I can’t say I don’t want to stand out
Clarice was concentrating on her work in the compounding room as usual, when she was startled by the sound of hands clapping loudly and turned around.
“Everyone, please stop what you’re doing and gather together.”
The person who appeared and said this was the head of the compounding room, who had been absent from his desk since this morning.
Though she should be in her forties, she looks so youthful she could only be in her late twenties, and she always stands tall and is the kind of adult woman that Clarice secretly admires, but right now she looked clearly pale.
Since the head of the department is often not in the compounding room due to coordinating and negotiating with other departments, it wasn’t something he was particularly worried about, but it seemed like something was going on.
Sensing something ominous, everyone, including Clarice, gathered around the director.
“Late last night, the army of our neighboring country, Quinlan, to the east, crossed the border and invaded a region called Macluni.”
Everyone, including Clarice, gasped at the news, which was even worse than they had imagined.
It has been over a hundred years since the Kingdom of Leland, where Clarice lives, and Quinlan were at war, but they have been on friendly terms since signing a peace treaty.
And yet, it seems they suddenly crossed the border and marched forward.
“We don’t know the details yet, but please prepare yourself for the start of war.
From now on, we will be compounding a large amount of medicine, mainly recovery potions.”
The director looked around at us, our faces turning pale.
“And there’s one more thing I need to tell you.
It depends on the state of the war, but if it is determined that making the medicine in the royal capital and transporting it won’t be possible in time, please keep in mind that one of us may have to go to Makruni and compound the medicine on-site.”
I remember that when I got a job as a pharmacist at the castle, I signed a pledge that said I would go to the battlefield to provide logistical support to the knights in times of emergency.
If such an order is given, it cannot be refused.
His colleagues’ faces were just as pale as his, and some of them were already crying.
I felt like crying too.
It’s not because I’m afraid of being sent to war.
This is because the 5th Division, to which Melvin belongs, may also be deployed to the battlefield.
They may be used to defeating magical beasts, but war between humans is a different story.
If that happened…Melvin might die.
The last time I saw Melvin was about ten days ago.
Where is Melvin now?
Maybe he’s already on his way to the battlefield?
Clarice trembled, more afraid of the possibility of never seeing Melvin again than of the danger that was approaching her.
“Now everyone, let’s make some healing potions!
I will give instructions on other medicines in due course, but recovery medicines are the top priority!”
While everyone else scattered to their seats and began to work, Clarice was the only one who remained motionless.
“Kyuu”
Chico popped his head out of Clarice’s breast pocket and made a concerned little noise.
Chico is very good friends with Kurt and is also fond of Melvin.
Chico would be sad if he never saw her again.
Clarice keeps secret recipes for her medicines.
If we make that public, it could be of great help to the Knights.
And maybe Melvin will survive…
“Clarice? What’s wrong?”
The director gave Clarice a suspicious look as she stood there.
I don’t like standing out.
I don’t want to cause any trouble.
But more than that, I absolutely hate losing Melvin.
“… Director. There is something I would like to discuss with you.”
With determination, Clarice spoke up.
However, before the director could respond, a young knight came rushing into the compounding room.
“Excuse me! Is there a pharmacist here named Clarice?”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t Melvin, but a knight that Clarice didn’t know.
Everyone’s gazes turned to Clarice, wondering what was going on.
“I’m Clarice.”
“The commander of the Royal Guard is calling for you. Please come immediately!”
Naturally, Clarice had never met someone with such a position, but she had an idea as to why she had been called at this time.
Maybe Melvin did something.
I don’t know any other knights besides him, so I can’t think of any others.
Clarice nodded to the concerned-looking director and was led out of the compounding room by the knight.
“You must be Clarice.
My name is Augusta Andrews, and I am the Commander of the Royal Guard.
And then there’s my brother, Sandy Andrews.
You’re a first-class pharmacist, so you should know.”
“Nice to meet you, Clarice. I’m Sandy Andrews.”
“…Oh, nice to meet you. My name is Clarice.”
Waiting for Clarice in an impressive office at the Knights’ headquarters were the brothers, who didn’t look much alike apart from their dark blue hair and purple eyes.
Though he had seen Sandy Andrews from afar on a number of occasions, this was the first time the Commander of the Royal Guard had even seen her in person.
He gives the impression of a mature man with a well-trained physique like a knight and a calm demeanor.
“You get along well, Melvin, and he’s my youngest brother.”
Clarice had realized that the moment she entered the room.
They both had the same navy blue hair as Melvin, and most importantly, the bottles of pills that Clarice had given him were ostentatiously displayed on his desk.
The Andrews family is a high-ranking aristocrat, even known to Clarice.
I knew they were nobles, but Melvin was the son of such a family…
“Do you know why I called you?”
“…Yes. You’re talking about my medicine, right?”
“Exactly.”
August nodded gravely.
“The Margrave Hayes army, which rules Macluni, is known for its strength, but they have been unable to contain Quinlan and have requested reinforcements.
The first reinforcements chosen were the 5th Division, where Melvin was located.
Apparently, they were scheduled to head off to another location today to hunt down monsters, but they suddenly changed their destination and are currently on their way to Makluni.”
It was only natural that this would happen, since they had likely been preparing for an expedition to begin with.
Just as Clarice had feared, Melvin was already on his way to the battlefield.
“We have heard about your situation.
I had wanted to leave it up to you and Melvin to decide, but things have become too difficult.
Could you please officially register your recipe now?
To save as many lives as possible.”
August was looking at Clarice seriously, while Sandy was looking at her with expectant eyes.
Clarice clasped her hands together and nodded.
“got it.
I will register my recipe.
From the moment I heard from the head of the department that war was going to break out, I had already made up my mind.
I won’t hesitate now.
“Thank you, Clarice.
You have nothing to worry about because we promise to take responsibility for you.
Well then, Sandy, I’ll leave the rest to you.”
「I know. From here on out, it’s my turn.
Clarice, let’s work hard together.
The brothers before him were not only high-ranking nobles, but each held important positions in the country.
Even though they could easily have done whatever they wanted with a commoner fourth-class pharmacist, they still showed respect for Clarice.
And they’re Melvin’s brothers.
It’s probably okay to trust him.
“Thank you very much.”
If it meant being able to save Melvin from the battlefield, Clarice was willing to give it everything she had.
Clarice was determined to do her best.
like/comments
and donation or ko-fi please …
Leave a Reply