match the medicine with Ox-san perfectly, I need to know how mana he possesses and how long he can hold the spell.
674
675From there I’ll need to know how much mana he consumes per second.
676
677Fortunately, I can confirm how much mana he has just by looking at his status board.
678
679I explained to him the objective of this experiment.
680
681“Ox-san, you have 315 mana points. Is that small or big?” [Ryouma]
682
683From what I’ve heard, 500 to 700 mana points is enough for a warrior to supplement himself with magic.
684
685“I never really used spells, so when I tried to increase my mana pool as hard as I could, that’s the result. It’s definitely on the smaller side.” [Ox]
686
687The smaller the mana pool, the easier it will be to be afflicted with mana intoxication.
688
689It would probably be best if I started with a weaker medicine.
690
691“Well, let’s go see how long you can hold your spell then. Rurunez-san, the watch please.” [Ryouma]
692
693“It’s ready, Takebayashi-sama.” [Rurunez]
694
695As she took out a pocket watch, I left the time and the signaling to her. As for the status board, I handed it to Fei-san.
696
697I took out my slime katana.
698
699“It’s said that one’s mental state affects one’s mana consumption. I’ll need to get the average mana consumption, so we’ll be running different tests several times. For this test, you’ll have to fight me at full strength.” [Ryouma]
700
701“I understand!” [Ox]
702
703And so, we measured Ox-san’s mana several times until it was afternoon. I felt bad for Riviola, the maid from the Big Monkey Man Tribe, as the test subjects of the sugar scrub kept looking our way.
704
705It’s not their fault. Really. I’m sure anyone would be bothered if the sound of metals clanging kept resounding not far from them.