76 - I Became a Guy Who Got Caught Up in the Summoning of a Hero

A Place of Exchange The Empress pondered over what response to give to the two nobles before her. After much deliberation, she reached a singular conclusion. "I was aware that alchemical supplies from Inglad were being sent to the battlefield. Our participation was purely out of goodwill, and I recall making no promises to supply them unconditionally. Is that correct?" "We find ourselves deprived of the supplies that were supposed to arrive periodically and consistently. Additionally, it seems particularly inconvenient that, just as we were preparing a major operation, the medicines failed to arrive. This, we think, is a cause for concern." "And for an obligation that isn't ours, are you trying to hold us responsible for the oversight?" The Empress raised her voice slightly. Observing the reaction of the duo, who got the hint about her mood, she continued. "Supporting the hero was an act of goodwill. It was an action for the sake of humanity, and since your country was holding the front lines admirably, we provided aid to prevent the war from reaching our borders. Yet, with a single omission, are you attempting to blame your reckless operation on us?" "What we're suggesting is, wasn't it a deliberate omission..." "Nonsense! Recently, countless gold coins worth of medicine were stolen by an unidentified group. By the time we tried to retrieve it, the culprits had already burned the medicines and fled. Some nobles related to this case were removed, leaving us with more shame than rewards. With that said, do you understand the implications?" The two nobles wore expressions of disbelief. However, falsehoods would soon be exposed. The Empress had certainly spoken the truth, and the nobles could tell that their current circumstances were turning unfavorably. In truth, they were planning to transfer some of the blame for the hero's death to the Terracan Empire, to cover up their own strategic errors due to reckless troop deployment. It was an affair of a distant country, and coincidentally, the medicines they depended on did not arrive. Hence, the hero died due to unavoidable injuries during a reckless operation, which was factual. Transfering a portion of the causes to others was on the verge of failure, leaving the two nobles in turmoil. 'Damn, I came here confidently... If this continues, we might not be assigned a hero.' 'That cursed kingdom's worm, he was so sure he could pass on the responsibility, now faltering with a few words!' The master of Terracan, watching the two sweating dukes, stood up from his seat and declared. "As you wished, our aid was initially offered as goodwill. However, you assumed that goodwill to be a right. Henceforth, we shall cease assistance to both your kingdoms. Hereafter, the Kingdom of Atoon and the Mircas Federation will have to seek aid through proper diplomatic channels and procedures." A voice, low and heavy, resonated. "Y-Your Majesty! Anything but that..." "W-Well, upon further reflection, we also share some fault. This time, let's..." Duke Horeo, about to say more, shut his mouth, overwhelmed by the Empress's gaze. Unbeknownst to the two kingdoms' kings, who were oblivious even in their dreams, were these two foolish dukes at the brink of collapsing a huge pillar. * * * "Mission accomplished, now for a peaceful repose?" After much toil, I managed to complete the production of all the medicines within ten days. Like a traveling salesman offloading goods, we distributed a one-month supply, totaling 15 pills each, among the beastmen of the Forest of the Great Dragon and others under my command who wished to stay prepared. 'There can be a development of resistance to medicine, and its efficacy can vary per individual. Sending a bit more should suffice...' As I bid farewell to the departing beastmen and then reclined on a makeshift stone chair, Demina, who was beside me, posed a casual question. "Are you not going to make more medicine?" "Ah, it just happened that we wrapped up ahead of schedule... In any case, since we've exhausted all the raw materials, we’ll need to go through another gathering phase soon." "You certainly are an extraordinary person. To still look... somewhat okay after using so much mana and magical energy..." "They say the mouth can be skewed, but the words should be straight, huh? Do I really look okay right now?" Looking at my appearance, one might believe I looked like a skeleton. Using magical power can make one look like an impactful side character often called a 'lich' in stories. I sighed at the thought, though I noted the peculiar fact that, despite being tired, I didn’t feel like I was dying, unlike before. Have I adapted, having gotten used to supplying power more naturally? Or perhaps, like a martial arts novel I read before, the area where I used my strength has expanded, allowing me to wield my power freely? Though I couldn't ascertain the accurate reason, I convinced myself that I was progressing. At that moment, Benny, who was beside Demina, handed over some refreshments and sandwiches. "I wonder if you're losing weight because you're not eating enough meat, Lord!" "Benny, in truth, vegetables can actually make you gain more weight. When consumed alongside carbohydrates, they turn into fat and get stored quickly in your body. On the other hand, proteins from meat allow you to absorb just what you need for the day, while the rest gets excreted. It might turn into hair or go to nails, either fingernails or toenails... Wait, have I really been on a vegetarian diet lately?" As I spoke, I realized there might indeed be an issue with my current diet. Possibly, I naturally avoided certain meats when inquired about their sources, particularly refusing if they were from monsters. However, there was no longer any significant reason to avoid such efforts to steer clear of meat. "What kind of meat is in here?" "It's from the 'Black Cow' that’s reared in the northern part of Hamern Territory. The creature isn't a monster but is known for its aggressive nature, making it difficult to hunt. However, it's famed for its delicious flavor and large yield, with both the meat and hide being considered gourmet ingredients, generally too high-class for most commoners to even sniff." "Didn't a large batch come in recently?" A few days ago, Rubins and his older sister, Tain, visited our territory. At that time, with an immense caravan and heaps of meat stacked high, we were able