Twilight Alchemist 28.2

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28.2. All That's Well Ends Well! Isn't It?

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Viscount Orthros Gandarl von Veil Road, the Border Viscount, stood silently with his arms crossed in front of a letter.

A report from his 3rd son lay on the splendid oak desk in front of him.

The documents and letters delivered yesterday through the Adventurers Guild contained an extraordinary history of colonization.

Orthros stood up and walked to the window.

Beyond the luxurious glass panes, there should have been land once deemed impossible to develop.

Feeling indebted for sending Kyle to dangerous lands at the strong request of his sons, Orthros understood that the succession battle mainly involved his eldest son, Flattan, and 2nd son, Zaid.

In reality, making the frail Kyle the heir was impossible for a lord to accept.

Of course, Orthros knew his sons' intentions. 

They probably wanted Kyle, who had garnered the people's favor despite having little authority, to be sent to the ends of the earth, hoping he might die if lucky.

At the very least, if Kyle returned with the failure of colonization, it would have been enough for his sons.

But...

There was a knock at the door.

"Father. May I enter?"

"Aye, come in."

Two people entered the room. One was Flattan, Orthros's eldest son, who resembled Orthros in his youth. 

At 33 years old, he looked like he was in his mid 20s. 

This was because he regularly took the youth potion, Amrita, fueled by his wealth earned from the businesses entrusted to him by Flattan.

The other was Zaid, the sharp-eyed second son, who had a resemblance to the second wife (currently the legal wife). 

At 29 years old, he had an age-appropriate appearance. 

But his character remained childish no matter how old he got.

"Father, you mentioned something urgent?"

"Aye, it's about Kyle."

"Kyle?"

While Flattan raised an eyebrow curiously, contrasting expressions appeared on Zaid's face.

"This."

Orthros handed Flattan a summary paper of the content.

Flattan furrowed his brows as he read it first.

"Is this true?"

"I haven't confirmed it."

"Huh? What's this?"

Taking the paper from Flattan, Zaid scanned it. 

As he read further, his expression contorted with anger.

"W-what is this!? This is beyond a joke!"

Zaid's anger was understandable.

Written there was the expansion of the pioneering village, an increase in residents, an increase in stores, and requests for branches from various guilds.

Even more unbelievable was the mention of dragon extermination, by adventurers and villagers alone! That's ridiculous! Impossible! Unthinkable!

"I find it a bit hard to believe myself."

Both Zaid and Flattan expressed doubt.

"Kyle is serious. He wouldn't joke about something like this."

"But!"

"I understand. It's not something easy to believe."

"Then, should I go to the site...?"

"No, it seems he's planning to come here to report first."

Zaid swallowed his words.

"Is he that confident?"

"Seems so. He sent these along with the letter."

Orthros took out two small bottles.

"And these?"

"They're said to be Cure Potions called Elixir passed down in legends."

"What!?"

Even Flattan couldn't help but exclaim incredulously. It was too sudden and absurd.

"This is ridiculous! It must be a fake!"

Zaid was also furious.

"Do either of you know anything about the Elixir?"

"No, I've only read in stories that it can cure any disease."

"I'm in a similar situation."

"Hmm... Actually, I heard about the Elixir from His Majesty the King in the past."

"The King?"

"Aye, His Majesty mentioned it then. The Elixir is an ointment, and it's delicious when eaten."

"Huh?"

"Eat ointment?"

"And apparently, the medicine sent was an ointment. Even if it's a joke, where did he gain such knowledge?"

""..."

The two sons were speechless. It was a very normal reaction.

"And apparently, Kyle tried the medicine himself."

"Himself?"

"Aye. And as a result, he seems to be healthy now."

"What!?"

"Ridiculous..."

It wasn't unreasonable for them to be shocked. 

Despite exploiting his position as a viscount to the fullest, Orthros had tried various doctors and medicines to no avail. 

If he were to be cured, without Orthros having to say anything more, it seemed the two sons understood.

"Furthermore, there seems to be an offering that he can't mention in the letter."

"If they truly exterminated the dragon, it must be made from its materials. Strangely, he can't mention it."

"Hmph! They're just exaggerating for effect!"

"Anyway, if this report is true, it's a big deal. Kyle's arrival is said to be the day after tomorrow. Keep your schedules open. Take one of these medicines each. Whether to investigate or to use them is up to you."

"Yes."

"Understood."

Flattan and Zaid bowed and left the room.

Orthros stood by the window again.

"What are you planning to bring, Kyle?"

His muttered words, not meant for anyone to hear, melted into the room.

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