After finishing the enjoyable tea party, I think things over once more.
The tea party with my younger brothers had been unquestionably delightful, and the tea party with Diora had been enjoyable as well.
Come to think of it, perhaps tea parties are actually enjoyable things.
"Maybe I should try making a complete Elixir after all?"
At the tea party, so many sweets had been lined up that the decorated arbor was enveloped in a sweet fragrance.
But the sweets that Feru had once recommended hadn't been there.
The incomplete Elixir, made by substituting non-toxic ingredients, improved asthma-like symptoms with continued use.
Even now, I have Nomariola report on her younger sister's progress, but I've heard that she's fine as long as she doesn't overexert herself, and even if an attack occurs, taking the medicine immediately calms it down.
"It suppresses harmful reactions in the body. But it doesn't provide a complete cure, right? That's what makes it incomplete. It's far from the legendary super-recovery."
Right now, I was in the library, opening a book on medicinal herbs and letting my thoughts wander.
This was the Blue Room, a space with built-in bookshelves lining the walls from the beginning.
A few years ago, it had been almost empty, but thanks to Diora, some books had been arranged on the shelves.
Now, however, I could regularly acquire books using my annual stipend, allowing the room to serve its original purpose.
Today as well, World was bringing new books, so while waiting in the library, I contemplated the incomplete Elixir.
"Medicines using mineral ingredients really should be made with better ventilation and protection, after all."
Lead poisoning, mercury poisoning—these had existed in my previous life too.
They weren't in alchemy books, but in magic-related texts, examples of alchemy failures were recorded for the purpose of disparagement, and among them were stories of people who died handling lead.
The risks were too high to attempt this through self-study.
Considering safety, I wanted a teacher in alchemy, and when I thought about it, only one place came to mind.
The Alchemy Department of the Academy in the Kingdom of Rukiusaria.
"Pardon me, my lord. I have brought you a beverage. Would you care to take a break?"
"Ah, Nomariola. Thank you."
Nomariola smiled softly when I thanked her.
What happened to her cool-type persona?
Just as I was thinking that, Nomariola's expression turned serious.
"There is something I wish to bring to your attention."
"Duke Lucaios?"
Nomariola was still continuing her work as a double agent.
But she had stopped accepting payment.
She said she was grateful because her younger sister's condition had improved thanks to me, and that her sister had become much brighter.
But apparently, the biggest reason was that along with the method for making peppermint oil, I had given her equipment as well, which made her feel that she should be paying me rather than receiving compensation.
It was just practice work by the triplets who were Herucof's nephews, so she didn't need to worry about it.
She had also mentioned being interested in perfume, so maybe I should look for some books on that too.
If anything comes up, I'll let her know and we can balance things out. Yeah.
"Actually, the other day, an attendant became angry that you had made no moves, my lord."
"Even if they say I'm not making moves, I was just invited to a tea party by Terry and the others the other day, wasn't I?"
"Apparently, that attendant had concluded that the attempted assassination at the Great Cathedral was staged by you, my lord."
There are people who think of the most outrageous things.
"Why would I work with the Edenbal family? That's exactly the frame-up that Litorimas was plotting against me. Besides, I have no connections to the criminal guild, and if I made moves to create such connections, Duke Lucaios would be the first to blame me."
"It seems he believes that all misfortunes befalling the Second Prince's faction originate from you, my lord."
The false accusations are severe, but that's nothing new now.
In other words, the attendant who complained to Nomariola had expected me to panic when the criminal guild was raided.
But since Nomariola's reports showed no such signs, he suspected negligence and scolded her.
"Therefore, since I was ordered to watch rather than investigate, I stated that if they wished to add investigation to my duties, they would need to add to my compensation as well."
"You're shrewd. Nomariola, your resourcefulness is amazing."
Moreover, it seems to have succeeded.
"I also stated that without knowing what to suspect and what the issues were, I would have no way to proceed with the investigation, thereby creating a means to extract better information, which I report to you."
Nomariola had apparently manipulated them into making the offer first, then made them spill the information.
It seems I've acquired a very capable maid.
But do maids really need to be this competent?
Well, she's useful to me, so I suppose it's fine. I'll be happy about it.
"What has recently become an issue on Duke Lucaios's side is your closeness to him, my lord. Apparently, there is talk that this is having adverse effects on the Second Prince."
"Huh, adverse effects? What could it be? Did it take too long to get here and cause inconvenience? Did I invite him out to play too much?"
