Chapter 06: The future Royal Alchemist Master?
After several months, Master suddenly granted me the permission to start preparing potions and testing them on Miss Mercedez's Laboratory.
It's quite nerve-wracking to be standing for the first time in a preparation room like this one, instead of the humble hall in the house of Master that I was so used to, but it's the practice I've been waiting for.
I worked on my first recovery potion with a lot of effort.
"Ho-ho, stop worrying... Even if, you fail that's the pleasure of growing up. Also, it is the first time you prepare a potion for yourself."
Master laughed dryly and tasted a drop of the recovery potion I had made, from the words, I wonder if it worked.
I had studied the procedure well... I think I can do it properly.
To begin with, the procedure for making the most basic recovery medicine is simply to grind the medicinal herb, boil it down with fresh water, and then filter it.
If you want to add more potency, you need to add a spoon of the powder made with this herb here.
This may sound like a simple operation, but the efficacy of the recovery potion is affected by the ambient's temperature, how it is mixed, and even the finest movement of the filter.
In other words, anyone can make a product, but the more you try to make a high quality product, the more advanced the technology and techniques you need become.
"You can use as many of the medicinal herbs here and do as you like. I'll be in the next room, and if anything happens, you can call out to me."
Saying that, Master walked out of the room with slow movements.
I didn't expect her to suddenly leave me prepare medicine all alone, so I threw a few words trying to stop her at his back, but she only raised her right hand as saying bye-bye.
It's true that I've seen her preparing some medicine before but I've never had Master teaching me step-by-step.
She used to give me several books and say, "Please start reading these books. You've to know all the basis before doing any practice, the rest you'll understand it later"
No, now that I think about it again.
That lazy attitude of Master may be a sign that I'm very good at what I do, that's what all that people have been praising me for.
They seem to be in the next room, so they can hear me if something go wrong.
I turn around to face the table where all the instruments and herbs are, there're not only the essentials but a big quantity of each herb that gives me the freedom to do the recover potion I know the best.
Thinking about it, now I understand what she said earlier that I could prepare whatever I want.
Okay, now let's prepare the basic restorative medicine, adding some herb to help the boy to relax and warm up, that'll increase the potency of the medicine and the body's absorption rate.
In addition to the amount of time the body takes to assimilate the medicine,
it's also the amount of time until you feel the effects of it.
"...um, Arnold-sama...?"
Arnold, the handsome dark-haired boy, was standing in the corner of the room and looking at me.
I wonder how long he has been there.
He twitched his eyebrows slightly at my call and responded
"Do you mind if I stay here in silence?"
"Huh............."
He gave an ambiguous reply that could neither be denied nor affirmed, but Arnold apparently took it as an affirmation.
He stood in that place, with his back laying over the wall.
Why he's here is questionable, but it's not like he's bothering or interrupting my task, and if I say something again I think it'll be very rude of me.
So I decided to treat his existence as part of the room's landscape.
Ok, lets find the medicinal herb you are looking for.
When I find it, I carefully grind it down.
This time I'll use two kinds of medicinal herbs, so I've to prepare them at the same time.
Mix with a generous amount of fresh water and put it to boil with low-fire.
The timing of stopping the fire differs depending on the medicinal herb, so I've to guide me from the books' content in my memory and the temperature of the fire.
Yeah, okay, that's about it.
...
For now, I, who don't have much practical experience in this, have to rely on my vision and senses, or better yet, my intuition.
...
The more times you do this process, the faster you'll be able to pick out your own timing.
Mix the two finished medicines in small amounts, check and add a little more.
There's no problem if they start separating again, it's because you didn't mix them enough but that can be done at the end.
Ready! Shake the container to make sure everything mix together... it's done!
It's still the basics, but I guess it's not that bad.
I'll have to check with Master later.
--That's the way you'll understand it deeper, get the most out of it!
"Are you sure this is the first time you've done this?"
Before I knew it, Arnold had come very close to me. He had a bitter expression on his face.
I've put him in a bad mood again.
"Ha, yes, that's right.... I'm sorry I know I'm not going it very good but--"
"It's disgusting."
I answered sincerely, but he replied with words of annoyance.
That maliciousness in his voice, that is almost a tease, is directed at me, and as expected, I have trouble finding the correct reply for it.
