Sharl and I were keeping watch while Chloe observed Sharl gathering herbs.
Still, with the monster-repelling effect seemingly active, no monsters—neither bears nor wolves—appeared, leaving us rather idle.
“Chloe, haven’t you known Sharl for a long time?”
“Hmm? Did I mention it? But yes, since we were children…”
“…no, I meant photos.”
I replied in a low voice.
Not long ago, a photo was sent to me showing a younger Sharl standing next to a slightly older Chloe.
“Ah, yes, that’s right. We’ve known each other since then.”
“How much older are you?”
“I’m 22, so I’m six years older. It’s troublesome dealing with my younger sister.”
Chloe placed her hand on her cheek.
“Who says I’m your sister…? Oh, you mentioned something similar yesterday too, didn’t you…?”
Sharl turned around and complained.
“It’s Toko. She was calling her ‘older sister.'”
“She’s the same age as her, so there’s no ‘older sister.'”
Indeed.
Well, I’m not only the same age but even share a birthday with her, but she calls me Big Brother.
“Still, that probably means ‘sister’ in a more honorary sense, right?”
“「………………」”
So that’s the meaning of it.
I’ll give her a scolding when we get back.
“Who went quiet… Miss, could you at least look this way?”
“I’m busy right now.”
“Pu pu, your face is definitely red, isn’t it?”
It’s making me awkward.
Let’s change the subject.
“Sharl, can I ask you something?”
“Wh, what?”
Her voice wavered.
“Sharl, do you have any kind of goal regarding alchemy?”
“Huh? A goal?”
Sharl turned toward me.
By the way, her cheeks are a bit red.
“I heard before that people in research fields often have some kind of a goal. I was just wondering if you had one, Sharl.”
Joan mentioned that earlier.
“Ah… you mean that kind of thing. Well, probably something ordinary like creating Elixir?”
Sharl replied casually.
“Now that you’ve told me, is it alright for me to share it?”
Joan didn’t let me share what she said.
“Hmm, usually people don’t say that because it feels embarrassing. But since it’s Tsukasa, I guess it’s alright… Though your reaction shows you have no idea what Elixir actually means, right?”
Of course, Elixir heals both HP and MP completely.
“And you don’t know about it? It’s amazing though?”
“It’s a universal remedy. It can heal anything and perhaps even bring people back from the dead.”
I see…
Hmm? If we had that…
“Would it make lost limbs grow back too?”
“Huh? Of course, lost limbs would grow back, wouldn’t they?”
Seriously?
If we had it, I could finally get rid of my wristband.
“Try your best! I’m cheering for you!”
“A, thank you…”
After Sharl politely thanked me, she turned back around and continued her gathering. Then, Chloe tapped her shoulder gently and gave me a big thumbs up with a smile.
“That was a full 100 points—supportive men are definitely likable,”
Though… I was rooting for myself more than anything…
“K, Chloe, do you have any goals?”
“Ah, you seem unusually flustered… is something wrong?”
That maid sure is sharp.
“It’s nothing.”
“Hmm… Well, alright then. My goal is set. It’s simply making sure the Young Lady is happy.”
“Happiness? Like when she becomes the head of the Iver family?”
“Exactly. If that’s what makes the Young Lady happy, then that would be her goal. However, happiness comes in many forms—earning a fortune, gaining status, finding the perfect partner—all of these are great achievements, but happiness is subjective. I recommend that Tsukasa also seeks his own happiness.”
She sounds wise somehow.
“What makes me happy, huh?”
“That’s for you to figure out. Not your parents, not your house, but you yourself. Of course, don’t rush to an answer. You’re still young, so take your time to think about it. That’s what school is for.”
For some reason, those words didn’t feel like they were directed at me.
And the atmosphere suddenly feels heavy…
“Chloe, while her goal wasn’t really relevant, are you watching your surroundings properly?”
“I am watching, Miss. That was mean.”
Chloe lightened the mood, and things got back to normal.
After continuing the herb gathering, we decided to take a short break.
“Ah, my back hurts from crouching down for so long.”
Sharl stretched her arms high above her head.
“Would a potion help? They’re effective, right?”
When I said that, Sharl turned toward me with a smug look.
“Hmph, I’ve been waiting for you to say that.”
“Huh? What is it?”
“Here, take these.”
Sharl handed me two potions—one transparent, the other brownish.
“Wouldn’t you know, it’s the caramel macchiato-flavored potion?”
“Exactly! And the soda one too.”
Sure enough, the other one’s the soda flavor I requested.
“Whoa… Sharl, you’re incredible.”
“Hmph, it’s one of my masterpieces!”
“Can I drink it then?”
“Ah, the soda one needs to be chilled first.”
Soda does taste better cold, after all.
“Got it. I’ll give the caramel macchiato one to Toko.”
“Sure. I’ll hand out one each to you too, I want your feedback.”
Sharl gave me another set.
“Alright, I’ll drink it. Is it really sweet?”
“Of course, it’s caramel macchiato. By the way, it tastes better heated with a hot water bath.”
“Does that mean you can’t carry it as easily?”
“Well, compared to carbonated drinks, it holds up a bit better, but it’s still coffee, so chilling or warming it will definitely improve the taste.”
That’s true…
“I’ll try it with Toko.”
“Sure, sure… What’s next?”
Huh?
“What’s next?”
“What flavors do you want?”
She seems to have gotten into it now…
“I’ll ask Toko… ”
“Hmm… Don’t you want any, Tsukasa?”
“Uh… how about ginger ale then?”
“Ginger ale… you really like carbonated drinks, don’t you?”
Well, sure…
“Sports drink would be fine too, but…”
“Two requests already? You’re quite extravagant.”
No good…
The fire’s lit…
“Yeah, Sharl’s potions are amazing. I don’t think I can go back to regular ones.”
“Praise praised, I should live up to people’s expectations!”
It’s such a bright smile…
Should I request a Magic Recovery Potion next?
Though I drink it daily, it tastes awful…
I sincerely thank you for reading.
If you found this work ‘interesting!’ or ‘I want to see the continuation!’, registering it in your bookmarks or rating it with ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ would give me great motivation for writing.
I sincerely thank you.