Terry is the next emperor, and he already has too much to learn even now.
But I've heard that his education is lacking, and naturally his father who is struggling with this now, as well as the Princess Consort, have a policy of wanting to train him in culture and refinement as well as practical studies.
"No, the thing is. Since beginning to associate with you, my lord, he has apparently increased his resistance to his tutors and those around him."
"Huh, really? But he's seven years old, so isn't that normal? And even if not, Terry has a personality where he clearly asserts what he thinks is right."
"Yes, upon investigation, the 'resistance' the attendant spoke of was merely to the extent of keeping away those who made remarks disparaging you, my lord."
I see, so it's like that "good grief" type tutor named Hados I met before.
He had been trying to suppress Terry by denying him from the start, and if there were others like that, Terry would be pitiable.
"I'll ask Terry, and if he's troubled, I'll consult with His Majesty. Thank you, Nomariola. I'm truly glad you're here. This tea is delicious too."
She smiled softly at my words and bowed.
She had really changed quite a bit from my first impression of her.
Just then, there was a knock, and Ikuto, who had been waiting silently, went to answer it.
The one he brought in was World, the person I had been waiting for.
"First Prince, is this the book you requested? 'Numerical Understanding in Natural Philosophy.'"
"Yes, that's it, that's it. It was listed in the references, but it wasn't in the Imperial Library."
I received the book, which was too large for a child, and placed it on the desk.
This was a book about attempts to express natural phenomena through numbers—in other words, it approached scientific thinking.
And since it claimed to be philosophy, it also seemed to contain spiritual theories about the essence of humans in their natural state.
I looked at the preface and table of contents with excitement.
However, World himself, who had obtained this with the annual stipend, was looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"First Prince, do you truly study alchemy from such difficult texts?"
"Have you read it? Do you understand the contents?"
When Ikuto asked, World shook his head.
"It speaks of numbers, but most of it seemed to discuss sensations and ideals. It deals with metaphysical matters, and it seems impossible to actually apply it as technology."
"However, my lord has reproduced many things in that room using knowledge learned from such books," Nomariola pointed out.
World nodded at that, reminding me of something.
"Ah, that's right. World, I'm giving you this. You were interested in it, weren't you?"
I took out a small vial containing four-colored essence from my pocket.
Actually, World had been looking somewhat enviously at Herucof working with this essence, and when I asked if he wanted to try it then, he had declined.
But since he was carrying these heavy books for me, I had prepared this to give to him quickly.
"This is also something I reproduced from descriptions in the Imperial Library. You don't need magic just to make it, and you don't need magic to produce the effects either. Alchemy is something anyone can use. Since you report as a financial officer, try it yourself once."
"That is, no, but..."
He seemed about to refuse, but his eyes were glued to the essence.
Just as I thought he needed one more push, Nomariola strode right up to him and touched World's cheek in an instant.
"He has a fever. He seems happy enough to be blushing, so I don't think my lord needs to worry."
"Ah, I see. His dark complexion makes it hard to tell, but you can tell by touching, right?"
He has dark skin so it's hard to tell, but he seems happy enough to be blushing.
So I press the vial into his hand.
"My lord, there is one more thing I wish to bring to your attention."
It seemed the spy report was still in progress.
"That Duke Lucaios may be holding secret talks with Duke Eurasion."
World startled at the mention of these two big names.
When I heard those two names together, memories of nothing good coming from it made my brow furrow.
Regular Update
Next Time: Northern Military Turmoil 1
Wait, I need to check the name ウォルド again. In Japanese fantasy, this is often "Wold" or "Wald" but the katakana ウォルド specifically suggests "World" (as in the English word). However, looking at context, he is a financial officer (財務官) carrying books. "World" is an unusual name, but I'll stick with it or use "Wold". Actually, looking at standard practices, "Wald" is more common for ウォルド, but the small "o" (ォ) suggests "Wo" sound. I'll use "World" as it's the closest to the katakana, or perhaps "Wold".
Actually, looking at the text again: "ウォルド" - this is definitely "World" (ウォ = Wo, ル = r, ド = d). I'll use World.
Also "イクト" = Ikuto/Ikto/Icto. I'll use Ikuto.
"ヘルコフ" = Herukofu = Herucof or Helcov. I'll use Herucof.
"ハドス" = Hados.
"リトリオマス" = Ritorimasu = Litorimas.
"エデンバル" = Edenbaru = Edenbal.
