A large-scale investment for the subordinates. It would definitely take some time until the results were visible.
The budget that had to be executed in order for the higher-ups to carry out my request would be more than a few pennies, and the number of people that had to be moved would also be more than a few.
Of course, considering my recent surge in popularity, I wouldn't have to wait that long. I thought I would have to wait at least a few weeks.
Things were progressing much faster than I expected.
—Kuung!
"Ugh... Is this the headquarters of the Black Lion Knights? Why, the facilities are so bad for such a prestigious organization."
I looked at the elf, who had placed a large box on my desk and suddenly started evaluating the unit's facilities, with bewildered eyes.
A self-proclaimed master-level alchemist who came all alone and barged into my office without any notice.
No matter where you look, she looks like a peddler, so she would have been banned from entering the guard post right away, but it seems her race has let down its guard.
Elves are rare to begin with, and there are many eccentric people among the long-lived species, so she could be a truly precious visitor, despite her appearance.
"Haam… I'm thirsty. Can you at least bring me some tea?"
"I'm sorry. If I had known you'd come, I would have prepared something in advance."
"Well, it's okay. I just said it. Anyway, nice to meet you, Commander of the Black Lion Knights. My name is Remien. You're more polite and patient than you look. To be honest, I'm a little surprised."
Meanwhile, the elf, who had finished her self-introduction with a yawn, began to scratch her matted hair in front of me.
'How long have you not washed your hair? It's amazing how it doesn't smell.'
If the hair of the elves, who hardly excrete waste from their bodies, is like that, then they must have quite lazy lifestyle habits.
Regardless of my true feelings, I tried my best to be polite on the outside.
"In this harsh world, shouldn't the experience accumulated over hundreds of years be respected? That's what I was taught."
"Hehe, you're really funny. You look like a beast on the outside, but when you listen to what you say, you sound like a gentleman. What a shame... If I were two hundred years younger, I would seriously try to seduce you."
"Haha. Thank you for your kind words."
She blushed and smirked as if she had some kind of evil thought.
Aside from her poor self-management, elves are pretty good-looking, but for me, whose standards for beauty are incredibly high for various reasons, I could only laugh.
Moreover, in my opinion, the elf seemed to be doing that on purpose.
'What is it? Is he acting like a fool?'
It's an old-fashioned way of communication that's been out of style for hundreds of years, but among the long-lived species, there are some who intentionally annoy others when they first meet in order to get to know their opponent's true nature.
Well, that doesn't mean I have to go to the extent of going along with it... The elves are also a race protected by their master.
As old people often do, if you try to please them, there's a chance that you can reap unexpected benefits.
—Gooooo...
Above all, the box that the elf named Remien brought.
The refreshing mana energy slowly seeping out through the cracks in the tightly locked lock looked unusual at first glance. If he brought something like that, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he's a master-level alchemist.
"Hey, you. Are you really human? Your size and your demeanor seem a bit unusual… Are there any other races among your ancestors?"
"Well, I've heard people say I'm not human enough, but I'm definitely an ordinary human."
"Hmm, I don't think so. There must be something… What was it? Ugh, I can't remember it now…"
I decided to get back to the main topic, while casually taking in the small talk from the grizzled elf.
"Well, let's leave that story at that. Meister Remien? The reason you came here today is because of the elixir, right?"
"Yeah, that's right. Normally, I wouldn't have been doing this on my own, but since the case is so big, I guess I should have. And since you're Arien's disciple, I took special care of you."
"Thank you for your kind words. It seems like Meister Remien is close to your master."
"Well, you know, our race is all known within a couple of bridges. I've only heard stories about it, but this is my first time meeting you in person. I think I understand why you're so friendly."
Most elves find their masters quite difficult. Judging from the fact that she calls them "sister" so affectionately, she must have quite a high status within the race.
A master whose skills have been recognized by the royal family and a member of the elven elite. It's rare for someone to have such a splendid background even in the empire.
As expected, you couldn't judge a person by their appearance.
"Then, it seems you brought a prototype this time. It's only been a few days since you requested it from your superiors. The work is progressing very quickly."
"No. Is that all? All the items you requested are inside."
"Huh?"
However, as we talked, a surprising fact was revealed.
It usually takes quite a bit of time to make an elixir. But it's already all ready.
Moreover, considering the number of subordinates, isn't the volume of that box far too small?
"Okay, then let's check the contents first."
"Are you saying that there are elixirs for over 500 people inside?"
"Yeah. I understand what you're thinking, but since it was made using new technology, you don't have to worry about the quality."
—Click!
Swallowing my rising doubts, I received the key from Remien and opened the box.
Inside, there were hundreds of large, individually wrapped candies in small glass bottles.
