Chapter 10

"Eh? You want me to join the party?"

It had been three days since I rescued the group of adventurers from the Lesser Tarask.

Beo had come to visit me while I was modifying the cooking facilities at the "Dancing Duck Inn."

For some reason, he was inviting me to join the party.

"Yeah. What do you think?"

"Can I ask for a reason?"

While engraving the magic circuits to adjust the stove's heat, I asked.

I thought it might be rude to listen to him while working, but since Beo was the one who started talking during my work, I hoped he would understand.

"It's because the magic potions and magic tools you make are not just practical... no, they're powerful."

"Well, I do stand out from the average alchemists."

Now and then.

But it's more noticeable now.

"I appreciate the invitation, but my current goal is to establish a laboratory, so joining a party is a bit... "

"A laboratory?"

"More like an alchemy shop, I guess."

It's a rather strange way to put it, but it makes sense.

I'm sure Beo understands it too.

"Like a store?"

"Pretty much. It's a place where I create necessary magic potions and magic tools, or solve various problems myself."

"Then, why not just be an adventurer?"

"They're similar but different. Well, the results of the work might be the same."

After finishing the adjustments to the "Super Stove System No-Firewood Guy," I stood up.

"I don't really get it, but if you say so, I guess there's no helping it."

"I'm sorry to turn down your invitation. If you need help, just let me know."

"Thanks. Oh, right. I almost forgot... I came for another reason."

I guided Beo to a table in the dining room.

"Another reason?"

"Yeah."

He nodded lightly and took out a small linen bag from his pocket.

It seemed to be a bit heavy, and when he placed it on the table, it made a low, thud sound.

"It's your money."

"I've already been paid for the magic potions I used on your companions, you know?"

Moreover, I charged a bit more (I added travel expenses).

"No, that's not it. It's the reward for slaying the Lesser Tarask."

"But I thought we agreed that since I collected the materials on-site, it would be free?"

"You can't do that. It goes against the code of adventurers."

Still, I helped with the tedious dissection work, and since I didn't officially take the slaying request, we agreed that I wouldn't receive the reward.

"We've already taken our share. We'll count you as a temporary member for this mission."

...Counted? Past tense?

"Go to the guild and apply for a rank promotion when you get the chance."

"Y-Yes... I understand."

It seems I've been promoted without my knowledge.

Well, if adventurer credibility translates to social credibility, it's not a bad thing to have.

"Beowulf! What are you doing here!?"

Fio, who brought the drinks, exclaimed in surprise.

"I have business with him."

"Do you know each other? Fio."

"Not at all. Beowulf is a celebrity! He's practically the best adventurer in this town!"

Fio, who usually seems so reliable, was now glowing with excitement, showing a more youthful side.

...She should act like this more often.

"Is Beowulf a celebrity?"

"Yeah. But, the one everyone's talking about right now is you."

"...Eh? Me? Why?"

After taking a sip of the fruit water Fio gave me, I was a bit surprised.

I didn't think I was the subject of rumors, and Zosimos hadn't reported anything like that to me.

"A new alchemist suddenly appeared, delivered a secret potion to the 'Buckle Defense Team,' cast over ten light sword spells, and decapitated a Tarask with a scythe."

"The rumors are not just running wild; they're sprinting full speed...!"

Beo, who was scratching his head, sighed.

To call something as common as a 'first-aid kit' a secret potion... It really shows how much alchemy has declined.

"But Ken is definitely an amazing alchemist, right?"

"Being called amazing for this level is actually a bit embarrassing. But... I have confidence in the 'Super Stove System No-Firewood Guy,' so I hope you'll look forward to it."

A stove that can adjust heat in twenty stages, from a 'small dragon's breath' to a 'flickering candle,' complete with fire prevention and heat retention features, capable of handling any type of cooking.

It's a dream magic tool that can achieve any level of heat with just one device.

"Maybe we should ask Zosimos to come up with a better name..."

"Such...!"

"Ken, you're so talented, but your naming sense is terrible."

Fio giggled, and Beo joined in.

I felt a bit uncomfortable, but... if they're having fun, that's good.

"Well, whether good or bad, people will start paying attention to you. If you have any problems, let me know."

"I can handle most things on my own."

"Brat, you have no charm!"

Looks aside, I'm older than you inside.

Still, I'll take your advice.

I know from my past life how fast and troublesome rumors can be.

"Anyway, how about opening the shop? You know, Beowulf, too."

"Ah, you're using me as a pretext? Really. But... Beo, how about it? The food here is exquisite."

Beo nodded in agreement with my words.

"The rumored alchemist vouches for it. I'd be honored to join you for a meal."

Fio, beaming with a full smile at Beo's response, called out to her father, who was preparing in the back, and ran to the kitchen.

Thank you for reading!

It's still in the daily rankings today ('ω')!

【Glossary】

- "Super Stove System No-Firewood Guy" ... A kitchen system designed and refined by Vaiken. It's made to be safe for Fio to use, equipped with cooking assist arms. It converts environmental magic power into heat, eliminating the need for firewood and being budget-friendly. It also has a simple artificial fairy that can record and reproduce over 500 recipes.

- Temporary Member ... Usually, quests are taken on by individuals or parties, but this term applies when other adventurers are involved. It refers to mercenaries or helpers, but since adventurer credibility is also added, some adventurers specialize in this role and call themselves spotters.

- No such report ... Of course, it's Zosimos's mischief.

- "Healing Secret Potion" ... A term used by modern people who have never seen the true "Secret Potion of Life" to refer to healing magic potions excavated from ruins.

How was it ('ω')?

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