Maybe I can use this situation to make him talk... It's a good idea to find more about his family.
I want to ask him, I need to know for sure!
Knowing that I was at a loss and trying to say something, Arnold opened his mouth again.
The voice sounded annoyed, but more like sulked than before.
"I'm disgusted that you're so talented but you lack of any confidence in yourself... And I'm also disgusted because I've become very confident on my skills... thinking that I was the best, someone unmatched... Just for knowing what I've to do and do it correctly, after reading a book about it only once... Just the same you're doing now"
Those words, spelled by Arnold's mouth, changed my perception of him completely, so much I couldn't hide my surprise.
He thought that he was probably an excellent disciple... The best.
So, after an ex-change between Masters, I came here, and he saw that there's nothing special about him... What a twist for him - or, to put it badly- what a bad side of Master's idea.
But that's just one first impression.
Maybe the deeper I know him, the more I'll understand the real Arnold, my impression of him can change again.
--just as happened with Elvira in the game.
(It's surprisingly cute, isn't it?)
I was thinking that, when I suddenly realized that Arnold was smiling at me just, like any another kid....
Maybe just a bit taller than the others but a normal kid.
It's not as if he knows what I'm thinking right? I'm older than him, but he's looking straight into my eyes.
For a moment, I thought I was being stared at, but I couldn't sense any feelings of malice or jealousy.... I thought that's the way he feels about me, judging by what he said early.
It's rather--
"You'll see it! I'm going to surpass you very soon "
I wonder if it was my imagination but I felt that there was a joyful feeling oozing in those eyes and in the tone of his voice, somehow.
"You're also willing to become the next <<Royal Alchemist Master>>, aren't you?"
"... Royal Alchemist?"
I tilted my head at the unfamiliar word.
From the sounds of it, I can only guess that it means .... what it means--the words "royal and alchemy master", however... that title did not appear in The Last Brave.
At my confused words, Arnold let out a sigh, and sat down in a chair nearby.
"It's the Alchemist Master who works in the Royal castle at Capital, the supreme chief of all Alchemists. .... You don't even know that."
Let's take back what I thought was cute, that's a great and difficult life goal...
Be that as it may, is there such a thing as a Royal Alchemist Master?
Master was probably in that position, right?
My goal is to be an Alchemist Master at Capital, but that title is for the Alchemist Master that works only for the Royal Family.
"I wish I could, but I still don't know....."
"Then do it! Work hard for it, if you do you'll become one for sure"
Arnold said, trying to cover my words, it was a straightforward statement.
He rolled his eyes, while saying that and glanced at me, later he went out of the room without saying any other word.
I froze for a moment.
Laura is not supposed to be a royal alchemist master.
It was an unexpected recommendation - no, the tone of his voice was closer to a command... Arnold said that he would surely surpass me.
But later, he recommended me to compete for the title of Royal Alchemist Master, but he's the one wanting to get the title.... What is he thinking, I wonder?
"I see...a Royal Alchemist Master."
That word was firmly burn in my memory.
...
My final life goal was not so specific, but I'm decided to achieve it!
Ok, so, let's do it!
I will continue to study hard with the goal of becoming an Alchemist Master... so in the future I can even become the Royal Alchemist Master!
SECOND PART
"Laura. Do you have any intentions of becoming an Alchemist Master on the Capital City?"
That evening, Miss Mercedez suddenly asked me
"What do you want to do? Every year, The Capital City of the Kingdom recruits - Excelling alchemy apprentices- The real possibility is really very small... but once you're 14 years old, you can take the recruitment test regardless of your gender, status, nationality or your origins."
Listening to Miss Mercedez's explanation, I suddenly felt that the title of "King of the Alchemist Masters" was closer to me than before.
I didn't know there was an apprenticeship system.
Moreover, the only requirement to take the exam is the age - 14 years old, five years from now--and in five years, I will be eligible!
"In three years, Arnold will take the exam. If it interests you in the slightest, why don't you accompany me to see Arnold's exam in three years?... as a way to find if it's right for you?"
It's an unsolicited invitation.
I nodded my head, "By all means, please," but I was thinking about the real possibilities in my heart.
If you wanted to become an alchemist master, you need to get permission from your parents.
