It's the next day.
When they got back to the capital yesterday, they stopped at Maya's house to have dinner, before they left and went back to the mansion they just bought.
Since the furnitures and all were set up already when they got back from the quest, they decided to already stay and sleep in their new house.
Needless to say, they took the opportunity and had an intense night. Since there wasn't anyone in the mansion other then them, they could finally do it. Due to Maya and Misomi who are always with them for the past weeks, they were only able to do such things to a certain degree without being inconsiderate. At most they did was only during their bathing time.
Anyways, the group are currently at Maya's house first thing in the morning.
"Is that all, Maya-San?" <Shin>
"Yes. There isn't much things to begin with." <Maya>
"Alright, let's go then." <Shin>
Shin led them to the mansion as their new home. Once they reached, Maya and Misomi were shocked at the size of the mansion.
"Waaaaaah! It's huuuuuge! I can't believe I will be living in this house from now on!" <Misomi>
"Indeed... This place is huge. Look at the amount of space the mansion is occupying." <Maya>
It isn't an exaggeration that the mansion is not only huge, but it also has a massive patch of open space around the mansion. The entire property is on a big patch of land, and it all belongs to Shin.
"Alright, let's go in." <Shin>
The gate of the mansion opened with Shin's presence, and they all walked through it. They walked on the stoned path which leads to a roundabout in front of the mansions main door.
Entering the main doors, the first thing you would see is a big stairs leading up to the 2nd floor. Before, there wasn't any decorations or anything put up in the main hall. But now, there are paintings and flowers set up around. And at the top is a huge shiny chandelier.
"There are about 15 rooms on the second floor. You can pick anyone you like. Once you decided, I will take out and put your belongings." <Shin>
"Alright. Come on, Misomi." <Maya>
Both of them got up the stairs and began looking at the rooms. After a while, they returned and told Shin the rooms which they chose.
The rooms they chose was a connecting rooms. Which are two rooms side by side, that has a door inside connecting between them.
"I don't know what to say... This Misomi, decided to pick the room beside mine. Saying that she wants to be with me. At first, she wanted to share a room, but I rejected it. So now I have to make do with this connecting rooms." <Maya>
"Jeez! What's wrong with that? I'm just used to staying close to mother!" <Misomi>
"Ehhh... This child..." <Maya>
Maya made a 'It can't be helped' face towards Misomi's selfishness.
"It's fine, it's fine. If any of you wants to change room, just do it." <Shin>
Shin took out each of their belongings and placed them in their respective rooms. It didn't take long to take out and arrange everything.
Once he was done, he gave extra keys to Maya and Misomi which he made, before leaving to Albert's place.
...
Just like last time, there are awful smell coming from Albert's house, as well as smoke rising from it.
"I hope there isn't going to be an explosion this time." <Iris>
*Knock*Knock*
"Who is it?" <Albert Acsperi>
Albert's voice could be heard coming from the window nearby where the smoke is coming from.
"It's us! We've come to complete the quest!" <Shin>
A few seconds after Shin said that, Albert's head popped out from the window.
"No way! You've done it!?" <Albert Acsperi>
Right after he said that, he got back in and quickly rushed to open the door.
"Come in!" <Albert Acsperi>
They were led to the couch once more and sat.
Shin took out one of the Torden Ore and showed it to Albert. The moment Albert saw it, his face brightened up.
"This really seems to be the Torden Ore I wanted. Thank you." <Albert Acsperi>
"Now then, since I've gotten what you need, that means the quest is completed, right? Please sign the quest paper so that we can show it to the guild as proof of the quest completion." <Shin>
Before Shin took out the quest paper, Albert asked Shin a question.
"Alright. However, what about the reward? Don't you want to know what it is?" <Albert Acsperi>
"Hm? Doesn't really matter. If isn't much, you don't have to give it. I'm fine with having the quest completed." <Shin>
"Wait a moment! The reward is not just nothing! It's a very amazing thing that I've manged to make from my countless experiments!" <Albert Acsperi>
As he said that, he got up and rushed into his room. A moment later, he came back while holding something in his hand.
"This is the result of one of my greatest experiment!" <Albert Acsperi>
He then showed the thing in his hand. It's a rectangular capsule.
