Heaven's Intention Chapter 43-48

Chapter 45 – New Medicines (Start)

The early morning air was exceptionally refreshing, especially after a recent large rainfall. Currently, so long as you opened a room and allowed the cold refreshing air in, it would at once awaken someone up.

Only, what upset people was that the heavy rain also had blowing winds. Although the winds weren't strong, but the winds rolling the rain drops, throwing it into a person's face would hurt just like being scraped with blades.

Flying everywhere was the rains, blending with the winds; it was simply like individual knives.

Therefore, today on the streets of Ricca town, all the pedestrians had hasty expressions. Occasionally, the people coming out to work would use a speed several times higher than normal; once they finished, they would hurriedly return. Who would wish to foolishly be out and about in such a terrifying weather.

That was what Rumont thought has he watched.

Under normal circumstances, under such a nasty weather, even the ferocious magic beasts and bearbug kinds, would also hide and not come out to forage. As for the Adventurers with hunting or killing missions, they naturally wouldn't embarrass themselves of running into the forest do somehow do useless actions.

Only, at the moment there were still a few Adventurers, for unknown reason that were still proceeding outside of the town. These Adventurers had wrapped their bodies up tightly, quickly going about on the roads lightning fast.

Focusing on Briar Forest, Rumont always thought it was strange———that place, what did it contain? The way it attracted people, did it still have a secret that he hadn't yet realized?

Certainly, a majority of Adventurers still remained at the town. They had congregated at Mort's Inn to drink liquor today, enjoying it to the utmost.

Mort's Inn was destined to be unusually boisterous today.

Even Rumont also broke his precedent of not entering the forest to practice his martial skills. Instead, he hid within his room, lost in thoughts with his jaw propped up.

At this moment, in front of him was a small accounting book that was currently opened up on top of an old wooden table. Written on it was several small sparse lines of words, which constantly reminded him that his current business with the drugstore, was facing depression.

This was the record of the earnings in the recent days of the drugstore. What made Rumont depressed was that it was clear that the number of injured Adventurers wasn't low, but the medicines his store sold recently were still unexpectedly low.

Listening to Nick's opinion, the reason wholly originated from the opposing drugstore.

Recently, after the opposite drugstore's operation of low profits, they had surprisingly again lowered the medicinal prices by no small amount, so much that it was still cheaper than a lot of the distinguished medicines Rumont sold by roughly a tenth.

A tenth, this wasn't only a figure. A bottle containing the medication with the results of a Mending, its pricing was about 10 silver coins with an efficacy of a month.

Reducing it by 10 percent, was 9 silver coins. Don't belittle this 1 silver coin. It represented the change in the Adventurer's hearts, after all, who would hate money? Going out for Adventures, they would frequently use medicines, accumulatively, it wouldn't be a small expenditure!

What's more, 1 silver coin was enough to enough to live at Mort's Inn for a day. Therefore, apart from a lonely few Adventurers, the other people all successively went to the opposing drugstore to buy things.

"Want to fight a battle of pricing with me huh?" Although this kind of thing would frequently happen at businesses back on Earth, Rumont's current face wasn't too good to look at.

The significance of the store was of no small matter to Rumont. It was the first store he opened, bearing the weights of his hopes and dreams.

He really intended to keep the drugstore running. Thus, even if others wanted to ruin his drugstore, he would still need to quickly think of a new solution. Thinking of a possible way of reversing the present disadvantage.

However, how would it be so easy.

Ignoring the fact that he was only a Rank 2 Druid, there existed a tremendous disparity of power compared to the Rank 5 Druid Jeff. As the Ranks of a Druid got higher, they would be able to grasp onto even more spells and skills, not to mention was that his recipes of medicines, as well as recognition of medicinal characteristics were also much better.

Jeff could easily utilize his capabilities with an even higher efficiency rate. The medicines he synthesized, the cost would be less than Rumont by roughly a tenth. Furthermore, the success rate of the medicines synthesized by Rumont were also unconditionally inferior to when the Rank 5 Jeff synthesized medications.

Even if it was Jeff's female apprentice, it would be accepted that under Jeff's guidance, their extent of skillful compounding medicines wouldn't necessarily be too different from Rumont; it may even be possible to be even higher by a touch.

Moreover, the other was purely in it for the hands-on practicing of and familiarizing of medical characteristics. As for him, he still needed to worry about the business situation of the drugstore. What's more was that he needed to temper his martial skills in addition to studying at the Shrine's library.

The even more frightening thing was that as a Rank 5 Druid, they had already established a greenhouse and laboratory; the production costs were advantageously low.

With these contrasting elements, the good and bad differences were immediately seen. If Rumont didn't possess the Shennong Horn spatial region, just from the manufacturing of raw materials side of things, excluding the basic expenditure costs, there wouldn't even be a competitive pricing.

Although the production costs were quite low, yet if they couldn't sell anything, they would also not have a profit!