.... My parents have been very protective since the incident with the monster, also they're very attached to me.... They didn't say anything when I wanted to study with Master but leaving my parents at the 14 and going to the capital.... it's a different story.
But it doesn't matter, even if they disagree at first, they will understand if I talk to them and explain that it'll be the best for me.
I have faith in my parents... they're of those who will support their child's dreams no matter what.
In addition to the fact that even if I don't become a royal alchemist, I'll become a great alchemist anyway, receiving the top education on this kingdom.
I'm very aware that I'm supposed to be just a small character with no big purpose in the game of "The Last Brave".
But, I don't think something will go wrong with the games if I decide to change my future, I mean, it will not change the course of this world's future or the course of the hero's adventure....
Yeah, I didn't think so, but I was more concerned about the presence of Arnold, a character that isn't supposed to exist on this world... Or maybe he's the dead character the producers talked about....
And above all, <<The Fountain Plaza>> in the game it was supposed to be a fountain in the middle of the city... But, now it's a great medicinal herb garden, the one I saw just when I came here.
After thinking why I didn't see it before I realized that it wasn't in my memories because in the game there wasn't any herb garden like that... It was new... and the place where it was located there was instead a water fountain.
This is a little different from the world of "Last Brave" I knew.... But, it is not is likely that the difference will be significant in the future.
"Can I make big decisions like this, relying only on my memories?"
Naturally, after considering this I became more cautious about guiding myself only for my memories.
"You can save far more people than you ever thought with the talent you've"
As if to encourage me and to push my troubled away, Miss Mercedez said those words.
"Arnold was depressed when he saw Laura's talent for first time. But it's more than that now, he has found a new motivation and is bursting of energy. <<I'm going to become a better Alchemist Master than that girl>>."
Miss Mercedez smiled happily.
I squinted my eyes and thought deeply in the image of Arnold speech saved on my memory....
Arnold's voice became loud in my head, as it overlap Miss Mercedez' words.
"I'm going to surpass you."
"You have the talent to compete for the post of Alchemist Master of the Royal Family, that's for sure."
Perhaps, ... He perceives me as a rival.
"If he cannot become the next Royal Alchemist Master, he's sure you'll do it."
Miss Mercedez said with a lowered brow and a somehow apologetic expression.
I understood her thoughts and wishes as a mentor.
I don't find it particularly uncomfortable either.
In the first place, I was aiming to become an Alchemist Master working on the Royal Capital, so there is no inconvenient about this new possibility.
"... I'll talk to my parents."
I cannot agree right now, because there're so many things ....
If Arnold really is the dead character, as I suppose.... and if the Fountain hadn't been transformed into a herb garden, I would have happily nodded my head at Miss Mercedez' suggestion.
But... First, let's be clear about Arnold.
I'll ask him before I leave.
There's nothing I can do about it now.... the truth is I don't really know if Arnold is Elvira's brother or not...
I've to clear it or this weight on my chest would not disappear.
Also, I'll ask him about the herb garden.
How long has it been here, and wasn't it a Fountain before the medicinal garden was built?
Maybe... maybe the Fountain will be build in a future....
I can ask if there are any plans for a <<Fountain Plaza>> to be build over the herb garden in the near future.
The actual scenario is a little different from "The Last Brave" scenario that I remember .... There's no fountain plaza -- but just in case I'll ask maybe I'm worried about nothing.
"Here's a sample of the application form for the exam. If you have any doubts, you can always ask me."
Miss Mercedez handed me a few completed recruitment forms and walked out of my room.
I look at the paper in my hand absently.
In the eligibility section of the test, it is only stated that men and women between the ages of 14 and 20 are eligible to take the test.
Where will I be in five years' time? I wonder....
I wonder what the people on the village will be doing...
As I thought about this, a person came to mind .... the Future Hero.
I was momentarily surprised because he was the person my brain had been arbitrarily avoiding thinking about, but soon a bitter smile appeared on my lips.
"I'm sure that I'll still be a childhood friend of the brave hero.... Even if, I change my future job...."
I couldn't bring myself to think about anything more... it was already night, so I quickly crawled into my bed but couldn't fall sleep.
The moonlight shining into the room made the night stars even more dazzling.
