Chapter 80.4 - The First Year at the Academy - Contract for Protection (4)
Anyway, so the months of hard work paid off.
Even if only slightly, it helped the family business. I'm embarrassed, but I guess I'm more than happy.
"Um, Alter-sama, you mix frequently, don't you?"
"You're doing it. I've been wriggling a round one just now."
After a moment's pause, Lola lets out a small puff.
Rackendale, wiggling in his alchemy lecture, had completely turned into a landscape.
Lola's expression softens completely.
Even a little heartache for me seems to help a little.
"Sorry for the blunt question. Do you buy the materials for your mixings?"
"Most of it is locally sourced. When I don't have enough, I buy them."
"So…!"
Lola steps in unexpectedly, and I'm in her pocket.
Not bad. I recommend a dagger for your physique.
"Then may I accompany you to collect it! I won't bother you, and you can leave me if you need anything!"
Lola stormed off in front of me.
She was so happy to have been of service to the family business.
More potions, even better potions – I guess.
I held up one hand to control Lola.
"Calm down a little."
"Oh, ……."
Instantly dejected, Lola turned her head down again.
The academy also lets you use materials freely, but the number is small, and the competition is high.
Therefore, students who want to mix their ingredients purchase them at their own expense. Lola is the daughter of a merchant, so finances are not a problem. However, there is a question about whether she is contributing to the family business.
There are many failures in [Mixing 1]. Considering the cost of purchasing the materials, the profit would be minimal.
I want to train, I want to make a profit, and I don't want to cause trouble for the store.
To fulfill these desires, I had no choice but to collect the materials by myself.
So it was Elphimia who came to the academy.
However, it's hard to believe she would ask her to accompany her. No matter how good a magician she is, she's still a girl of the same age. And magicians are limited in the number of moves they can make. They're different from swordsmen who can fight as long as they have a weapon.
Besides, Elphimia hardly collected any. If she had the time, she would spend it training in magic or studying. Alchemy is only a part of her knowledge.
I have only one question for her. She asked me if I would be willing to accompany her.
Before the second semester exam, Lola found out about my personal life for the first time. Seeing Ted and the others, she must have wondered how we met. And she would have learned that I was wandering the streets, gathering materials on my own.
I didn't ask her out of the blue because we're not that close.
Differences in gender and tastes. There's also the reservation of being a nobleman and a commoner.
I don't even know where Lola's house is.
If I hadn't invited her to join our group for the first-semester exam, I don't think we would have had much contact with each other.
Lola was completely depressed because I had interrupted her conversation.
She seemed to think I made her feel uncomfortable or annoyed, but I can't deny the annoyance.
I'm exploring on my own as I please.
My companions so far have been "Battle Axe of Destruction" and Nerio, the hunter. They are all very competent people. I have never been in the forest with a complete amateur. Of course, Lola's presence is not a burden, if the need arises, I can carry her and escape.
However, Lola's safety is the top priority.
Even if I encounter a monster that can bring us rare experiences or materials, I have to give up if Lola is in danger. And our activities' scope would get limited to a day trip.
However, that being said – is it a problem if it's just once in a while?
It's not often I encounter rare species, and if we focus on collecting materials, we can expect to get quite a lot out of a single search. It is already winter, but even so, if I gather enough for Lola's training, I should be able to get enough.
Suddenly, I stopped thinking.
Oh well, it's already winter.
I switch my thoughts and considerations.
Yes, I'll probably be okay. I think I can do it. If not, I'll follow up.
"On a different note, can you mix a healing potion?"
Lola is puzzled by the unexpected question.
"If it's not good enough, I can do it several times ……."
"One more thing. Does your family deal in armaments?"
"We are a small store, so we only have a few magical tools. They're all used and not suitable for Alter-sama."
With each answer, Lola gets smaller and smaller.
No, that's fine. That's ideal.
I nod in satisfaction.
"Are you interested in hiring someone?"
I guess she couldn't swallow the meaning of the words.
Lola looked up at me with a slightly stupid expression on her face.
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