"In the end, how should I think of a solution to reverse the disadvantages?" Rumont opened his eyes, carefully thinking back on all the things he'd seen and heard in the previous world.

How to carry out such a scheme, this was absolutely the biggest problem. The pricing war couldn't be continued in such a fashion, it couldn't be fought like this; then how should it be fought?

Recalling back all the things he once saw in the previous world, Rumont then opened his eyes, and decided on an idea.

It was still necessary to reduce the manufacturing costs!

However, it was necessary to succeed in finding a type of feasible method to reduce the manufacturing costs of the synthesized medicines. To use even less materials, to create even more medical compounds with an even better efficacy. Once this was achieved, not only would it win over the customers, it would also avoid the opponent's competition strength; losing out in one's own capabilities.

"Let's do it like this!" Although he currently still hadn't worked out the specifics, no longer being ignorant of a goal, a person's psychological condition would naturally improve by a lot.

At this time, Rumont started to feel his hunger. Having no choice but to pat his stomach, he then conveniently took a pastry and placed it into his mouth.

It was delicious when it entered his mouth, there was really nothing to say about Madame Mort's culinary skills. This was brought back by Nick and them when they went to buy it earlier on; currently eating it, it was still warm.

It was in Rumont's belly in just 2 or 3 bites, lifting his mood at once.

Suddenly, a clamouring burst of noise attracted his attention.

"It's clear that the medicines sold here are bad! And to think it was created by a Druid! As I see it, it's also a scammer!" a person was currently at the entrance of Rumont's drugstore, shouting loudly.

His loud voice immediately attracted numerous amounts of observers.

"What's this about?"

"What's happen?"

"I don't know either, I've only just arrived!"

Gossiping was definitely an inborn trait amongst humanity. With the current cold weather, there were obstinate observers braving the dagger like winds and coming over.

Seeing that there were people watching, the young man was even more full of energy. He casually threw a bag of medicines onto the drugstore counter top, before loudly saying: "tell me what you're going to do! My brothers ate your medicines yesterday and not only were they not cured, instead they worsened! Your so-called life-saving medicines are clearly poisons!"

Saying this, he pointed to his side where there was certainly an extremely wrapped up person. Seeing that he had pointed at himself, he even gave a few coughs, proving that he was really worsening.

The townsfolk was immediately in an uproar.

"Nonsense!" Nick stood at the entrance. Facing the denouncer and the not understanding crowd, his own complexion was a touch red: "the medicines at my store have all gone through meticulous processings, it hasn't affected the others, why is it only your brother that has a problem?"

Thinking it over, he was currently thinking as if he was already the owner and needing to please the masses first. He quelled his anger before saying: "how about this, I'll invite your brother to come in and let Rumont examine him first, allowing everyone present to be eye witnesses. If in the final examination, if it's really because of the medicines at my store that lead to his worsening, then, the store is willing to compensate everything. However, if it's not……"

"This……" the person immediately hesitated. Originally thinking he was bullying a youth, he never expected such a surprising demand. He and the other, were both hired with money to intentionally stir up trouble, how would there really be an illness.

As a result, he casted his gaze over to the crowd. A person amongst the crowd gave him a signal with their eye. He at once understood tacitly, and laughed loudly.

"The one that's lacking here is me, if I entered your store wouldn't I be dancing along to your tune? Rumont's basically the owner of this store, how do you expect me to believe you? Everyone!" He turned his body around, and yelled loudly to the crowd: "this store scams people! Everything sold is fake, don't be misled!"

When the people heard these words, they began to discuss. Just when Nick hadn't said anything, a middle-aged man suddenly came through amidst the crowd.

"What is this about?" Rank 5 Druid Jeff watched the farce with a water deep gaze and coldly asked.

"Sir, it's like this……" once the youth saw Jeff, he immediately slowed down midway. Jeff was different to Rumont, Rumont was only a Rank 2 Druid. Furthermore, he didn't even have a backing, as for Jeff, he was already a Rank 5 Druid.

No matter which profession that reached Rank 5, they would be able to obtain a considerable amount of advantages. This was a world decided by power.

The words that were just spoken, was told again to Jeff. Going against the youth's expectation, he thought that the Druid would stand on his own side and face against Rumont, unexpectedly, he looked sharply towards the "invalid" instead.

"He simply isn't sick at all." only with a glance and Jeff had made a decision.

It was different to the doctors on Earth. Druids had a superhuman power of interacting with a living object's vital energy. Only a short interval of a response would be sufficient enough to determine whether the person was sick.

Without doubt, the intensity of the determining ability had a direct relationship with the comparative level of a Druid's Rank.

Since the Rank 5 Druid Jeff had already spoken, then in that case, those people were sure to be free of sickness. Moreover was that among everyone's eyes now, Jeff and Rumont were mutually hostile in relation; naturally there wouldn't be words of absolving without cause.

Therefore, the final result was naturally the dingy people walking away.