Chapter 06: The future Royal Alchemist Master?
After several months, Master suddenly granted me the permission to start preparing potions and testing them on Miss Mercedez's Laboratory.
It's quite nerve-wracking to be standing for the first time in a preparation room like this one, instead of the humble hall in the house of Master that I was so used to, but it's the practice I've been waiting for.
I worked on my first recovery potion with a lot of effort.
"Ho-ho, stop worrying... Even if, you fail that's the pleasure of growing up. Also, it is the first time you prepare a potion for yourself."
Master laughed dryly and tasted a drop of the recovery potion I had made, from the words, I wonder if it worked.
I had studied the procedure well... I think I can do it properly.
To begin with, the procedure for making the most basic recovery medicine is simply to grind the medicinal herb, boil it down with fresh water, and then filter it.
If you want to add more potency, you need to add a spoon of the powder made with this herb here.
This may sound like a simple operation, but the efficacy of the recovery potion is affected by the ambient's temperature, how it is mixed, and even the finest movement of the filter.
In other words, anyone can make a product, but the more you try to make a high quality product, the more advanced the technology and techniques you need become.
"You can use as many of the medicinal herbs here and do as you like. I'll be in the next room, and if anything happens, you can call out to me."
Saying that, Master walked out of the room with slow movements.
I didn't expect her to suddenly leave me prepare medicine all alone, so I threw a few words trying to stop her at his back, but she only raised her right hand as saying bye-bye.
It's true that I've seen her preparing some medicine before but I've never had Master teaching me step-by-step.
She used to give me several books and say, "Please start reading these books. You've to know all the basis before doing any practice, the rest you'll understand it later"
No, now that I think about it again.
That lazy attitude of Master may be a sign that I'm very good at what I do, that's what all that people have been praising me for.
They seem to be in the next room, so they can hear me if something go wrong.
I turn around to face the table where all the instruments and herbs are, there're not only the essentials but a big quantity of each herb that gives me the freedom to do the recover potion I know the best.
Thinking about it, now I understand what she said earlier that I could prepare whatever I want.
Okay, now let's prepare the basic restorative medicine, adding some herb to help the boy to relax and warm up, that'll increase the potency of the medicine and the body's absorption rate.
In addition to the amount of time the body takes to assimilate the medicine,
it's also the amount of time until you feel the effects of it.
"...um, Arnold-sama...?"
Arnold, the handsome dark-haired boy, was standing in the corner of the room and looking at me.
I wonder how long he has been there.
He twitched his eyebrows slightly at my call and responded
"Do you mind if I stay here in silence?"
"Huh............."
He gave an ambiguous reply that could neither be denied nor affirmed, but Arnold apparently took it as an affirmation.
He stood in that place, with his back laying over the wall.
Why he's here is questionable, but it's not like he's bothering or interrupting my task, and if I say something again I think it'll be very rude of me.
So I decided to treat his existence as part of the room's landscape.
Ok, lets find the medicinal herb you are looking for.
When I find it, I carefully grind it down.
This time I'll use two kinds of medicinal herbs, so I've to prepare them at the same time.
Mix with a generous amount of fresh water and put it to boil with low-fire.
The timing of stopping the fire differs depending on the medicinal herb, so I've to guide me from the books' content in my memory and the temperature of the fire.
Yeah, okay, that's about it.
...
For now, I, who don't have much practical experience in this, have to rely on my vision and senses, or better yet, my intuition.
...
The more times you do this process, the faster you'll be able to pick out your own timing.
Mix the two finished medicines in small amounts, check and add a little more.
There's no problem if they start separating again, it's because you didn't mix them enough but that can be done at the end.
Ready! Shake the container to make sure everything mix together... it's done!
It's still the basics, but I guess it's not that bad.
I'll have to check with Master later.
--That's the way you'll understand it deeper, get the most out of it!
"Are you sure this is the first time you've done this?"
Before I knew it, Arnold had come very close to me. He had a bitter expression on his face.
I've put him in a bad mood again.
"Ha, yes, that's right.... I'm sorry I know I'm not going it very good but--"
"It's disgusting."
I answered sincerely, but he replied with words of annoyance.
That maliciousness in his voice, that is almost a tease, is directed at me, and as expected, I have trouble finding the correct reply for it.