"This is a capsule that contains 5 tablets. Each tablet can increase a person's magical output by 10%, when consumed. So whatever magic spells you use, the strength will be 10% stronger! I call it, the power up tablets. Though the duration only last for 2 minutes." <Albert Acsperi>
It was a big declaration by Albert.
"Interesting... That sounds like a very amazing thing to have. Looking at your behaviour, this must be something new. If so, why don't you sell it at the merchant guild? I'm sure this thing would be popular among adventurers. Even the kingdoms army would be looking to have it. You would be rich if you do so, you know?" <Shin>
Hearing Shin says such truthful words, Albert however made a troubled face.
"What you say is true... But, I don't intend to sell them. If I were to sell it, my name would be known, and a lot of people would want to hire me. The worst would be the nobles. From my own views, they would eventually take advantage of me. They would force all kinds of experiments for me to do, and I don't want that. I prefer to do my own experiments anytime I want. That's why I've been purposely making explosions and claiming that my experiments are always failing. So that people would look down on me and won't bother me." <Albert Acsperi>
"Are you okay with telling me this? What if I spread it?" <Shin>
"Hm? Well... You got a point. But, I feel like I can trust you. I mean you did take on my quest which no one bothered to do, and even more willing to do it regardless of the rewards. That alone makes you a reliable guy." <Albert Acsperi>
"Hah! That kind of thinking could end up leading you to your own downfall, you know? But don't worry, I'm not such a guy to do nasty things. Especially when you trust me that much." <Shin>
"Thank you... You're the 2nd person I've ever intimately spoke with. Would it be possible for us be friends...?" <Albert Acsperi>
"Fufu, friends huh? You're the first to ever ask Shin to be his friend in this world ever~ Isn't that great, Shin?" <Shana>
"Shut up..." <Shin>
Shin became slightly flustered at Shana's little tease.
"Ehhhh~ Good for you, Shin-Sama! Hehe~" <Iris>
"Urgh... Not you too, Iris..." <Shin>
Iris also joined in.
Shin took a moment to recover before answering.
"Sure, we can be friends." <Shin>
When Shin agreed, Albert was happy. He never really got close to anyone ever. All he spent his time on was experiments.
"Say, what other experiments are you doing? I'm sure this isn't the only one? I'm keenly interested in you and your experiments. You seemed to be an outstanding alchemist." <Shin>
"Other experiments, huh? Let's see... Some of them are making weapons more durable, or trying to improve daily life. But... There is one experiment I wished I could do again..." <Albert Acsperi>
While speaking of his various experiments he did, he remembered about his past. An experiment that was like a dream for him to be able to do. Thnking about that, he also remembered that person.
There was once someone who he shared a close relationship with. It was another alchemist that Albert had worked with in the past. They both were always together doing and researching for new experiments to do. However, one day that person disappeared and left him.
It was during the time when they were experimenting on the Obnova flower. Since it was the rarest of rare item, they manage to get their hands on only one of them. They both shared the same dream, to experiment on the Obnova flower and develop various medicines and potions from it. Since the Obnova flower is an omnipotent recovery plant, it has numerous property that can be extracted from it.
However, when they were about to achieve something, that person left him. That person took the only remains of the Obnova flower, as well as all the experiment results. Leaving Albert with nothing. He moved to the capital and lived inside this house, where he begans his own new experiments.
"The Obnova flower... I really one to experiment the Obnova flower once more..." <Albert Acsperi>
Hearing Obnova flower, Shin became interested.
"The Obnova flower? That's quite a tall order, isn't it? I mean the plant is an exceptionally rare item to obtain." <Shin>
"I know. But believe it or not, I had my hands on one before. However, something happened and I lost it. That's why, it's my dream to be able to get one again. The amount of medicines and potions I could make from it, it would be of top quality!" <Albert Acsperi>
"I see..." <Shin>
The more Shin heard Albert talk about the Obnova flower, the more he got interested.
Shana & Iris were both staring at Shin. They both knew what their husband is thinking and planning to do. The moment Obnova flower was said, they already knew Shin would be interested. That's why they were both enjoying this conversation.