"Master Jeff, many thanks for you help." at this time, Rumont who also understood the situation came from the backyard and sincerely thanked Jeff.

Jeff lightly voiced a hmph while promptly without even responding, departed with an indifferent face.

"That man, really……" shaking his head, Rumont couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

And during the moment when he wanted to turn around and enter the store, a figure in a not too far off distant made him wrinkle his brows.

"So it was him……" the Tax Officer was mixed amongst the crowd, walking off into the distance.

Him appearing at this moment made Rumont ponder deeply: "Barcas, it looks like I really can't leave you alone eh. I need to resolve this quickly. Otherwise, always causing a disturbance would be really bothersome……"

If it was said that the past solution needed, wasn't to necessarily annihilate them physically, then currently, Rumont's intentions had already reached such a point.

A spark of gloomy fire was birthed in the centre of the eye and immediately concentrated; a grim smile emerged.

I'll let you live a few more days.

–

Chapter 46 – New Medicines (End)

Encroaching the morning period, all living things were silent.

At this time, Rumont did not have the slightest amount of sleepiness. He first looped around the inside of his store at the front, carefully inspecting it all over. Until he was certain that all the windows were shut well, did he then feel relaxed to return to his room, before reclining on his bed.

Even though he was determined to kill off Barcas, Rumont still yet understood a certain point. If he himself did not have a sufficient amount of strength, no matter how flawlessly it was performed, he would still be arrested without a chance of explaining, imprisoned, and then executed.

With a desire to commit a sin, how would there be no difficulties1, only when the disparity in strength was too tremendous, would even evidence be insignificant. It was just similar to how humanity carelessly stamped out weeds and cockroaches alike. The Lord only needed to suspect him, would it really be necessary to have evidence to have him killed?

There was basically no need to consider too much, solely relying on his fancy was enough to sentence Rumont to life. Especially when there was an understandable justification, if it ever reached that point, wishing to not die, there would only be the option of fleeing.

Only, solely on Baron's subordinates, the Captain was a Rank 6 Warrior; there was also the matter of a large quantity of soldiers. It would similarly anger the varying Ranks of brother and sister nobles of related branches, who would even possess their own large amount of powers. Jumping out at this time, even if he did have 100 Shennong Horn spatial regions, there would be nothing but a road of death———escape? Where would you escape to? How would you be able to avoid the aristocrats and guilds seeking your death?

Thus, acting out at present would be impossibly stupid. At the very least, he needed to stabilize a bit before acting. The best method was still by the means of the drugstore business, increasing the influence towards Adventurers, as well as raising his Rank.

All the values were relative. Once himself was again more powerful, the after effects of killing Barcas wouldn't be large.

Without the guidance of a Druid, he could only rely on the spatial region to ascend in Ranks. Recently, due to the always bustling affairs of the drugstore, it had already been a long time since Rumont had managed the spatial region. A sufficiently long period of time had already passed since the last time he had entered the spatial region.

This time, desiring to think of a method to resolve the two problems, he prepared to examine the situation of the spatial region. Thus, taking advantage of his current free time, he took his mind and placed it into the Shennong spatial region.

At this stage, the spatial region's area, after a single upgrade, had already reached roughly 5 mu, with 30 fruit trees. It was obvious it had spread a bit farer in that period of time.

Even though the spatial region had upgraded last time, the spatial region was not at all expanded. But, having a 10% increase was already extremely good. The most crucial was that it could now accommodate larger living things.

In the past, it could only accommodate honeybees. At present, it could accommodate small rabbits. For the purpose of experimenting, he had caught a rabbit and placed it inside. It was currently living quite well off inside. Furthermore, it was able to pay attention to not eat the "herbs", only eating the appointed plants.

In addition, within this world, it was already no longer a problem of new types of plants. Last time it promoted, it could hold 10 new types of plants, not allowing any excess. Currently, if he wanted more it needed to come from planting, to accumulate a sufficient amount of power to upgrade the spatial region.

However, the spatial region's originally relatively perfect environment, where passing days there would fundamentally produce pretty good plants. Currently though, it was even more influential, it would even emit a green hue.

The past few times when he entered the spatial region, he had already entirely planted the seedlings originally from Earth. Currently, if you looked, there were sectioned rows of separated green sprouts; currently bending about carefree.

The light globe was still the same, hanging high above. Although in early spring it wasn't as bright as it was in summer time, it still yet as before fulfilled its task, shedding its light on everything and warming all living things. The spatial region's climate basically remained at a constant warmth.

A gust blew over, blowing a crease into the stream. A few honeybees were bustling, flying about above the water surface. Butterflies were fanning their beautiful wings, their delicate bodies were similarly dancing about amongst the flowering plants. Their bodies along with the fat bodies of the honeybees, were juxtaposed nicely. These were prepared for the purpose of pollination, during those days back on Earth.

Amidst the trees, the grassy grounds were luxuriant. The air in the spatial region was suffused with the breath of life.