Maybe I can use this situation to make him talk... It's a good idea to find more about his family.
I want to ask him, I need to know for sure!
Knowing that I was at a loss and trying to say something, Arnold opened his mouth again.
The voice sounded annoyed, but more like sulked than before.
"I'm disgusted that you're so talented but you lack of any confidence in yourself... And I'm also disgusted because I've become very confident on my skills... thinking that I was the best, someone unmatched... Just for knowing what I've to do and do it correctly, after reading a book about it only once... Just the same you're doing now"
Those words, spelled by Arnold's mouth, changed my perception of him completely, so much I couldn't hide my surprise.
He thought that he was probably an excellent disciple... The best.
So, after an ex-change between Masters, I came here, and he saw that there's nothing special about him... What a twist for him - or, to put it badly- what a bad side of Master's idea.
But that's just one first impression.
Maybe the deeper I know him, the more I'll understand the real Arnold, my impression of him can change again.
--just as happened with Elvira in the game.
(It's surprisingly cute, isn't it?)
I was thinking that, when I suddenly realized that Arnold was smiling at me just, like any another kid....
Maybe just a bit taller than the others but a normal kid.
It's not as if he knows what I'm thinking right? I'm older than him, but he's looking straight into my eyes.
For a moment, I thought I was being stared at, but I couldn't sense any feelings of malice or jealousy.... I thought that's the way he feels about me, judging by what he said early.
It's rather--
"You'll see it! I'm going to surpass you very soon "
I wonder if it was my imagination but I felt that there was a joyful feeling oozing in those eyes and in the tone of his voice, somehow.
"You're also willing to become the next <<Royal Alchemist Master>>, aren't you?"
"... Royal Alchemist?"
I tilted my head at the unfamiliar word.
From the sounds of it, I can only guess that it means .... what it means--the words "royal and alchemy master", however... that title did not appear in The Last Brave.
At my confused words, Arnold let out a sigh, and sat down in a chair nearby.
"It's the Alchemist Master who works in the Royal castle at Capital, the supreme chief of all Alchemists. .... You don't even know that."
Let's take back what I thought was cute, that's a great and difficult life goal...
Be that as it may, is there such a thing as a Royal Alchemist Master?
Master was probably in that position, right?
My goal is to be an Alchemist Master at Capital, but that title is for the Alchemist Master that works only for the Royal Family.
"I wish I could, but I still don't know....."
"Then do it! Work hard for it, if you do you'll become one for sure"
Arnold said, trying to cover my words, it was a straightforward statement.
He rolled his eyes, while saying that and glanced at me, later he went out of the room without saying any other word.
I froze for a moment.
Laura is not supposed to be a royal alchemist master.
It was an unexpected recommendation - no, the tone of his voice was closer to a command... Arnold said that he would surely surpass me.
But later, he recommended me to compete for the title of Royal Alchemist Master, but he's the one wanting to get the title.... What is he thinking, I wonder?
"I see...a Royal Alchemist Master."
That word was firmly burn in my memory.
...
My final life goal was not so specific, but I'm decided to achieve it!
Ok, so, let's do it!
I will continue to study hard with the goal of becoming an Alchemist Master... so in the future I can even become the Royal Alchemist Master!
SECOND PART
"Laura. Do you have any intentions of becoming an Alchemist Master on the Capital City?"
That evening, Miss Mercedez suddenly asked me
"What do you want to do? Every year, The Capital City of the Kingdom recruits - Excelling alchemy apprentices- The real possibility is really very small... but once you're 14 years old, you can take the recruitment test regardless of your gender, status, nationality or your origins."
Listening to Miss Mercedez's explanation, I suddenly felt that the title of "King of the Alchemist Masters" was closer to me than before.
I didn't know there was an apprenticeship system.
Moreover, the only requirement to take the exam is the age - 14 years old, five years from now--and in five years, I will be eligible!
"In three years, Arnold will take the exam. If it interests you in the slightest, why don't you accompany me to see Arnold's exam in three years?... as a way to find if it's right for you?"
It's an unsolicited invitation.
I nodded my head, "By all means, please," but I was thinking about the real possibilities in my heart.
If you wanted to become an alchemist master, you need to get permission from your parents.