"Is this an elixir? It's quite different from what I knew."
"I told you. It's made using new technology. Contrary to conventional wisdom, elixirs taken orally are more easily absorbed in the body in solid form than in liquid form due to the physical structure of knights."
While I listened to Remien's explanation, who had begun to talk about his specialized knowledge, I carefully looked at the items that I could not easily believe were elixirs.
Judging from the tingling scent of herbs and the pure energy of mana, it seemed to be a true elixir, but it felt a bit strange because it was a violation of my common sense.
However, since an expert explained it so confidently, the effect must be certain.
"Just chew and swallow it as dessert after a meal! I've added a few extra, so if you really doubt it, try experimenting. I think it will be incomparable to the effectiveness of existing elixirs."
That's how I listened to Meister Remien's detailed explanation of various precautions and the specific effectiveness of the elixir with new technology for a long time.
"Whoa… Then, I'll be going now."
"Yes. Please take a look."
The moment I was about to see off the elf, who had brought me better results than I had expected despite her bad first impression, with a satisfied smile.
Just before leaving, Remien suddenly turned around and stared at me intently.
"If you have time, would you come visit my lab?"
"Yes. If you ever visit the commercial district in the future, I will make time to visit you."
"I'm not just saying this. Please come. I'm sure... it will definitely be of great help to you."
I know that the alchemists are extremely reluctant to receive visitors for any reason.
For some reason, she asked me to visit her first in a rather strong tone, so I said yes for now.
After sending off the unexpected guest, the shaggy-haired elf,
After finishing up the work I had to do, I decided to go to the leader's exclusive training room and focus on personal training until my work was over.
—Hoo-hoo!
"Hmm. The power has definitely increased a lot compared to before, but I can't help but feel a little sluggish in my movements."
It was essential to overhaul my swordsmanship itself so that I could adapt to the completely different fighting style due to the weapon change.
It wasn't easy, but since I already had a rough idea, it wouldn't take long.
............…..
A walk home from work with Agnes as usual.
"You worked hard this week too, Agnes. Then, have a nice weekend."
"Yes, yes..."
However, instead of asking for a kiss or groping my body like usual, she seemed very shy, as if she had been before we became a couple.
Come to think of it, Agnes had been acting a little strange for the past few days.
She would show signs of something happening, such as being overly sensitive to trivial things, or blushing when we made eye contact.
Up until now, I just thought she was going through a period that came to her once a month, so I didn't think much of it, but seeing her like this for quite some time now, I started to get worried.
"Agnes. Is something wrong?"
"No. Nothing, nothing..."
"Nothing. It looks strange to anyone. Is there something you need to hide from me? If you have any worries, tell me anything."
When I tried to comfort Agnes's small body in my arms, worried, she was startled and pushed me away.
"Whoa?! You can't touch me right now!"
"...I'm sorry. You don't seem to be in a good mood."
"I'm sorry. Okay, if I'm not careful, this might spill over... Aaaah...!"
This was a bit shocking. I didn't think she would reject the hug she loved so much so fiercely.
Could it be that Agnes was trying to 'push' me?
I've done it myself up until now, so there was no reason for her to stop me.
However, when it actually happened to me, I felt very resentful, and while deeply reflecting on the things I'd done so far, I was about to get on the carriage alone.
—Snap!
Agnes, who was holding my arm tightly, stopped me with a face full of excitement.
"Master! Tomorrow… Ugh! Tomorrow is fine. Could we meet briefly in the downtown area?"
"Oh. Okay. When would be good?"
"Um, I think it would be better to meet around lunchtime…"
"Yeah. But, you don't seem to be feeling well. Are you sure it's okay?"
"Yes! It's no problem at all. I'll be ready tomorrow. The place is…"
I don't know what kind of preparations you're talking about, but anyway, spending some sweet time with your lover over the weekend was definitely welcome.
'Still, it doesn't seem like you're angry, so that's a relief.'
After making a date with Agnes, I headed back home.
[Uh-huh… Master! Are you free tomorrow evening? It's been a while… How's it going?]
The servant horse Alicia sent greeted me warmly as if it had been waiting for me.
Seeing that, I couldn't help but be lost in thought for a moment.
We had lunch and dinner appointments back to back. It's not like it's something I can't handle if I'm busy.
If I was not careful, there was a risk that I would not be able to satisfy both women.
What should I do?
-----------------
You can read +110 Advance Chapters on my Patreon
p@treon(.)com/NightNovels
TIER 1 you'll get +20 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
TIER 2 you'll get +40 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
TIER 3 you'll get +70 ADVANCE CHAPTERS
TIER 4 you'll get +110 ADVANCE CHAPTERS