"ユーラシオン" = Yūrashion = Eurasion.
"ルキウサリア" = Rukiusaria = Rukiusaria.
"テリー" = Terī = Terry.
"フェル" = Feru = Feru/Fel. I'll use Feru.
"ディオラ" = Diora.
"ノマリオラ" = Nomariola.
Also, "四阿" = arbor/gazebo/pavilion. "Arbor" works well.
"青の間" = Blue Room.
"大聖堂" = Great Cathedral.
"犯罪者ギルド" = criminal guild.
"第二皇子" = Second Prince.
"陛下" = His Majesty.
"妃殿下" = Princess Consort.
"財務官" = financial officer.
"四色のエッセンス" = four-colored essence.
"ハッカ油" = peppermint oil.
"自作自演" = staged/staged incident.
"なすりつけ" = frame-up.
"密談" = secret talks.
"北の兵乱" = Northern Military Turmoil.
The text is ready. I'll ensure the flow is natural while keeping the Japanese narrative structure.After finishing the enjoyable tea party, I think things over once more.
The tea party with my younger brothers had been unquestionably delightful, and the tea party with Diora had been enjoyable as well.
Come to think of it, perhaps tea parties are actually enjoyable things.
"Maybe I should try making a complete Elixir after all?"
At the tea party, so many sweets had been lined up that the decorated arbor was enveloped in a sweet fragrance.
But the sweets that Feru had once recommended hadn't been there.
The incomplete Elixir, made by substituting non-toxic ingredients, improved asthma-like symptoms with continued use.
Even now, I have Nomariola report on her younger sister's progress, but I've heard that she's fine as long as she doesn't overexert herself, and even if an attack occurs, taking the medicine immediately calms it down.
"It suppresses harmful reactions in the body. But it doesn't provide a complete cure, right? That's what makes it incomplete. It's far from the legendary super-recovery."
Right now, I was in the library, opening a book on medicinal herbs and letting my thoughts wander.
This was the Blue Room, a space with built-in bookshelves lining the walls from the beginning.
A few years ago, it had been almost empty, but thanks to Diora, some books had been arranged on the shelves.
Now, however, I could regularly acquire books using my annual stipend, allowing the room to serve its original purpose.
Today as well, World was bringing new books, so while waiting in the library, I contemplated the incomplete Elixir.
"Medicines using mineral ingredients really should be made with better ventilation and protection, after all."
Lead poisoning, mercury poisoning—these had existed in my previous life too.
They weren't in alchemy books, but in magic-related texts, examples of alchemy failures were recorded for the purpose of disparagement, and among them were stories of people who died handling lead.
The risks were too high to attempt this through self-study.
Considering safety, I wanted a teacher in alchemy, and when I thought about it, only one place came to mind.
The Alchemy Department of the Academy in the Kingdom of Rukiusaria.
"Pardon me, my lord. I have brought you a beverage. Would you care to take a break?"
"Ah, Nomariola. Thank you."
Nomariola smiled softly when I thanked her.
What happened to her cool-type persona?
Just as I was thinking that, Nomariola's expression turned serious.
"There is something I wish to bring to your attention."
"Duke Lucaios?"
Nomariola was still continuing her work as a double agent.
But she had stopped accepting payment.
She said she was grateful because her younger sister's condition had improved thanks to me, and that her sister had become much brighter.
But apparently, the biggest reason was that along with the method for making peppermint oil, I had given her equipment as well, which made her feel that she should be paying me rather than receiving compensation.
It was just practice work by the triplets who were Herucof's nephews, so she didn't need to worry about it.
She had also mentioned being interested in perfume, so maybe I should look for some books on that too.
If anything comes up, I'll let her know and we can balance things out. Yeah.
"Actually, the other day, an attendant became angry that you had made no moves, my lord."
"Even if they say I'm not making moves, I was just invited to a tea party by Terry and the others the other day, wasn't I?"
"Apparently, that attendant had concluded that the attempted assassination at the Great Cathedral was staged by you, my lord."
There are people who think of the most outrageous things.
"Why would I work with the Edenbal family? That's exactly the frame-up that Litorimas was plotting against me. Besides, I have no connections to the criminal guild, and if I made moves to create such connections, Duke Lucaios would be the first to blame me."
"It seems he believes that all misfortunes befalling the Second Prince's faction originate from you, my lord."
The false accusations are severe, but that's nothing new now.
In other words, the attendant who complained to Nomariola had expected me to panic when the criminal guild was raided.
