Chapter 96

"Hey, you're here again today, Secretary Squoza."

"This is Miltoradis."

At the end of the left wing, where the First Prince has been absent for over a month, Miltoradis, the palace guard, casually called out to me. I was left alone and was sitting at a desk in a corner of the Blue Room.

"Isn't this place far? It's impressive that you come here often. And it's so quiet during the day, it's a bit eerie."

"I'm not unaware of my position. I prefer it to be quiet here."

Being treated coldly and mocked in the finance department, I much prefer being alone in the quiet.

Miltoradis, the palace guard who is the right-hand man of the head of the palace guard, doesn't stay long but checks for any changes every day. I've heard that he is supposed to be officially stationed in the First Prince's residential area. Despite this, I've never seen him working like Totus, and I often overhear him talking to the First Prince about things he doesn't want to get too involved in.

"No, really, really. I thought you'd quit after a year. What's the sudden change of heart now that the Prince is gone?"

Miltoradis, with his golden hair, sits down casually. Despite his rough appearance, he has a certain grace that doesn't make much noise. I've heard that he has the bloodline of a marquis, and this might be a sign of his good upbringing.

I, on the other hand, have a diluted bloodline, inheriting only the Elven features, and was born into a lower class of the nobility called the knowledge layer. I studied hard and found a good job, but it turned into a demotion, and I was about to give up.

"Alchemy is interesting, I guess."

"Really?"

I don't want to hear that skeptical look on his face.

"It's a degraded version of magic, and it can't do much. I bet the Prince is doing it to hide his skills, which were honed by a great magic teacher."

"No, he does have a talent for magic, but he is also quite capable in alchemy. ... More importantly, the gap between being able to do something and not being able to do it is significant. Even a little ability can make a big difference."

I can't help but speak passionately about the unexpected praise.

It's not uncommon for humans, but I was born with Elven features, and in a family where everyone can use magic, I grew up. As a result, most people assume I can use magic based on my appearance. When they find out I can't, they are openly disappointed or mock me.

"Yeah, I get that it's rare as a skill. I have a decent relationship with the First Prince, but I don't understand the appeal. What's so good about it?"

It has been a month since the Prince left, and it has become a daily routine to meet and chat aimlessly in the left wing.

"Basically, can you understand the content of the books here? I have to go through the books sent from Lukiusaria, but the magic system alone is already too much. I'm full."

He says it nonchalantly, but I know he goes through everything. The First Prince said so, and I notice when I add more books as per the Prince's instructions.

He must be a capable person to be assigned to the First Prince. Born into a lower bloodline than the emperor, who is already of low blood, the First Prince is often shunned despite his talent and wisdom. Being born with such abilities, he must hide them while navigating the eyes of the great nobles. Only a sharp person can see through this.

"Has Secretary Squoza heard anything interesting from the Prince? He might be a bit mischievous. I think he's set something up."

"Well, I've been told that if I show interest in alchemy, I can use the equipment. Setting something up is a formal deployment, and I don't think there's any danger this time."

The Prince didn't bring me and Miltoradis closer. From his actions, it seems he hasn't revealed any alchemy-related secrets, and perhaps even the Dink drink is of unknown origin.

Politically, he might know more than I do, but he isn't a complete ally. The same goes for me. We pretend not to know about the possibility of assassination or the difficulty of return.

"No, no, it's not that big of a deal. Something to surprise me, like a trap. In the Emerald Room, right? There are so many strange things there that I can't even confirm them. Did you hear anything about him doing something before he left?"

"I'm in the same boat. I only understand the part I was taught. There seems to be a catalog, so why don't you check it out?"

I'm not sure if he realizes I'm dodging the question, but he sighs as if tired.

"Man, I can't even understand the catalog. It's a copy of the one sent from Lukiusaria. The furniture and other items were cataloged by the Princess, but it's too well-organized."

"I copied the catalog for the furniture and small items. There was also a catalog for items added to the Prince's annual budget... The only new things were clothes."

On the contrary, there are fewer items without a catalog. This indicates that the Prince's room was frighteningly empty.

"Yeah, it was unnaturally empty."

Miltoradis, as if recalling, nodded and noticed a beaker by the window.

"......! ? A, that, what is that?"

"Oh, that? It's an experiment to make salt crystals. For some reason, the crystals won't form according to the method the Prince left behind."

"Salt? Salt water? What are you doing...?"

He grumbled, seemingly unsatisfied.

"Well, nothing to report today, so I'll be going back."

"Yes, thank you for your hard work."

After a bit more small talk, Miltoradis left, looking oddly dejected.

I continue my work as a finance secretary in the quiet. Without the Prince, my tasks are limited to regular purchases and searching for books from merchants. Since the timing of their arrival is uncertain, I handle them when they come and prepare reports for the Prince.

"Let me use this today."

I finish my tasks and pick up a book in the Blue Room's library. Opening it, I find the instructions for making an essence, written by the Prince.

I go to the Emerald Room, gather the necessary equipment and materials, and set them up on the workbench. I check the instructions and start making the essence.

"Once it's done, ignition test. Confirmation. ... Alright."

Fire is born from my hand.

Just that makes my heart leap.

I thought I would never have a connection with magic, but I can reproduce it.

The small sparks scatter and disappear, not very useful.

Still, I know.

Even alchemy, which is called a degraded version of magic, can achieve things that magic finds difficult, like creating ice or generating electricity, if refined.

"Ah, I want to try it soon. But, I still can't achieve a stable quality."

I understand the Prince's enthusiasm for alchemy as a hobby.

At the same time, I know I am still far from that level.

"Yes, still... far from it."

Turning my head, I see a crystal ball on a stand. It looks crude, and I'm still skeptical of its performance.

But it is a crystal of alchemy created by the Prince, originally devised by a magician known as the Nine-Tailed. It is a masterpiece that even such a magician would marvel at, refined by advanced techniques and theories.

"Calling it a degraded version is ridiculous. It's full of potential."

I, who cannot use magic, can reproduce it.

Alchemy can achieve stability that magic cannot.

If possible, I don't want to use that crystal.

I don't want to be in a crisis that requires it.

But I can't help but think I want to use it.

I want to experience the remarkable technology.

"Ah, how long has it been since I felt this way? It's like I've returned to my childhood."

Playing in the Prince's absent residence, I feel a bit embarrassed.

But at the same time, I am always grateful.

For the Prince keeping me for a year and showing me what alchemy is.

I can even be grateful for the demotion.

"...... In the midst of malice, I hope I can be of some use."

I was thinking of the face of a relative who tried to arrange a re-employment with the military when I was demoted.

[1600 Bookmarks Commemoration]