However, there was also an area insufficient amidst the beauty. Which was that, along with the expansion of the spatial region, the water wasn't enough. This problem should have already been discovered amidst the few previous times of entering. Only, it wasn't obvious in the past, which was why it wasn't dealt with.

Presently, he naturally had more experience. Once he had discovered the deficiency of water within the spatial region, Rumont jumped off the bed and seeing that there was nobody around, he went for a walk on the streets.

Snowflakes drifted about. In a careless fashion, a few faded away from Rumont's surroundings. The inside of the spatial region straightaway snowed. Only, the snow that had entered into the warm spatial region, promptly changed into fine rain, bringing a chilliness.

Circling the inner town, running a lap amidst the snow, the originally shallow streamlet within the spatial region promptly filled to about 80% capacity. The trees and vegetations were also watered under the rain; quite quickly being nourished.

At this point, Rumont halted the absorption. Although he was still amidst the snow, the rain within the spatial region also came to a halt. Only at this moment, waiting until after the chilliness from the rain disappeared, did the spatial region once again recover to the spring and summer time like climate.

Looking at it from within the spatial region, the Shennong Horn at this moment could be said to once again bloom with energy.

Rumont once again submerged his mind into the spatial region, enjoying the refreshing air within the region, running all about with the feelings of warm spring time. A weird phenomenon all of a sudden had attracted his attention.

The rabbit, during the time of wanting to avoid the rain could have possibly collided into a tree, making it sustain a small injury; it was currently stumbling towards a row of plants. Although he knew early on that the plants had a self-treating ability, the row of plants it was currently crawling to, really wasn't a plant used for treatment.

Rumont did not understand as he looked on the side.

He then watched as the rabbit crawled in front of a plant bush that looked utterly normal and bit into a foliage. Afterwards, it proceeded to crawl to another type of plant by its side.

Again taking another bite, eating two types of plants at once.

As Rumont was amazed at the occurring situation, he then saw that the rabbit that was dispirited and listless just then, after having a small rest for a short moment, had then unexpectedly leapt and frisked about2.

"This……" Rumont was stupefied as he watched. Afterwards, when the rabbit had leapt away, a few steps were taken and he arrived in front of the two types of plants.

The foliage that was first bitten by the rabbit was a type of plant from this world, it was analogous to grass back on Earth, which was practically everywhere. When Rumont first took it to plant in here, it was because it had a tenacious vitality. In accordance with the general knowledge of this world, this type of plant was completely useless. Apart from being able to give this world an increase in small amounts of greenery, it did not possess any treatment efficacy, therefore, it was always ignored by everyone.

Equivalently, the other adjacent type of plant, was also an extremely common plant. Only, it was a type of plant that belonged to Earth; which was the white-edged morning glory.3

These two ordinary types of plants from different worlds, without the slightest of medical treating efficacy plants, would unexpectedly produce a miracle when it was combined together?

Rumont was more than amazed and was at once jubilant. After all, what he currently needed most was a method to reduce the production costs, if……if he was able to use these two types of plants to compound a medicine, in that case, the production cost could be lowered greatly!

Thinking to this point, he took his mind out of the spatial region, while at the same time, the two completely different plants appeared within his palms.

It was upon such a quiet hour, that Rumont began to research the two types of plants.

Only, in the wake of his constant observations and research, so much that he even blended the two types of plants to examine, the end results lead him to be greatly disappointed.

"Not even a shred of medical efficacy, how is that possible? Did I see it wrong just then?" Rumont's expression fluctuated as he looked at the plants in his hands. Afterwards, he once again closed his eyes and taking his mind, entered the the spatial region once again.

This time, he directly went to look for the little rabbit just then.

Even though finding it would waste a bit of time, as the owner of the spatial region, he only needed to therefore beckon it, and the little rabbit would bounce itself over.

Gazing at the little rabbit in front of him, Rumont then picked it up, carefully examining it.

"I understand now." he laughed with a hehe, before fetching a few plants and again exiting out of the spatial region.

"Rumont's tinkering again." Nick reclined into the back of his chair, talking out loud.

"What's Rumont doing?" Rolak curiously inquired. He was the blacksmith's son. The store needed assistances and had invited him over, his salary was 5 silver coins a month.

Nick shook his head. "Who knows, he's probably tinkering with a new medicine recipe, only, I haven't seen him use any material. I don't even know what he's doing. Right, how many customers came today?"

Viewing the absolutely empty store, Nick asked weakly without strength.

Rolak said gloomily: "only 3 people, they bought a few medicines to reduce fever and left."

"These people really, they really left once they saw the benefits." looking outside, towards the opposing large bustling drugstore, Nick couldn't help but speak indignantly.

"But the opposing drugstore really is selling it extremely cheaply though, the medical efficacy is also good, it's not surprising they would all go over there." Rolak shook his head.

Even though he had obtained Rumont's assistance in coming to work at this drugstore, that the work was much more relaxed compared to previously, within Rolak's mind, he still constantly felt repressed.

