The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 84

Chapter 84: The Alchemist’s Goal

“First of all, Lord Julius, you are a magician from the Ivory Tower, correct? What we’re looking for is an alchemist who can assist in the development of the Enkar region for a certain period. I doubt you would meet the criteria.”

While magicians are indeed expensive, they can be hired as technicians. However, if you are affiliated with the Ivory Tower, the situation changes.

The Ivory Tower is the pinnacle of magical organizations. Magicians associated with it are elite, directly under the royal family, conducting a wide range of research including magic, monster extermination, and the utilization and advancement of magical stones.

Julius von Savini. A genius who manipulates all attributes and holds the top seat at the Ivory Tower, he is the greatest mage of his time in the Kingdom of Francesca. That was the title Julius held within the game.

“I mentioned this briefly to a friend earlier, but I’m currently on a long vacation. I plan to wander around for about a year, or at most a year and a half, so wouldn’t that be just right?”

“A year and a half away from the Ivory Tower is allowed?”

Julius chuckles, appearing amused.

“Yes, that’s right. The church and the temple are in an uproar right now. With the famine response and all, it seems that the national institutions dealing with magic won’t have the time to engage in new ventures for that period. Since I don’t have any ongoing research at the moment, I was thinking of taking this opportunity to broaden my horizons before starting something new. That’s when I received the letter from my friend. It felt like fate, so I couldn’t resist and left in a hurry.”

“…Even considering the famine, it feels unusual for national institutions to be so overwhelmed for a year to a year and a half. Is something significant expected during that time?”

“It seems that a prophecy from the goddess has indicated that the state of the world will change significantly during that period. The temple seems to have an idea of what will happen, and the church also seems to have some understanding, but it hasn’t been made public yet.”

“Well… as long as it’s not something bad, it should be fine.”

“Given the temple’s anxious demeanor, I’d say it’s probably something good. However, whether the temple’s ‘good’ is good for everyone, I’m not sure.”

His words carried an undertone, but Julius’s tone did not seem to carry any ill intent.

…So, even at this time, the temple and the church were anticipating the arrival of Maria.

When it comes to an event that will drastically change the state of the world in a year and a half, it goes without saying that it would be the arrival of the Saint.

In the game “Maria of the Kingdom of Hearts”, you can choose to align with one of three institutions during the tutorial phase.

These are the Royal Palace, the Temple, and the Church.

The Ivory Tower belongs to the Royal Palace, so selecting the Royal Palace in the initial settings makes the routes involving the First Prince, the Duke, the Ivory Tower’s magician, and the Knight Commander more advantageous.

If you choose the Temple, the routes include the High Priest and the neighboring country’s prince. Choosing the Church gives routes with the Cardinal and the Second Prince. Among these, the Royal Palace route was said to be the most cost-effective due to the larger number of characters you can interact with.

Although I never considered it while playing the game, it seems foolish to fight over a Saint who hasn’t even arrived yet, especially without having identified the cause of the potato blight.

…Perhaps it’s understandable since only the Saint can address the famine, and whoever holds the Saint has a strong initiative.

Despite prohibiting private duels, this situation is quite grim.

… Well, I suppose it’s not like we could play Maria of the Kingdom of Hearts, focusing on cost-effectiveness.

Still, Melfina thought.

Currently, at the lord’s mansion, Cedric, who appears as the Knight Commander, Serleine, the prince of the neighboring country, and Julius, the magician from the Ivory Tower, are all present.

And, of course, the Duke, who is a target in the game, is Alexis, Melfina’s husband.

It feels unusual that three of the four game targets you meet in the Royal Palace are so close by, and additionally, Serleine, the neighboring country’s prince from the Temple route, is staying at the mansion.

The game “Maria of the Kingdom of Hearts” starts when Maria arrives in this world, so any details about where the characters were and what they were doing before that are left blank except for what is revealed as the story progresses. It feels abnormal for so many targets to gather in one place.

… Is the game bugged? No, perhaps I should consider that the original flow has changed because “Melfina” has strayed from the route.

“First of all, do you actually have the skills of an alchemist?”

“Of course. Actually, the only reason I’m called a magician is due to the country’s circumstances. I consider myself primarily an alchemist. I assure you that my knowledge and skills are on par with any alchemist out there. Besides, hiring a magician is cheaper than hiring an alchemist, so you should be grateful.”

Julius chuckled, saying he didn’t really care about the money, and Cedric, looking like he had bitten into a bitter bug, didn’t seem pleased.

It was strange to see the friendship between Cedric, who was strict and disciplined, and Julius, who was unconventional and eccentric. Despite their differences, it seemed to work somehow.

An alchemist is a highly advanced researcher, whereas a magician—specifically a general magician who isn’t affiliated with the Ivory Tower—is a technician who manipulates structured magic.

Magicians can be commissioned through guilds, but employing an alchemist usually means becoming a patron for their research, which tends to be more expensive.

In “Maria of the Kingdom of Hearts”, Julius is one of the top hedonists and a trickster. Driven by curiosity, he acts impulsively without restraint, though he’s not unintelligent.

It became painfully clear, after just thirty minutes of conversation, that such behavior is fine only within the game.

Laws and order seem meaningless in the face of Julius’s overwhelming curiosity. Although there’s a route in the game where Julius can end up being imprisoned, his madness and affection did receive some measure of acceptance within the game.

