A Genius Pharmacist Whom the Empress Is Obsessed With

The Precious Person from the Palace.

“It feels cool.”

The chilly spring breeze wrapped around the man’s entire body. On the left chest of the buff coat he was wearing, there was an engraved leaf pattern symbolizing the royal family.

The blonde man’s name was Sven, a knight belonging to the Aurahn Knights.

The Aurahn Knights were a knight order that followed only the orders of Empress Ruedimine and were nicknamed the Empress’s Problem Solvers.

Unlike ordinary knights or mercenaries who only take responsibility for guarding their lord, the knights of Aurahn took care of all tasks for the Empress.

For this reason, the knights of Aurahn were deeply knowledgeable not only in swordsmanship but also in accounting, law, administration, and arts.

“By the way, this city called Stolstead, despite being on the outskirts, is clean and has many buildings and people.”

Sven said as he looked out the window. The view of the city of Stolstead spread out refreshingly beyond the rough wooden window. Like any typical castle city, the tower of the lord of Stolstead was also located on a high ground.

“The city has a good location. The surrounding scenery is beautiful too. It’s strange that the city isn’t getting bigger.”

The man sitting in the chair, sipping tea, responded to Sven’s words. The man, too, was wearing a buff coat, but it had more intricate decorations than the one Sven was wearing.

“Especially the river that flows between Mellow and Stolstead is famous for its beautiful mist.”

“For some reason, you seemed especially eager.”

Instead of answering, the man shrugged his shoulders. Truly mischievous gestures, but the elder felt an indescribable force from him.

Didn’t they say that a true master was like solid stone in every action?

The members who faced Fenyard Chief said they felt an indescribable intimidation. Ten years ago, those who remembered the sight of the great troll warlord being driven out couldn’t even lift their heads in front of this elder.

Sven, too, used to be tense every time he faced Fenyard Chief, but as his disciple, he was slightly more comfortable with the chief than other people.

“By the way, Chief, may I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“If it’s surveillance, why did you personally come down to Mellow?”

The esteemed Pheniad director, whose ears were slightly reddened, was rarely someone who would leave the side of Empress Roudemine.

“In addition, who is this person called Melo that Your Majesty is searching for?”

The Pheniad director placed his teacup down in response to Sven’s question. The face of the always composed director seemed momentarily lonely.

“I suppose you could say it’s Your Majesty’s lingering affection and support. As for why I came to Mellow, would it suffice to say I came for a vacation?”

Throughout his speech, the Pheniad director’s gaze was directed towards empty space.

“I shouldn’t delve any further.”

Sven quickly changed the subject.

“I see. By the way, since the director came personally this time, I guess I have nothing to do. Although Mellow seems like just a rural village.”

When Sven spoke in an exaggerated voice, the Pheniad director responded curtly.

“Why would you have nothing to do? Didn’t you report that Melo seems suspicious? Moreover, Melo has never undergone surveillance until now, so you should be even more cautious. But my face is already well-known, isn’t it? That’s why, in this case of Melo, you should put in the effort.”

“Does Melo appear suspicious to the director?”

Last year, in Mellow, a considerable number of councilors and pharmacists had appeared and then disappeared.

At first, Sven thought they simply couldn’t adapt to the rural setting and left. But the words of one councilor who left Mellow had piqued Sven’s interest.

“That’s not an empire. It’s their own world.”

Sven had scrutinized various documents sent from Mellow and had found numerous mysteries, including taxes.

“Well, even if it looks clean, there must be some polluted water.”

After finishing his statement, the director glanced at the clock, stood up from his seat, and straightened his clothes.

“Oh, already this late. I should go see Lord Stolstand now. What will you do? Will you come with me?”

“I’ll lightly explore the city. Don’t you know, I enjoy doing that.”

Sven appeared as if he were about to lift his glass and drink. Tasting various food and special liquor in the city where surveillance had been conducted was Sven’s only hobby.

“I understand. Eat and drink in moderation so it doesn’t affect our departure tomorrow.”

“Yes, understood!”