The reason was simple, the Rumont that used to have the same plight as him in the past, was now not only a Rank 2 Druid, but also his boss. This kind of disparity made him feel like he was suffering humiliation.

Man was this kind of strange animal, they couldn't stand others being better than themselves. Let alone getting along with someone that was previously as inferior as themselves.

Despite that, along with paying him his wages, Rumont still let him read the books within the store free of charge. Yet as Rolak still saw, these charitable actions of his caused him to feel even more shameful about it.

And it was also on account of this, that even though he needed this job, he still nevertheless felt distant towards Rumont inside, as well as to the drugstore.

"If I could learn that book soon, it'll be great then!" thinking to this point, Rolak shook his head and turned his body around to clean the countertop.

Nick continued on gloomily with his blank stare at the entrance.

"Haha! So it's really like this!" meanwhile, within the room at the backyard, Rumont was currently observing a bottle of green liquid, being incessantly joyful.

"So combining the plants from Earth and the plants from another world, would actually create such a bizarre result! Haha!" When Rumont again entered into the spatial region, he then discovered the truth about the rabbit's miracle.

As it turns out, it wasn't because the rabbit had ate and combined 2 types of plants that its injury was healed. Instead, it was because it had eaten herbs with treatment uses beforehand, and with the activities afterwards, it all resulted in an even better effect of the former.

Understanding the reason, Rumont's mood was extremely good. What he had always constantly worried about was the production costs of his medicines being higher than Jeff's store; the medical efficacies were also not as good as the medicines compounded by Jeff.

If his conjecture really came true, in that case, it was necessary to blend the plants from this world and Earth together, to create a sort of catalyzing agent for magic. In that way, all the medicines that he would synthesize, would under the same circumstances, greatly enhance its efficacy. This was also tantamount to a reduction in production costs in a disguised form.

Or perhaps, if it maintained its former efficacy, it would be possible to reduce the raw materials by a fifth. Although the direct results were no longer the same as he initially wished, but with its current end result, it was already more than satisfactory for him.

And so, passing through experimentations, what Rumont discovered even more amazingly, was that with the blending of each type of plant from Earth and another world, was that it would produce different results. These results just so happen to have correspondences with the different therapeutic compounds.

However, on the basis of the currently huge demands of the Adventurers, did Rumont then decide to first create a spell catalyst that could greatly maximise the healing efficacy of vulneraries.

Once the catalyst was created, more experimentation was carried forth. The results were relatively satisfactory for Rumont.

What was needed during the process of creating the therapeutic compound, was to add a drop of the catalysis, and it would then be able increase the medical efficacy by about a fifth, of course, adding even more was of no use.

A fifth of the medical efficacy, it was an extremely large once off increase. After all, it was within one bottle, that it was baselessly increased by a fifth in efficacy; it wasn't the same as the quantity.

Taking an even more qualitative medicine, and taking more quantitative medicines, it was evidently different. After all, there was the question of the price, side effects, and tolerance to it. Otherwise, there would be no difference between brand name medications and common medications.

Even if it was the Rank 5 Jeff that had personally compounded the medicines, it would merely be stronger by a touch. After all, therapeutic compounds only needed to be matching. What the opponent excelled over him was in the area regarding stronger financial resources and having more experiences.

Rumont determined at onc, to make a strengthened version of medicines to advertise to the customers. Raising the small bottle filled with the green liquid, Rumont's face finally showed a relaxed smile.

"I'll have to depend on you this time." Rumont softly said.

In the previous two attempts, his confrontations behind the scenes with Jeff were at a disadvantage. As for this time, he definitely needed to win it this time. The business of the drugstore didn't merely concern profits, it further affected the influence amongst the community of Adventurers. As it was, to the currently exceeding puny him, the difference of having it was like being on the precipice of life and death.

————

Today I need to specifically explain, to resolve why it's like this……I originally wanted to minimise the content of laws, the specific contents, to allow the readers to know through substance, but old habits die hard. But it looks like, a lot was still explained, this will be the only exception, ah tragically.

A shout for upvotes, recommend please!

–

1. [欲加之罪，何患無詞]↩

3. [牽牛花]↩

Chapter 47 – Branding (Start)

In a flash, it was almost the second month. Today, the sun was shining gloriously high up.

The long persisting cold weather had finally left the small town of Ricca. The sun in the sky, once again displayed its brilliant force, warmly shining over the lands.

The once formerly snow buried regions at this time, had already become the rivers of heavens.

The snow on the earthen lands had also changed.

People also thawed in a way, beginning to emerge out of their houses. Calling people and greeting friends, or hard at work.

The Adventurers also began to as squads, advance into the forest of monsters. The few days halted Ricca town, had once again became bustling. And at this time, a few people with good eyes had discovered that at the store entrance of Rumont's drugstore, there was a public announcement that was surprisingly erected there.

Upon the public announcement, there was a few eye-grabbing lines of words. Those that could read shook their heads at it and also walked towards Rumont's store.