However, having someone who can carry out such actions without any sense of guilt right in front of you is quite tense in reality.

I hope he returns as peacefully as possible.

“Actually, although I was called by a friend, I thought it would be fine to arrive in the Enkar region in the spring. It was my first time visiting Soarasonne, and I was a bit tired from the long journey. The Duke’s family welcomed me as a guest and made me feel quite comfortable.”

“With your position as the top seat at the Ivory Tower directly under the royal family, it’s probably the only way to do things.”

“And you know, I was served some wonderful ale at his home. When I heard that the ale was made right here in the Enkar region, I just had to visit the temple that produced it.”

“Oh, the barrel that Rad took with him as a gift, right?”

Although Rad’s visit was primarily to inquire about the system, Melfina had heard that the administration in the northern winter was very busy. Feeling a bit awkward about just asking questions and leaving, she had sent off some ale and cheese as a token of appreciation, and it seems that some of it was provided to their guest, Julius.

“That rich aroma with no off-flavors and the strong bitterness, yet with a refreshingly clean aftertaste. Knowing that my friend is from a land that produces such delicious ale, I couldn’t resist joining Rad! So, Lady, even if you can’t hire me here, I’d like to stay through the winter. I was fortunate to be able to accompany Rad on the way here, but I have no means of returning. Of course, I’ll help out as a substitute for the accommodation fees.”

“Well, I’d prefer not to send Lord Julius away if possible. If you could be mindful of your earlier behavior…”

Given that I can’t exactly say I know your true nature from past knowledge, it’s not appropriate to treat Julius, who is also a noble, dismissively without cause.

It seems the best approach would be to treat him similarly to Serleine, the guest from the neighboring country, and try to minimize direct involvement, though he doesn’t seem the type to pick up on such nuances.

“Lady, why don’t we chat a bit about my specialty? Since you’re looking for an alchemist but a magician has arrived, it’s understandable if you’re feeling uneasy. I’d also like to understand what kind of person is seeking an alchemist.”

“Yes, of course, that’s fine.”

“Do you know the ultimate goal of us alchemists?”

“Well…”

Alchemy Involves refining metals to create precious ones from base metals.

…The creation of elixirs, the transmutation of the Philosopher’s Stone, or the creation of homunculi in a bottle.

All of these are considered goals for alchemists. However, Julius referred to them as purposes rather than goals.

“World, no, divine analysis…?”

That wasn’t so much a response as it was an involuntary slip of thoughts. However, when Julius heard it, his eyes widened before he broke into a broad smile. His unusually handsome face lit up like a blooming flower.

By the time Melfina realized her mistake, it was already too late.

“Please, tell me more in detail!”

“Well, I’m not particularly well-versed myself. It would be presumptuous for someone who isn’t an expert to discuss their own theories in front of an expert.”

“No, arriving at that answer from such vague questions is a matter of intuition. It’s a kind of talent, something that cannot be acquired no matter how much one studies!”

“Calm down.”

“My friend, I feel like I’ve finally met an alchemist of equal caliber to myself! Look at these goosebumps! Imagine encountering a knight of equal strength in front of you. It’s only natural to want to spar with them, isn’t it?”

“Why is it that you only come up with such convincing analogies at times like this? ― Anyway, I’m Lady Melfina’s bodyguard. I won’t tolerate any disrespect. Also, put your arms down.”

Cedric glared fiercely, and Julius put his hands up, grinning sheepishly.

“Alright, alright. It’s fine if you ask calmly, right? Lady, where did you come up with the idea of divine analysis?”

“…The essence of alchemy is to perform acts that are believed to be the works of the gods with human hands.”

The Philosopher’s Stone, which turns base metals like copper and lead into gold; the Elixir, which cures all diseases and grants immortality; and the homunculi in bottles, which aim to create life from scratch.

Creating matter, achieving immortality, and creating living beings align with the characteristics of the divine as preached by the Church. In this world, these are generally the images associated with gods.

“I see, so alchemy is a process where humans become like minor gods by replicating divine methods.”

“Yes, and I believe that when trying to become something, one must define what that ‘something’ is. That’s why I came up with such words.”

“Wonderful! Truly wonderful, Lady! Just hearing those words from you has made the journey worthwhile!”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Julius shouted out, and Cedric stood up swiftly, delivering a solid punch to his head. A dull, painful sound followed.

“Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve had one of your lectures, my friend!”

“Just calm down. We’re in the presence of the Duchess.”

“Ha ha, it’s nostalgic. When you were in the capital, you often used to chide me like this!”

Although it didn’t seem to have much effect, Julius exhaled, sipped his cooled corn tea, and smiled contentedly.

“This tea has a unique flavor, but it’s delicious. It’s all so fascinating—things that are different from others, things that are delicious, and a lord with a scholarly sense. This land is overflowing with what I seek.”

“I’m honored to hear that.”

Despite the high praise, the situation felt slightly uncomfortable. As Melfina pondered how to handle Julius, a light knock on the door was heard.

“Lady Melfina, I’ve brought a refill of tea.”

“Thank you, Marie. I was just thinking of having some warm tea. But after you set the tea down, you can take a rest for today, okay?”

Given Julius’s lack of delicacy, it might be a bit heavy to have him in the room. Thinking this, Melfina spoke up, but Mari shook her head slightly.

“No, I’d like to stay close by.”

With that, she managed to smile just a little.

“This is where I belong.”