I crafted Intermediate Potions, Advanced Potions, and Intermediate Mana Potions, and with the High Potions I had prepared earlier, I headed to the Commerce Guild. My purpose was to register these potions. When I told the receptionist that I had been instructed to show them directly to the Guildmaster, she replied, “We’ve been expecting you,” and promptly guided me to the reception room.
Now, the Guildmaster is examining the potions with a serious expression, peering at them through the lenses of his glasses.
One drop at a time, he lets the potions fall onto test papers, confirming their effects.
“…All of them are highly effective. And even High Potions, which are said to be exclusively produced by the Radislav Magic Workshop in this area…”
He lifts each potion, gazing intently at them with a focused look.
“Who exactly are you?”
He lowers his voice, directing the question at me.
“I am…”
“Wait,”
I was about to launch into my usual explanation when Belial, who stood beside my chair, stopped me.
“You should tell this one the truth,” he said.
“Lord Belial?”
The Guildmaster silently observed our exchange.
“First, consider his position. Given the nature of the Commerce Guild, it is clear they gather information widely. This will likely work in your favor. Moreover, from his actions earlier, he seems to have an intent to protect you.”
When Belial cast a glance at the Guildmaster, the latter nodded quietly.
“Additionally, you are affiliated with the Guild. It would be unbecoming to lie to the leader of such an organization.”
“That is true…”
I certainly felt guilty about lying to everyone. However, I wasn’t sure how much of the truth I should reveal. I needed someone I could consult with.
Resolving myself, I decided to share my true background and abilities with this person.
I stood, placed my right hand over my chest, gave a slight bow, and began to speak.
“I was an apprentice court magician in the Kingdom of Egdoarm. I have the capability to craft elixirs, considered the ultimate healing medicine, the pinnacle mana potion known as Nectar, Soma that cures all ailments, and the universal medicine Amrita—provided I have the necessary materials.”
“A court magician apprentice… from Egdoarm, the magic nation? And you can truly create such supreme items!?”
“Um, please, lower your voice!”
I hastily admonished the Guildmaster, who had raised his voice in surprise. Realizing his outburst, he covered his mouth with his hand, adjusted his glasses, and straightened his posture.
“…! My apologies, I was just so astonished. I’ve rarely even seen such items myself.”
“…I told everyone I was a researcher, but I certainly spent much of my time in laboratories and experimental divisions. Both were essentially sub-organizations of the court magicians.”
“Then why…?”
“Well, due to various circumstances, you could say I defected. That country is difficult for commoner magicians to live in. While you can research as much as you like…”
Just recalling it dampened my mood. While I was fortunate to have met some good people in the end, the hardships were many, and I constantly felt I was on the verge of being used up. Especially the Magician Commander—I never want to see that person again.
“…I’ve heard people involved with Egdoarm often complain about the aristocratic elitism. It must be harsh there. Changing the topic, what other skills do you have aside from item creation?”
Perhaps noticing my discomfort, the Guildmaster quickly shifted the subject.
I reset my thoughts and endeavored to answer politely.
“Well, I pride myself on my magic abilities. I’ve also undertaken subjugation missions, as you might expect. I can perform magical enchantments and have studied summoning techniques. However, my recovery magic remains relatively underdeveloped compared to my other skills.”
“Is recovery magic something you can’t use much?”
“I can use it up to an advanced level, but its effectiveness is limited.”
“…I’d say that still counts as being highly capable.”
The Guildmaster chuckled wryly, seemingly curious how extensive my magical proficiency was, then cleared his throat.
“Actually, there’s been an issue with a troublesome shop that’s recently moved in. They’ve been interfering with Binal ’s store as well. It’s imperative that your ability to create high-level potions remains a secret. I’ll personally deliver these potions to Binal ’s shop.”
Apparently, that shop was behind some poorly performed magical enchantments. In this town, where struggling adventurers are common, they’ve been hiring such individuals as guards to aggressively push their goods and intimidate artisans.
Doing such things would likely make it harder to sell their products, though…
“It’s good that you told me. We will do everything we can to ensure that a talented magician like you can work without worry. Please feel free to come to me for anything,” the Guildmaster said, shaking my hand and encouraging me to consult with him about anything. He was incredibly dependable.
“See? It’s already paying off,” said Belial confidently. As expected of Belial—those skilled in observation know how to read people well.
“By the way, with your skills, your craftsman rank can be upgraded to Advanced. You’ll need more achievements to reach Meister, but this is a good start.”
“You’re already promoting me to Advanced? I only just registered.”
“Of course, you’ve far exceeded the requirements for Advanced rank,” the Guildmaster replied, lifting each potion, swirling them gently, and nodding in satisfaction. Potion-making is my specialty, so being recognized made me feel proud.
After setting down the potions, the Guildmaster shifted his gaze to Belial.
“He’s been advising you all this time, but isn’t he supposed to be a guard?”
“Apologies for the delayed introduction. This is Belial, a demon with whom I have a contract.”
“A demon?! You can even summon beings like that!?”
Belial’s slightly curled red hair, ruby-colored eyes, and sharp nails complemented his refined features and cool, composed voice. His black, military-style attire was exquisitely tailored, with understated gems enhancing its elegance. The resonating sound of his boots and his graceful, dignified movements made it clear that he wasn’t the kind of demon one could summon easily.
The Guildmaster sighed deeply.
“With your skills, I feel like you could even create the Philosopher’s Stone.”
“Not at all. I haven’t completed the Philosopher’s Stone yet,” I replied.
“…Yet…? You haven’t… completed it yet?”
Unaware of the stunned silence that followed, I excused myself with a smile and left the reception room.
Once outside the Guild, Belial burst into laughter, as if unable to hold it in any longer.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, puzzled. Belial grinned wickedly and looked at me.
“You realize, with what you just said, you might as well have admitted it’s partially finished!”
“Ah! Another slip of the tongue…!!”
I messed up again!
…But, well, I’ve already revealed so much, and honestly, it feels liberating. So maybe it’s fine?!
“By the way, I’ve been curious for a while now. What kind of person is this Sebirino you keep mentioning?”
After his fit of laughter, Belial abruptly changed the subject. I had mentioned Sebirino before but had never introduced them directly. Back in Egdorum, Sebirino was the person I spent the most time with, so they often came up in conversation.
“Sebirino? He’s someone I collaborated with on research and worked with on subjugation missions. There were even times we debated in the laboratory until dawn. Those were fun times…”
“…That sounds enjoyable to you? You speak as if you’re equals, but is that really the case?”
Wow, rude! What are you implying?!
“We are equals! He’s a noble and an official court magician, but he never acted arrogant. He always listened to my opinions and tackled everything with sincerity. He’s an incredible person!”
“…I find it hard to believe that an ordinary magician could match the knowledge and skills we’ve bestowed upon you,” Belial muttered.
“He’s far from ordinary! He’s one of the kingdom’s top magicians!”
I gestured animatedly as I explained Sebirino’s excellence, but Belial seemed to lose interest halfway through and stopped listening.
And to think he brought it up himself!