Those few that couldn't read, inquired the others that knew. It turns out, it was an announcement of a new type of medicine launched by Rumont's drugstore.

In accordance to what the announcement had written, the price of this type of new medicine was equivalent to the past Mending vulnerary, but its efficacy was increased even higher.

Despite a lot of townsfolk having read the sign, they only shook their heads after reading, and departed with a face of indifference.

However, when the Adventurers read it, it generated a strong amount of interest towards the new type of new medicine in the large majority. Under the current type of cold weather situation, quite a lot of the therapeutic medicines and methods would usually be at a comparatively greater discount.

Therefore, a type of low pricing as well as still of outstanding efficacy medicine would as the Adventurers saw it, be really and genuinely be important.

As a result, after Rumont had gotten others to place the announcement post out, not ever 10 minutes had passed, when the Adventurers had inquisitively entered the store to ask.

But because Rumont was not currently a high Ranking Druid, therefore there were many that had asked, with scarcely a few buying. Rumont also didn't bother with nonsense and just gave out the 20 bottles of medicines. Allowing a currently hesitating Adventurer to take it, saying they could use it free of charge.

"This bottle is free of charge?" the Adventurer inquisitively looked at the small bottle in his hand and asked.

Rumont responded with a faint smile: "of course."

Immediately, the Adventurers didn't hesitate, hehe laughingly stashing away the bottle of medicine in his clothes. Even though they still didn't know of the therapeutic efficacy of the medicines, but items that were free, who wouldn't enjoy it?

There having a first to take it, there was definitely a second. Those Adventurers that were originally planning on having a look, also in succession came over to take the free medicines.

Quite quickly, the Adventurers that were originally intending to go to the opposing Jeff's drugstore, had also been attracted over.

"Master, look at them!" a young maiden dressed in gorgeously warm clothes stamped her foot, pouting playfully inside of Jeff's drugstore, with quite a corresponding manner of indignance.

Sitting opposite of her, was Druid Jeff that had came over today to inspect the situation of the store. Seeing his beloved apprentice in such a indignantly distressed manner, he also couldn't but help it.

"It's only a temporary novelty, let it be, it's nothing." He faintly laughed and placated.

"But……" the young maiden pouted her lips, unwilling. "I was compounding medicines up to how late yesterday, and unexpectedly there's nobody to buy them today, it's too annoying!"

Seeing his beloved apprentice's angry manner, Jeff could only again helplessly shake his head, while at the same time sight his version towards the other store.

"An increased efficacy strengthen medicine?" he again shook his head, Jeff had a disapproving laugh.

The basis of synthesizing medicines was one of many sections within the system that a Druid learnt about. Every single Druid would go through studies to be able to start synthesizing medicines. Merely, the higher the Rank a Druid was, the influence he had during synthesizing medicines would also be higher, the necessary production costs would also lessen; the final therapeutic efficacy would also become greater.

Furthermore, after all was said and done, medicines were merely a model for a Druid to become more adept at grasping the natural characteristics of plants. Being able to make a medical prescription, or perhaps making a living out of it when their Rank was low, wasn't the main duty.

A real Druid was one that protected Nature as their professional responsibility. Any Druid would not willingly, in the long-term, compound medicines as their occupation———although it was like this, the innumerable succession of Druids over countless of years, were already deeply entrenched in the studies regarding a plant's therapeutic characteristics, as well as prescriptions; which was sufficient enough for them to go apply and perfect.

Therefore, in regards to Rumont's actions, Jeff's first feeling was disdain. The second feeling was of preposterousness. Originally, he still felt that Rumont, under the circumstances of having no guidance, being able to be truly self-reliant and rapidly progress to a Rank 2 Druid like that, was indeed a touch of being heavenly gifted.

However, after this event, his original feelings of Rumont who was only concerned with profits, the inner image of him changed to one with being self-conceited.

Putting off the fact for later on whether a Druid would invest his energy into developing new medicines. Even if there really were people that were interested in such a field of research, it would still required an advanced mid Ranking Druid to prescribe out a new medicine.

Rumont, a trivial Rank 2 Druid was presumptuous in wanting to develop a new medicine. Even if he did undergo a bit of improvement, it was still a joke in front of his many seniors!

No, it was simply overestimating his own capabilities. As one that had once formerly guided Rumont, Jeff understood deeply that even though Rumont's power had already reached the standard of Rank 2, he was yet lacking in guidance of the more profound. As a matter of fact, Rumont, in regards to the knowledge relating to a Druid, was utterly lacking.

As far as being familiar with medicines, it would still be limited to the simple compounding of medicines.

Even if it was his current beloved apprentice Willow, even though she only had a standard of a Rank 1 Druid, yet in regards to knowledge on compounding medicines, she would still be better than Rumont by a fair bit.

This was also the leading cause for the changing disparity in Rumont's store's business———lacking in knowledge, lacking in power.

