The next morning.
Breakfast was taken in a smaller dining room than the one from last night, with Lord Klausner’s family.
At the breakfast table, when I confirmed with Lord Klausner, he said he would introduce me to the exclusive pharmacist right after this.
Apparently, the pharmacist is stationed full-time in a room called the distillation chamber in the castle.
It seems that the potions used in the castle are made in this distillation chamber.
Guided by Lord Klausner, we walked down the hallway.
The distillation chamber appears to be on the first floor.
When we arrived at our destination, Lord Klausner knocked on the door and opened it.
As we entered together, a gentle herbal scent wafted in.
Along the walls of the distillation chamber, there were several shelves crammed with jars of dried herbs and tools used for potion-making.
In the center of the room was a table, also laden with tools.
At the back of the distillation chamber, there seemed to be another room, with an entrance visible.
There were a few people in the room, each busy at work.
Even when they noticed Lord Klausner entering, they only gave a slight bow and didn’t stop their hands.
Since Lord Klausner didn’t say anything, this seemed to be business as usual.
I tilted my head, wondering which one was the person we were looking for, when Lord Klausner called out toward the back.
“Corinna.”
“Oh, if it isn’t the master. What brings you here?”
Answering Lord Klausner, a white-haired old woman emerged from the back room.
Her back was slightly hunched, and she was shorter than the head maid.
Because of that, even though she wasn’t fat, she gave off a round and small impression.
In contrast to that image, she was sharp and alert, with an aura that suggested she was strict about her work.
“This is the Saint who came from the royal capital, Lady Takanashi.”
“My name is Sei Takanashi.”
“How polite. I am Corinna, the pharmacist here at the castle.”
I couldn’t help it, but being introduced as the Saint left me with mixed feelings.
It must have shown on my face, as my smile came out awkward.
However, Corinna didn’t seem to mind and returned the greeting.
Once introductions were over, Corinna prompted Lord Klausner with her gaze about the purpose of the visit.
“Lady Takanashi also makes potions, and when I mentioned you, she said she’d love to meet you, so I brought her along.”
“Is that so?”
“Um, if it’s alright, could I ask you about herbs and potions?”
“I don’t mind at all. I was just about to make today’s batch of potions. Shall we talk while I work?”
“Thank you!”
Fortunately, Corinna was just about to start making potions.
I’m thrilled to get to see a top-tier pharmacist at work.
I’m sure there’ll be something I can learn.
Having finished introducing me, Lord Klausner said he had other work to do and left us there.
Once Lord Klausner exited, Corinna took some herbs from the shelf and began her work.
“Are you making mid-level HP potions?”
“Yes, that’s right. You know your stuff.”
“No, I just happened to remember. I make mid-level HP potions often myself.”
Judging from the ingredients, it seemed I was right about it being mid-level HP potions.
But when I said “I make them often,” I felt like Corinna’s eyes gleamed for a moment… Was that my imagination?
It must have been my imagination.
I stared at Corinna, but she was making the potions with a serious expression.
Her movements were incredibly efficient.
As expected.
While working, Corinna talked about the herbs she was using and about potions, but there was no hesitation in her hands.
In the midst of our conversation, she produced one potion after another, and by the time she finished the fifth one, Corinna let out a breath.
She looked somewhat tired.
That’s right, typical pharmacists can only make about ten mid-level potions a day.
I’d gotten so used to making them in large quantities that I’d completely forgotten.
Considering that, being able to make five in a row like this means Corinna is quite an exceptional pharmacist, right?
“Would you like to try making some too, Lady Takanashi?”
“Are you sure that’s okay?”
While I was thinking about Corinna, she herself suggested that I try making a potion.
I’m just a guest who was introduced today, is it really alright to use the workspace?
Maybe she’ll even give me some guidance on potion-making?
When I confirmed various things, Corinna nodded with a smile.
Wondering what kind of instruction I’d receive, I swelled with anticipation and started making potions in my usual way.
Now it was Corinna who stared intently at my hands.
First one, second one, third one…
I kept producing potions one after another, but Corinna didn’t say anything.
Maybe because there’s nothing wrong with my process?
But not being told anything made me a bit anxious instead.
Sixth, seventh, eighth…
Taking advantage of not being stopped, I kept going.
Around the time I started on the fifteenth, Corinna’s expression finally cracked.
“You can still keep going?”
She said that while looking at me with a surprised face.
Even her polite speech had broken down, so I must have really shocked her.
“Yes. I usually make about twice this many.”
“Hah, as expected.”
Hearing my words, Corinna laughed in a dazed way.
Maybe I should have stopped around the fifth one?
I smiled back awkwardly, and Corinna, still grinning, spoke up.
“Well, when I heard the Saint makes potions, I thought it was just for fun, but you’re quite skilled at it.”
“Um… thank you.”
“At this level, you should be able to keep up with more detailed talk.”
My eyes sparkled involuntarily at Corinna’s words, said with a sly grin.
Could she be going to teach me about secret potions?
I looked at Corinna with expectant eyes, but she must have guessed what I was thinking, as she casually shot it down.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. We’ll start with the basics.”
“Yes.”
She must have read the slight disappointment on my face, because Corinna gave a wry smile.
“Alright then, Sei. First, let’s explain the applications of beginner HP potions.”
“Yes. By the way, could you stop calling me Lady Takanashi? Just Sei is fine. Since you’re teaching me.”
“Is that so? Alright, I’ll call you that.”
Now that her polite speech had already slipped, it felt itchy being called “Lady Takanashi” half-heartedly.
Similarly, it was too late for formalities, so I asked her to speak normally like always.
Since I’m the one being taught.
When I requested to be treated like everyone else, Corinna seemed relieved too and agreed.
After that, we discussed various things, and it was decided that on days without subjugations, I’d help Corinna with potion-making while learning about herbs and potions from her.