The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Request to the Alchemist and Separation

After taking a moment to relax with some warm tea, Julius finally composed himself and was able to get to the main topic.

“So, Lady, what is it that you wish for from me as an alchemist?”

“I would like you to create a distillation apparatus.”

“Distillation, you say?”

“Yes, as you might have tasted, we are currently researching alcohol production in the Enkar region. As part of this, we are also considering the production of stronger spirits. While we can manage to some extent on our own, we would prefer to have an expert design an apparatus that can efficiently distill a significant amount, with the aim of starting an industry.”

In alchemy, distillation is a very popular technique. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that they try to distill every substance.

“If the goal is to strengthen the alcohol, wouldn’t ‘separation’ also be a good option?”

“I apologize for my ignorance, but could you explain what ‘separation’ is?”

When she tilted her head and asked about the unfamiliar term, Julius visibly brightened with a smile. His expression was much more childlike compared to Serleine.

“Hehe, sure. ‘Separation’ is a fundamental technique in alchemy, referring to the process of dividing or concentrating specific substances from a given material. For example, if you dissolve salt completely in water, you can use magical power to separate the water from the salt. Although it’s a basic skill for alchemists, it’s surprisingly challenging and has a lot of depth. Being able to separate water and salt is a preliminary test for alchemists. The name ‘alchemy’ itself is deeply related to this ‘separation’, and it’s said that the idea of turning what seemed to be just a stone into a shining substance, making it look like a gemstone, started with this concept. Mastery of ‘separation’ is an absolute requirement for understanding a substance. Thus, it’s common for someone who can separate salt from saltwater to struggle with separating other materials. The more substances one can separate, the more distinguished an alchemist is considered to be—”

Cedric placed a hand on his forehead, worried about where Julius might take a breath. It seemed that this was his usual behavior when discussing his specialized field or something of interest.

To extract salt again from saltwater, you would simply need to evaporate the water. However, with alchemy, it is said that you can remove the salt while leaving the water behind.

Indeed, from the explanation, it’s clear that “separation” is a very useful ability. If you can remove impurities and isolate a pure substance, the range of possible applications is quite broad.

—Pure gold, pure iron, and perhaps even titanium or nickel could be extracted.

“Do you use magical power in alchemy as well?”

“Of course, there’s no way not to use such a convenient power. All alchemists in the Ivory Tower are capable of it.”

Indeed, magic exists in this world. Considering that alchemy was deeply connected to mysticism and the occult in a past life, it might be only natural that alchemy in a world where magic exists differs from that of a past life.

However, even if the same results can be achieved, what Melfina is seeking is a “technique” that anyone can use to get the same results, not necessarily magic or alchemy.

“I do find the power very appealing, but what I want is to create something that can be continued by people who don’t have magic or alchemy skills. That’s why I want to make a distillation apparatus. Will it be difficult?”

“I see. Lady, you want to create something that isn’t of high rarity but can be produced in substantial quantities and widely distributed.”

As expected from the top position of the Ivory Tower, Julius’s quick thinking was evident. He rested his chin on his hand, thinking for a moment, and tilted his head slightly, just as Melfina had done earlier.

“Understood. Let’s give it a try. By the way, Lady, do you happen to possess the talent for ‘appraisal’?”

Although phrased as a question, Julius spoke with a tone that suggested certainty, causing Melfina to brace herself.

“Appraisal” itself isn’t an especially rare talent among nobles, and it wouldn’t be surprising for someone from a high-ranking noble family like Melfina to have it. However, Melfina blinked in confusion, not understanding why the conversation had shifted there.

“Yes, I do. But how did you know?”

“Oh, I knew it! Actually, the demand to strengthen the alcohol’s alcohol content is not uncommon among alchemists. After all, humans are creatures who love alcohol.”

“Indeed, that might be the case.”

After all, there’s even a theory that beer originated at the same time as bread or even earlier.

Unlike salt, water, wheat, meat, or vegetables, alcohol is not a necessity for human survival.

Yet, it’s not an exaggeration to say that human history has been intertwined with alcohol. That’s how much people crave it.

“If it’s possible to increase the alcohol content through ‘separation’, it’s only natural that there are alchemists researching this method. Perhaps the mages and alchemists of the Ivory Tower are already well-versed in the use of high-concentration alcohol.”

“However, most people who are not alchemists don’t realize that the reason they feel light and happy after drinking alcohol is due to the ‘ethanol’.”

“………”

“Of course, everyone who drinks alcohol is aware of its strength and weakness. But the idea that ethanol is the substance causing the feeling of euphoria and intoxication and that concentrating it can produce a more potent and effective beverage—this understanding falls within the realm of alchemy. Yet, occasionally, non-alchemists who possess the talent for ‘appraisal’ come to realize this.”

“Oh, I see… So it’s a talent that defines what something is.”

“Yes, you truly have an exceptional sense! People tend to think they know what something is based on their initial impressions, and few consider probing its essence. I was convinced when I tasted that ale. The bitterness, the acidity, the aftertaste—everything was calculated. The person who created it had separated and reconstructed existing ale. This is an answer that only a truly skilled alchemist could achieve!”

“That’s an exaggeration. It was also the result of repeated trial and error.”

“That’s precisely the point. Because those who engage in trial and error are rare, ale remained a sour and moldy drink for commoners, made by leaving wort for hundreds of years. And to think it was produced by a lord from the northern edge of the country—once I learned that, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!”

From Julius’s manner of speaking, it seems that the idea Melfina had about the ‘appraisal’ talent being prevalent among those who can create refined ale is not far from the truth.

And the fact that alchemists know this while Melfina, from a high-ranking noble family, did not, suggests that this information might be somewhat intentionally kept hidden.

Julius mentioned that “separation” is the first hurdle to becoming an alchemist. Naturally, as an alchemist himself, Julius must possess the same talent.

“So, there is a path for me to become an alchemist as well.”

“You already exhibit a way of thinking and actions quite close to structured alchemy, even though you haven’t formally studied it. Oh, by the way, Lady, would you like to try learning ‘separation’?”

The offer was surprising.

Indeed, mastering it would be quite a useful ability, but in Melfina’s view, magic and talents in this world are somewhat inconvenient and don’t always work as desired.

Although Melfina now makes good use of “appraisal”, she had almost no opportunity to use it before coming to the Enkar region.

“Is ‘separation’ something that can be learned so easily?”

“Hmm, from my perspective, it’s not very difficult. However, among those who apprentice under alchemists, there are quite a few who leave because they just can’t master this skill. It’s really a matter of talent. —It’s just a hunch, but I believe you’ll be able to master it quickly.”

Though curious about his reasoning, Julius smiled as if he was certain, seeming to enjoy the thought.

“Well, trying things out is always a good idea. Research is always about repeating challenges and failures.”