This but a half-baked Druid surprisingly wanted to create a new medicine, with an efficacy exceeding that of his predecessors, how would it not cause Jeff to think it ridiculous.

And meanwhile, in some room within the Shrine, a young Priest was also repeating what Jeff just said.

"An increased efficacy strengthen medicine?" in a similar disdaining manner, only, it also a contained a thread of malice in the speech. He incinerated a secret letter without much trouble. Afterwards, he laughed grimly.

Naturally, it was a malice filled grim laugh, that one would let out when they saw a type of idiocy.

The reason was quite simple, acting as someone that had once watched Rumont, successfully become a Rank 2 Druid from an apprentice, he also didn't believe that Rumont was able to develop a somehow newly strengthened version of a medicine.

"So long as the efficacy of his medicine isn't as good as what he said, then, there would be good theatrics afterwards." the young Priest sneered, grabbing a pencil to write a letter.

Wrapping the letter around the leg of a carrier pigeon, he then watched as it spread its wings and took off. The smile on his face was even more prominent.

"Barcas, I'll have to see how capable you are as a Tax Officer." After a few minutes, at another end of the small town, the carrier pigeon dropped down on the Tax Officer's home window.

Taking the letter from the carrier pigeon's leg, the Tax Officer read it with a glance and exposed an understanding smile.

"Take the opportunity to give Rumont a criminal charge? Good idea!" destroying the letter in a similar way, the Tax Officer talked out loud to himself.

"Crime of derising everyone? This kind of criminal charge is really fitting for Rumont!" clasping his hands together behind his back, he looked to the skies. His face exposed a sneer similar in appearance to the Priest's.

As for the small town, apart from a few Adventurers taking a few free of charge medicines back, in regards to Rumont's drugstore launching a new medicine, a large majority of the townsfolk all maintained a spectator-type approach.

After all, the popular group mentality was that the current Rumont was merely a Rank 2 Druid, there was no way of comparing him to the Rank 5 Druid Jeff.

As for the things that the Rank 5 Druid Jeff couldn't achieve, would Rumont really be able to do it? Moreover, as far as those injury treating medicines were concerned, it really wasn't very useful.

"Rumont, there's still nobody coming, ah say, uh is it because our medicines aren't effective."

It was already the mid month, the weather gradually turned warmer. Right at the end of last month, Rumont's store had launched a new type of medicine. Practically nobody was buying it. Only the initially prepared 20 bottles was given out free of charge.

Furthermore, the people that asked for it were basically the few Adventurers. Still, ever since those people took away the medicines, it again lacked any sort of interest.

Rumont's drugstore was still as before, wide open for business, pitifully without people. However, this type of scenario was long expected by Rumont.

Because the first month was the season with the least amount of monster sightings, therefore, even though there would be a few Adventurers heading towards the forest, the chances of meeting monsters would be few and far-between.

Without anyone receiving injuries, there would naturally be nobody that would use his medicines. Therefore currently, not having the slightest of reactions was normal. However, just because he thought this way, didn't represent the others in also thinking in this way.

Although there was quite the amount of confidence in Rumont's new medicine at the beginning, yet as the following days passed by, as the store manager, Nick was starting to lose confidence. That's why, taking advantage of the lack of people, he quietly asked the above mentioned.

Rumont laughed happily at him. "What's the matter, you're worried about the medicines that I compounded?"

"It's not that, only……" Nick scratched his head, feeling a touch embarrassed. "It's already been half a month, there's still nobody coming around to ask, it honestly makes people worried ah."

"You hah." Rumont looked towards the fretting body and shook his head. "No need to hurry, there'll be people that come to buy it."

Seeing that he still wasn't too convinced, he patted the other's shoulder. "Nick, you'll just have to wait and see then, I've never scammed anyone, believe in me."

"Mm! I believe in you!" under Rumont's pledge, Nick at long last had confidence again.

"That's more like it." Rumont laughed. His vision swept over to people in the outside area, he was still feeling depressed inside.

If even Nick didn't believe too much in the efficacy of the new medicine, he feared, that more than half the others would also be like this. However, after giving out those 20 bottles of medicines, free of charge last month, there should already be people that were starting to use them!

Because the weather in the recent few days was beginning to warm, as a result, the activities of Adventurers were also increasingly more frequent.

Presumably, his strengthened version of medicine would also display its use quickly. Why would there still be nobody? It couldn't be that when people used his new medicine, that it really had no effect?

Author note: I had something today, won't be in at noon, will be delayed, the nightly release is as usual.

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Chapter 48 – Branding (End)

It was during the time when he was lost in his thoughts, that a few people hehe laughingly entered from the outside. Once they entered, one of them then loudly said: "Rumont, the new medicine from last time is really useful, ah do you still have any left? I want 10 bottles!"

The one that just spoke was the first Adventurer that received the free medicine. He had walked to the front of Rumont as he spoke, before pulling up his sleeve and exposing a faint scar on his arm.

