A week had passed since then.
Clink. Clink. Clink.
In the underground workshop of the lord's mansion, a diligent automatic production process was constantly running without a moment's rest. Among the various tasks, Jared was particularly focused on the Master Potion, crafted in preparation for the rainy season. Inside a small glass vial, there was a mixture of ten different herbs combined according to a precise ratio. The herbs had already been infused with magical energy, so adding just a bit of water and giving it a slight stir would activate the potion's properties immediately.
The Master Potion was not merely a targeted treatment for one specific illness; instead, it was a versatile elixir. There were about six types of waterborne diseases that frequently afflicted the northern region of the Nas continent during the rainy season, and this potion was designed to address them all.
“I don’t understand. Why are you telling me to imbue the potion with curses?” At that moment, Isabelle, who had come down to the workshop with Jared, grumbled. This was due to Jared's instructions to include a small amount of curse energy in the potion's contents.
Jared calmly explained in a clear voice. “It’s because the potion itself is quite toxic. The potency of the Master Potion is so strong that it may cause harm to the body.”
“So, you’re saying we’ll intentionally worsen the condition using curses?”
“Exactly. To achieve just the right level of healing, a slight reduction in potency is necessary. If the potion operates at its full capacity within the body, it could lead to liver toxicity.”
“Are we risking getting sicker from the medicine?”
“Essentially, yes. So don’t hesitate. Your work is very important.”
Jared earnestly encouraged Isabelle. The ability to use such curses was extremely rare, not just among those nearby but throughout the entire territory. Naturally, a necromancer couldn't be found within the domain, and in fact, Isabelle was the only four-star sorceress in the region. There was another sorcerer, but he was merely a novice who had just recently stepped into level one sorcery.
Even though Isabelle muttered complaints that were barely audible, she silently fulfilled the task Jared had entrusted to her, just as she always did. That was her charm. She might get irritated and grumble about various things, but she consistently carried out whatever Jared asked.
After the successful assault on the demon's refuge, Jared was intrigued by how Isabelle had used the purification ring she had obtained from there.
“How effective is the ring?”
“It’s good. A lot of negative and dark emotions have disappeared. Now, I can be sufficiently kind, not only to you and Hayes, but also to the maids. It feels like all the irritability and fatigue have faded away.”
“That’s reassuring to hear.”
“Yes. And my heart feels much lighter! I used to feel a surge of anger just looking at you...” Isabelle's voice trailed off, and her cheeks flushed softly.
She still liked Jared. Although time had passed, she thought her feelings would eventually fade, but they had not. From their very first meeting, everything had felt destined. It was definitely not an ordinary connection. Having met as a human and a spirit, she had now gained a new body and could be with Jared as a human.
Initially, she had pursued Jared out of spite, feeling like her spirit had been snatched away. But now, thoughts of the spirit had disappeared entirely, and she simply enjoyed watching and cherishing Jared.
If there was one thing she regretted, it was that Jared was so busy with matters concerning the Krivia territory that he rarely had time to spare.
“It’s okay now. I understand. Running a territory isn’t like a child’s game.”
“Don’t worry about me too much. I’m not as kind or admirable as you think.”
“The judgment is mine to make. What you say doesn’t matter.”
Isabelle’s sharp rebuttal startled Jared.
“You’ll be even busier from here on, with even more tasks ahead.”
“I know that. Don’t worry about it. Whether it’s love or unrequited feelings, it’s my concern.”
“You really have a steadfast heart, Isabelle. Did you know that?”
“What do you mean?”
“Ella told me that many members of the Agresio guard admire you.”
“I’m not interested. They’re just good at fighting but are a bunch of useless prats.”
Isabelle’s preferences were strictly one-sided. Jared was her only consideration; no one else crossed her mind.
“I don’t want to date anyone. I don’t have the time or mental space for that.”
“Hey! Who cares what you want? I like you, so what does that have to do with you?” Isabelle snapped, yet her diligent hands continued to sprinkle small amounts of curses over the herbs, clearly distinguishing between her work and personal feelings.
“I just understand your feelings.” Jared smiled awkwardly. In his past life, as 'Shintaipung', he had often found himself in a similar position of unrequited love. No matter how hard he tried to win someone's affection, that person always maintained distance. There were always other, more charming men by their side, and he could barely manage to stay in the running. Jared, who knew the frustration and sorrow of unrequited love better than anyone, could relate to Isabelle's heart.
“Please don’t make me miserable. Whether it’s loving, holding, or letting go, those are all my feelings. I won’t impose my emotions on you, so please don’t touch my heart, Jared.”