"This may be slim but, I found a way to be able to get one!" <Albert Acsperi>
"Oh? How?" <Shin>
"Yesterday when you left, I went to the Adventurers guild to enquire about the quest. I just wanted to ask whether the quest was really taken by you, and of course it was proven. As I was leaving the place, I overheard some of the adventurers talking about how an adventurer manage to obtain the Legendary Cursed Sword from the Kiruos Cave. When I heard Kiruos Cave, I got interested. Kiruos Cave is where the Obnova flower is found. Since he got the Legendary Cursed Sword, he should also have had took some of the Obnova flower. That's why I intend to find that person and ask if he has one to give. But of course it's not going to be cheap..." <Albert Acsperi>
The more Albert talked, the more Shin grinned. He was so amused at how the story develop in his favour.
"Do you know his name?" <Shin>
"No... I was afraid to ask them. But since he could obtain the Legendary Cursed Sword, he must be a strong adventurer, an S-Rank most probably. Do you know who it is, Shin? If not I plan to ask the receptionist later." <Albert Acsperi>
"Know him? Haha!" <Shin>
"?" <Albert Acsperi>
Albert was confused at Shin's sudden laughter.
"Fufu~" <Shana>
Iris smiled.
Shana & Iris were also amused by the sudden development.
"You're in luck, friend. Because that person is me." <Shin>
"Huh, what? It's you? Impossible, you're just a C-Rank adventurer!" <Albert Acsperi>
"It's true. Here, look at this if you don't believe it." <Shin>
Shin took out an Obnova flower and gave it to Albert. Albert picked it up and fiddle with it. He then closely examined the plant.
"I don't believe it... This is genuine... You're telling the truth! H-How!? Aren't you a C-Rank adventurer only!? You shouldn't be that strong! T-Then what about the Legendary Cursed Sword? Do you really have it?" <Albert Acsperi>
"It's right here." <Shin>
Shin tapped on the sword on his waist.
"I can't reveal much about it, but the Obnova flower should be enough to prove it." <Shin>
"Indeed... Then I will believe you. But still, to think the Obnova flower is in my hands now... Then Shin, about what I said ear-" <Albert Acsperi>
"Hold on. I know what you're going to ask me. So, let's make a deal." <Shin>
"A deal...?" <Albert Acsperi>
"Yes. The deal is that I give you that Obnova flower, in exchange you will work under me." <Shin>
Albert listens attentively.
"I had planned to make a bussiness. Since you said that the Obnova flower could make various medicines and potions, I want to sell them. I know you said you didn't want to work under anyone, but-" <Shin>
"Sure, I accept!" <Albert Acsperi>
Albert cut in with a loud proclamation.
"I did say that, but now it's different! Since you're willing to trust me with this Obnova flower, and moreover you believe in my abilities as an alchemist, I don't mind agreeing to your deal. If I'm able to get my hands on an Obnova flower, I'm willing to work under you." <Albert Acsperi>
"I'm relieved to hear that, but you don't have to agree right away. You can take your time to think about. For now, I will be leaving that Obnova flower with you to experiment. If you successfully develop something, please tell me." <Shin>
Shin took out a piece of paper and wrote down his address, before giving it to Albert.
"This is where I live. When you come to visit then, you can tell me your answer." <Shin>
"I understand." <Albert Acsperi>
"With that said, how long do you think it would take for you to develop something?" <Shin>
"I was able to write down everything about the experiment I did with the Obnova flower before it all disappeared. Since I have the necessary information, I believe it would roughly take about a week before I develop something." <Albert Acsperi>
"That's quite fast, very good to hear. Now that everything is settled, I guess we will be on our way." <Shin>
Shin and the rest got up and walked to the door. Albert also got up to send them off.
"Really. Thank you so much for giving this opportunity. Not only did you did the quest I put out, but you are also giving me this Obnova flower that I dreamed to experiment on. I'm really grateful." <Albert Acsperi>
"Don't mention it. I'm looking forward to the results." <Shin>
"I won't disappoint you!" <Albert Acsperi>
Shin and the group went off. Albert waved at the departing people with a huge smile on his face.
"Alright! Let's get on with it! Watch out, Marie! You'll pay for abandoning me!" <Albert Acsperi>
Author's Notes:
(I feel like I could write the conversation better, but I can't figure out how to. So I hope it was alright xD anyways I hope the double chapters was satisfying, hahaha. I'll try to do it again in the future, but don't expect much cuz it was too tough for me~)