.... My parents have been very protective since the incident with the monster, also they're very attached to me.... They didn't say anything when I wanted to study with Master but leaving my parents at the 14 and going to the capital.... it's a different story.
But it doesn't matter, even if they disagree at first, they will understand if I talk to them and explain that it'll be the best for me.
I have faith in my parents... they're of those who will support their child's dreams no matter what.
In addition to the fact that even if I don't become a royal alchemist, I'll become a great alchemist anyway, receiving the top education on this kingdom.
I'm very aware that I'm supposed to be just a small character with no big purpose in the game of "The Last Brave".
But, I don't think something will go wrong with the games if I decide to change my future, I mean, it will not change the course of this world's future or the course of the hero's adventure....
Yeah, I didn't think so, but I was more concerned about the presence of Arnold, a character that isn't supposed to exist on this world... Or maybe he's the dead character the producers talked about....
And above all, <<The Fountain Plaza>> in the game it was supposed to be a fountain in the middle of the city... But, now it's a great medicinal herb garden, the one I saw just when I came here.
After thinking why I didn't see it before I realized that it wasn't in my memories because in the game there wasn't any herb garden like that... It was new... and the place where it was located there was instead a water fountain.
This is a little different from the world of "Last Brave" I knew.... But, it is not is likely that the difference will be significant in the future.
"Can I make big decisions like this, relying only on my memories?"
Naturally, after considering this I became more cautious about guiding myself only for my memories.
"You can save far more people than you ever thought with the talent you've"
As if to encourage me and to push my troubled away, Miss Mercedez said those words.
"Arnold was depressed when he saw Laura's talent for first time. But it's more than that now, he has found a new motivation and is bursting of energy. <<I'm going to become a better Alchemist Master than that girl>>."
Miss Mercedez smiled happily.
I squinted my eyes and thought deeply in the image of Arnold speech saved on my memory....
Arnold's voice became loud in my head, as it overlap Miss Mercedez' words.
"I'm going to surpass you."
"You have the talent to compete for the post of Alchemist Master of the Royal Family, that's for sure."
Perhaps, ... He perceives me as a rival.
"If he cannot become the next Royal Alchemist Master, he's sure you'll do it."
Miss Mercedez said with a lowered brow and a somehow apologetic expression.
I understood her thoughts and wishes as a mentor.
I don't find it particularly uncomfortable either.
In the first place, I was aiming to become an Alchemist Master working on the Royal Capital, so there is no inconvenient about this new possibility.
"... I'll talk to my parents."
I cannot agree right now, because there're so many things ....
If Arnold really is the dead character, as I suppose.... and if the Fountain hadn't been transformed into a herb garden, I would have happily nodded my head at Miss Mercedez' suggestion.
But... First, let's be clear about Arnold.
I'll ask him before I leave.
There's nothing I can do about it now.... the truth is I don't really know if Arnold is Elvira's brother or not...
I've to clear it or this weight on my chest would not disappear.
Also, I'll ask him about the herb garden.
How long has it been here, and wasn't it a Fountain before the medicinal garden was built?
Maybe... maybe the Fountain will be build in a future....
I can ask if there are any plans for a <<Fountain Plaza>> to be build over the herb garden in the near future.
The actual scenario is a little different from "The Last Brave" scenario that I remember .... There's no fountain plaza -- but just in case I'll ask maybe I'm worried about nothing.
"Here's a sample of the application form for the exam. If you have any doubts, you can always ask me."
Miss Mercedez handed me a few completed recruitment forms and walked out of my room.
I look at the paper in my hand absently.
In the eligibility section of the test, it is only stated that men and women between the ages of 14 and 20 are eligible to take the test.
Where will I be in five years' time? I wonder....
I wonder what the people on the village will be doing...
As I thought about this, a person came to mind .... the Future Hero.
I was momentarily surprised because he was the person my brain had been arbitrarily avoiding thinking about, but soon a bitter smile appeared on my lips.
"I'm sure that I'll still be a childhood friend of the brave hero.... Even if, I change my future job...."
I couldn't bring myself to think about anything more... it was already night, so I quickly crawled into my bed but couldn't fall sleep.
The moonlight shining into the room made the night stars even more dazzling.