But since Nomariola's reports showed no such signs, he suspected negligence and scolded her.
"Therefore, since I was ordered to watch rather than investigate, I stated that if they wished to add investigation to my duties, they would need to add to my compensation as well."
"You're shrewd. Nomariola, your resourcefulness is amazing."
Moreover, it seems to have succeeded.
"I also stated that without knowing what to suspect and what the issues were, I would have no way to proceed with the investigation, thereby creating a means to extract better information, which I report to you."
Nomariola had apparently manipulated them into making the offer first, then made them spill the information.
It seems I've acquired a very capable maid.
But do maids really need to be this competent?
Well, she's useful to me, so I suppose it's fine. I'll be happy about it.
"What has recently become an issue on Duke Lucaios's side is your closeness to him, my lord. Apparently, there is talk that this is having adverse effects on the Second Prince."
"Huh, adverse effects? What could it be? Did it take too long to get here and cause inconvenience? Did I invite him out to play too much?"
Terry is the next emperor, and he already has too much to learn even now.
But I've heard that his education is lacking, and naturally his father who is struggling with this now, as well as the Princess Consort, have a policy of wanting to train him in culture and refinement as well as practical studies.
"No, the thing is. Since beginning to associate with you, my lord, he has apparently increased his resistance to his tutors and those around him."
"Huh, really? But he's seven years old, so isn't that normal? And even if not, Terry has a personality where he clearly asserts what he thinks is right."
"Yes, upon investigation, the 'resistance' the attendant spoke of was merely to the extent of keeping away those who made remarks disparaging you, my lord."
I see, so it's like that "good grief" type tutor named Hados I met before.
He had been trying to suppress Terry by denying him from the start, and if there were others like that, Terry would be pitiable.
"I'll ask Terry, and if he's troubled, I'll consult with His Majesty. Thank you, Nomariola. I'm truly glad you're here. This tea is delicious too."
She smiled softly at my words and bowed.
She had really changed quite a bit from my first impression of her.
Just then, there was a knock, and Ikuto, who had been waiting silently, went to answer it.
The one he brought in was World, the person I had been waiting for.
"First Prince, is this the book you requested? 'Numerical Understanding in Natural Philosophy.'"
"Yes, that's it, that's it. It was listed in the references, but it wasn't in the Imperial Library."
I received the book, which was too large for a child, and placed it on the desk.
This was a book about attempts to express natural phenomena through numbers—in other words, it approached scientific thinking.
And since it claimed to be philosophy, it also seemed to contain spiritual theories about the essence of humans in their natural state.
I looked at the preface and table of contents with excitement.
However, World himself, who had obtained this with the annual stipend, was looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"First Prince, do you truly study alchemy from such difficult texts?"
"Have you read it? Do you understand the contents?"
When Ikuto asked, World shook his head.
"It speaks of numbers, but most of it seemed to discuss sensations and ideals. It deals with metaphysical matters, and it seems impossible to actually apply it as technology."
"However, my lord has reproduced many things in that room using knowledge learned from such books," Nomariola pointed out.
World nodded at that, reminding me of something.
"Ah, that's right. World, I'm giving you this. You were interested in it, weren't you?"
I took out a small vial containing four-colored essence from my pocket.
Actually, World had been looking somewhat enviously at Herucof working with this essence, and when I asked if he wanted to try it then, he had declined.
But since he was carrying these heavy books for me, I had prepared this to give to him quickly.
"This is also something I reproduced from descriptions in the Imperial Library. You don't need magic just to make it, and you don't need magic to produce the effects either. Alchemy is something anyone can use. Since you report as a financial officer, try it yourself once."
"That is, no, but..."
He seemed about to refuse, but his eyes were glued to the essence.
Just as I thought he needed one more push, Nomariola strode right up to him and touched World's cheek in an instant.
"He has a fever. He seems happy enough to be blushing, so I don't think my lord needs to worry."
"Ah, I see. His dark complexion makes it hard to tell, but you can tell by touching, right?"
He has dark skin so it's hard to tell, but he seems happy enough to be blushing.
So I press the vial into his hand.
"My lord, there is one more thing I wish to bring to your attention."
It seemed the spy report was still in progress.
"That Duke Lucaios may be holding secret talks with Duke Eurasion."
World startled at the mention of these two big names.
When I heard those two names together, memories of nothing good coming from it made my brow furrow.
Regular Update
Next Time: Northern Military Turmoil 1