“I understand.” Jared scratched his head, wondering if he had overstepped. On the other hand, he felt a bit scared. Unlike Hayes, whose warmth radiated from him... it felt more like a dark and gloomy kind of unrequited love.
A heavy silence fell between them. Yet, despite that, Isabelle continued her work quietly, and Jared helped her from the side without a word.
How much time had passed?
The Master Potions in the underground workshop had received the small amounts of curses infused as Jared desired.
“Will we even have a use for this many potions? There must be thousands here," Isabelle pointed out the countless vials filling one side of the workshop. They had been produced diligently over the past few days. The production cost was a total of five gold coins, while the selling price was at least fifty gold coins for each Master Potion.
Just then, a loud knocking echoed from the door of the workshop.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Someone was knocking hurriedly, and surely, it was Hayes.
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s me! Hayes!”
“So what is it?”
“Ambassadors from the Bonus Kingdom and Malus Kingdom have arrived simultaneously!”
“Already? That was quicker than I expected.”
“What do you mean? Did you know they were coming?” Isabelle asked in surprise. Jared shrugged casually.
“Well, since the rainy season has started and floods have occurred, it’s only natural for refugees and the sick to appear. They must have come seeking assistance.”
Jared had foreseen this situation. They were likely here to ask for relief aid or rescue personnel. However, Jared had prepared a more powerful bargaining chip in advance for this situation. The Master Potion. At last, the time to demonstrate its true value had come.
“...Could it be?”
“...You too?”
The ambassadors from the Bonus Kingdom and Malus Kingdom, who entered the VIP reception hall of the lord’s estate, exchanged awkward glances. There was only one reason for the kingdoms to send ambassadors to a neighboring territory during the peak of the rainy season.
‘The interior looks rather splendid for an ordinary reception room.’
‘It could easily pass for a palace or a royal chamber.’
Both diplomats admired the luxurious furnishings and golden decorations that filled the interior. Originally, Jared had no plans to decorate the space so extravagantly. But after hearing Valdes's suggestion, he made a bold investment.
“The effect of promotion is not limited to the interior of the territory. By welcoming ambassadors from outside, we can selectively display only the spaces we want to show. Particularly for receptions, it serves as an excellent means to visually showcase the territory’s wealth and power. While I agree that meaningless luxury should be avoided, strategic luxury is essential. One such investment can completely change how neighboring territories and kingdoms perceive us. Ambassadors, after all, love to boast about what they’ve seen and heard firsthand.”
Taking these words to heart, Jared made a decisive investment that brought together a lavish atmosphere and ensured the area remained impeccably clean through the continuous operation of high-grade magic stones inscribed with cleansing magic circles. Such luxury was difficult to achieve in any ordinary kingdom, or perhaps it was a manifestation of confidence.
“Welcome. The territory hasn’t had opportunities to build relations with the two kingdoms until now… but what brings you here?”
Jared opened his arms wide, projecting confidence in his voice. This was a calculated gesture, advised by Valdes. Although the guests were royal emissaries and Jared was merely the lord of a territory, he showed no hesitation in expressing his confidence, demonstrating that he would not be looked down upon in terms of power. In other words, it served as a silent warning that should he be provoked, he could easily walk away from the negotiation.
“I...”
“I’ll go first.”
The two ambassadors hurriedly stepped forward. Jared had already anticipated their visit’s purpose, having earlier dispatched numerous spies to the surrounding kingdoms.
“We have plenty of time. Let’s hear from the ambassador of the Bonus Kingdom first.”
Upon hearing Jared’s choice, the ambassador from the Bonus Kingdom's face brightened.
“With the onset of the rainy season, heavy rains have struck the Optatio River region, leading to flooding. The rainfall this year is more than double that of last year, causing widespread flooding not only along the Optatio River but also throughout the northeastern part of the kingdom.”
“It seems the preparations for the flood weren’t thorough.”
The ambassador's face flushed red; though it wasn't incorrect, he found himself at a loss for words when his sore spot was exposed. However, regaining his composure, he continued with his original purpose.
“As a result, there have been numerous casualties and refugees. We are doing our best to recover, but the real issue is the outbreak of illnesses in the affected areas.”
“Hmm.”
“Three days ago, I received an official letter from the leader of the Arkhenes trading guild, stating that you had developed a potion capable of effectively combating these diseases not long ago!”
‘That fellow Arkhenes has perfectly timed his message!’ They say great minds think alike; even from a distance, Arkhenes had skillfully leaked information about the Master Potion to the two kingdoms. A trusted aide like him was easily worth ten thousand soldiers!
End of Chapter 83.