Receiving Sven’s farewell, the Pheniad director left the reception room.

*

The next morning. The sun had risen for a while, but Sven couldn’t leave the room.

“Ugh….”

Holding his stomach and groaning, the Pheniad director opened the door and entered.

The Pheniad director stood still and observed Sven’s condition before speaking in a low voice.

“You don’t look well at all. Are you alright?”

“Never mind, it’s fine.”

Even though he tried to act nonchalant, Sven’s white shirt was now damp with sweat.

“Don’t lie. I already know you have an upset stomach. Your breath doesn’t smell like alcohol either, so what did you eat yesterday?”

“W-well…”

Sven couldn’t easily answer. After all, he had eaten way too much the day before.

“I bought some food from the restaurants and street vendors around here, but I’m not sure exactly why I feel this way.”

After finishing his sentence, Sven dropped his head.

“He told me to eat and drink in moderation yesterday…”

Based on the fact that he mentioned it, it was clear that the director was worried about his habit of overeating. However, Sven himself didn’t fully understand the meaning of his words, causing a disruption in his schedule.

So how could he possibly raise his head confidently in front of the director?

“No, no.”

When Sven tried to force himself up, Director Penniard immediately sat him back down.

“If you push yourself in moments like this, it’s likely to worsen. Rest for a bit and come to Meloe when you’re feeling better.”

“…Really?”

“We can’t delay the schedule, so I’ll go to Meloe first.”

“Oh, no. How can I let you go alone, Director?”

Sven tried to stand up again, but once again, he was prevented by Director Penniard.

“Come on, don’t push yourself. Based on your condition, it seems like you should rest inside your room all day… Since it’s come to this, take a good rest and gather as much information as possible about Meloe.”

“…Information? Investigation?”

“Yeah. More like a background check. Since you’ll be considered absent due to illness, gather as much information about Stolstadt and Meloe as you can.”

“…”

“Rather than going straight to Meloe fretting and murmuring, doesn’t this seem much better? Can you handle it?”

“Yes, of course I can!”

Given the situation, he couldn’t possibly say that he couldn’t do it.

“Good. Then it’s settled. Take care of yourself anyway. When you have an upset stomach, it’s best to let it out without eating anything.”

Director Penniard patted Sven’s shoulder a few times.

“And of course, don’t forget about the separate training later.”

“This is bad.”

The training that Director Penniard was talking about was definitely not ordinary training. With a fake smile, Sven looked towards Director Penniard who patted his shoulder.

As the dusk was setting in, Seon was walking down the streets of Stokesstad. He had intended to stay in his room and rest, but his heart was uneasy and he couldn’t bear the discomfort. Instead of lying there idly, he decided to go out and do something, dragging his aching body along the street.

‘I’ve already vomited all morning and afternoon, so there’s nothing more to be vomited.’

With that thought, he had walked out into the night, but tonight the streets were unusually crowded.

“…It wasn’t like this even until yesterday.”

Yesterday there had been a lot of people as well, but today the streets were packed with people. It felt as if he was being carried along by the crowd rather than walking by himself.

‘Could it be that everyone who was outside the walls has gathered here?’

Seon stopped and leaned against the wall, trying to catch his breath. If he continued like this, he would only get exhausted and accomplish nothing, just like before. He didn’t want to waste time doing nothing.

“Hm?”

He was considering whether it would be better to go back to the wall or find a restaurant to wait in, when someone caught his eye.

It was a man walking with his head down, his black hood flipped inside out. His entire body was covered in dirt and dust, as if he had walked a long way. At first glance, he looked like an ordinary beggar, but Seon couldn’t take his eyes off him.

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‘…That man, he seems to have a good figure, doesn’t he?’

The man moved like a fish slipping through the crowd, skillfully weaving through the people. One of his hands was holding a piece of broken pottery.

‘There’s a strange smell.’

Seon started following the man. His mind was starting to race again, but he forced himself to stay calm.

If his keen sense of smell was correct, this man, whoever he was, was definitely not ordinary.