to store it all in the freezer facilities with the timely help of Hare, who had returned to the territory. We had converted several large warehouses into refrigeration and freezing facilities to store perishable materials. Although we exhausted the top-grade magic stones gifted by the princess for this purpose, I still had one warehouse where I could apply a 100-times time acceleration. The feeling of accomplishment was indescribable. "Now, how about we eat this first and then go check how the booze is aging...?" Benny gave me a look as if she couldn't believe my cheeky suggestion. Thanks to Benny's thoughtful preparation including a glass of water, I took a satisfied bite of the sandwich, and oh, the quality of that meat was superb. It had a marvelous flavor and taste comparable to the finest Korean beef from my previous life. Perhaps it was also thanks to Leen's excellent grilling, but the combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and meat created a delightful harmony in my mouth, offering an exquisite taste sensation. "This is so delicious!" With bread crumbs flying as I exclaimed, Benny handed over the water, encouraging me to eat slowly, allowing me to thoroughly enjoy my impromptu snack before heading to the liquor cellar with a full heart. Currently, our territory had 11 liquor aging storage cellars. One was exclusively for my use, and among the other ten, one was dedicated to maturing 'rum.' The rest were specializing in herbal liquors, with each facility aging two types of alcohol. Moreover, with the magic stones Hare brought back, I managed to increase the time acceleration to 30 times, achieving the staggeringly efficient feat of maturing a year’s worth of liquor in just 12 days. ‘I wonder what would happen if we aged it for a few more years this way?’ Honestly, I’d be relieved if the liquor didn’t spoil under such conditions, but I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to release them on the market once we hit about 30 years of aging. Recalling the shocked expressions of the Hameran siblings when they tasted the herbal liquor, it might be worthwhile to release small batches into the market and generate some word-of-mouth buzz. As I entered my private liquor storage, the place detected a human presence, halting the time acceleration. The mist quickly dissipated, leaving a subtle, maturing fragrance that was nothing short of enchanting. "This cellar always has such a lovely aroma, I’m amazed every time. What kind of alcohol are you making?" "It's rum, but with a stronger scent and flavor than what we send to the royal family. It’s been meticulously crafted with an extra selection of ingredients in terms of quality and quantity. Actually, when I offered some rum, this was the one I kept at the back." "Oh... so all those bottles in the cellar now are from that batch?" "Exactly. I'm planning to release a barrel every four days, based on a 17-year aging process, and store them separately. I intend to create and display pretty bottles sorted by type." "Where will they be displayed?" "Naturally, in the banquet hall of the lord’s manor." I envisioned filling the entire banquet hall with this liquor. I also entertained the idea of creating a bottle aged 100 years if possible. What kind of flavor would it have? Though I was incredibly curious, I reckoned that would require several rounds of barrel changes, meaning there was still a long journey ahead. "I wonder when I’ll be able to taste it..." I felt content, yet at the same time, a bit regretful. I didn’t want to waste any partially matured alcohol by trying it prematurely. Since I’d have to change barrels in a few days, I decided to wait for that occasion and left the cellar, noticing both Benny and Demina shared my sense of longing. Opting for a creative solution, I sneaked into another aging cellar, enlisted Demina to carry a barrel of trading rum for merchants, and we discreetly dashed to the manor. Though no one would stop me if I wanted to indulge, it was fun engaging in this sort of mischievous act. Upon entering the manor and heading to the 'bar,' I placed the barrel on the counter and opened it. The sweet aroma of the liquor was intoxicating. The next thing I knew, I had drunken more than my senses would normally permit. In the midst of it all, Demina seemed unaffected by the strength of the spirits, and while I and Benny were nearly at the point of passing out, she kindly led us to the bedroom. It was then I remember things got intensely passionate with Benny. Nonetheless, I faintly remembered thinking, one day with Demina too... as I let the ropes of consciousness slip away, and the following morning, the thought that I might die of a hangover crossed my mind—a sensation I'd not felt in ages. * * * "The situation is urgent," Vincent remarked. A group of maidservants, along with Leen, Ania, and the commoners of the territory, had gathered. "Could my lord's thinning frame be due to a health issue?" "I don't know, but it's clear he's been overworking himself lately." "I heard he's been quite active during late hours too..." Everyone present was aware of the situation, that their lord had a penchant for the opposite sex. Some maidservants even wondered what would happen if they caught his eye themselves. But the current concern was his visibly thinning frame and whether it signaled illness, which had prompted this gathering. "The full moon marks the demon's month in two weeks. Though our lives are in jeopardy, I trust, at least, in the efficacy of the magical suppressant our lord crafted. No, we must trust it, as evacuation orders would be too late now." "But how do you plan to help him gain weight?" "Hmm, I heard we received a large batch of Black Cow livestock recently. I plan to encourage a meat-centric diet, along with cheese and milk." "Will he eat it willingly?" Leen expressed his concern, to which Alena raised her hand and replied. "The lord has a strong aversion to monster meat. As long as it isn't monster meat, there’s a good chance he’ll be receptive, as the steward suggests." Several maidservants cast sulky glances at Alena. It was as if they were saying, ‘You’re partly to blame for his thinning figure,’ making Alena feel embarrassed by their gaze. Despite everything, the conversation continued, and just then, they noticed their lord entering the dining hall looking quite haggard and undernourished. Witnessing this, they resolved to put their brief discussion into action without delay.