"That cure was rather useful, it was better by no small amount than the other medicines that I had bought from your place last time. It was all thanks to it, that my wound could heal up even faster."

"Really? Then that's really good." Rumont said with a faint smile.

Seemingly as if it was preordained, on this same day, half a dozen of those people that had gotten ahold of the new medicine, had all come over to purchase more after having used it. As for those that never used it, also under their companion's recommendations, they had quite quickly knew about the excellent efficacy of this type of new medicine.

"It sure enough is more useful than those other medicines ay." All the Adventurers similarly commented in this manner after having used it. In a while, the Adventurers all continuously came forth and purchased this medicine.

As for Rumont's store that was unfrequented for a long time, it was similarly like the new type of medicine, it had suddenly become more popular; once more a display of vitality.

Rumont's new medicine had received the welcoming of numerous Adventurers. In this month, along with Rumont's unending sales of the new medicine, his drugstore had already reached a plight of struggling with lots of money daily.

The constantly amassing gold coins, within his spatial region was uninterruptedly multiplying. Making it so that every time he went to check on the spatial region, he couldn't help but glance at it.

However, he never let the money get to him and make him muddle-headed. Rather, he still continued on with his initial idea.

During the time the drugstore wasn't open, he had already considered well the topic of the allocation of future profits. In accordance with his idea, every month of the net profits in his drugstore, twenty percent would be given to Nick, twenty to Fafnir, and the remainder was his take in.

All in all, serving as the manager for the drugstore, Nick had constantly tried his very best. He was also exceptionally responsible for his work, taking twenty percent was an absolute must.

As for Fafnir, even though he didn't come frequently, he and Rumont were comrades that had experienced through life and death battles. Now was just the time that Fafnir needed money the most, therefore, giving twenty percent to him was also a must.

As for Nick, this fellow, when he initially heard that he himself had surprisingly obtained a share of twenty percent in profits, he was more than shocked, and justly exulted.

After all in, the town of Ricca, apart from those few aristocrats, there really was no one else as wealthy. A sum of money could perhaps alter a person's fate. Therefore at times, money really was important.

Nick also wasn't someone that was contentious. Knowing that Rumont had surprisingly given himself such a high treatment, he did not at all shirk it, instead he threw himself into his work with an hundredfold more enthusiasm.

Ever since he assumed the duty of the drugstore manager, he would be able to take no small amount of silver coins back home every month. He still had a twenty percent share in profits. Therefore, Nick's family situation had by now, already greatly improved; the house was repaired and they now had more savings.

Nick had still further spent money for himself, on no small amount of arithmetic works; reading it his in leisure time. Speaking to this point, still worth mentioning was that this world was different to Earth, all kinds of books were all extremely costly.

Knowledge represented wealth. A poor family's child wanting to learn to read, needed to pay through hardships and considerations; not something a child from an aristocrat's family could imagine.

As for the price of one work of books, it was nearly equivalent to the price of a sheep. And as for a sheep, within the eyes of a common farming family, it would be a really large sum of wealth to them.

Nobody would, when they were so poor as to needing to worry unduly over minor details of every meal, have that much money on purchasing books. Therefore, a large majority of poor family kids wouldn't know how to read. Even if they followed others and learnt a little, it was still pitifully little.

As for the severe bounty that Rumont took from the Thieves Guild, not only did he obtain a lot of money, he still collected a few books that the Thieves had gathered.

As for those books, there were all kinds of it; it had any kind possible. So much that even the most expensive of magic books, a few books were found amidst the Thieves Guild. Although it was only the most preliminary of the introductory kinds, but they were still difficult to purchase books that common people could only wish of buying.

And it must be added, Rumont recently did truly earn sums of money. Therefore, he had also purchased a few simple works of books related to law and financial mathematics; placing them within the store.

All the people within the store could all free of charge peruse the books leisurely.

Previously, although Nick already knew a few words and was also barely able to read the few law books, under the circumstances of having insufficient knowledge, there was a lot of things that he knew of but understood half of.1

This had also lead to his several confrontations with the Tax Officer, resulting all in failures. For the purpose of letting Rumont's drugstore operate even better, acting as the store manager, Nick felt the need for knowledge. Therefore, ever since he started reading the books within the store, he began to hunger and thirst for knowledge. As for the books related to financial affairs, the store was but in a shortage of it. Thus, in the spite of everything, he spent no small amount of his own money in buying a few for studying.

And because the plunder obtain from the Thieves' place was shared, therefore Fafnir's recent livelihood had also gotten a great improvement. He had already wealthily began to go study martial skills. As for him that had always dreamt of becoming a big mighty Warrior, even the extremely frigid winter days, could neither break off his conduct of training.

Rumont would in his frequently idle times, practice with him at an empty clearing in the forest. Only, what even Rumont couldn't help but concede was that in the practicing of martial skills, Fafnir whose ancestors were once hired mercenaries, was indeed more hardworking than him.

It was already now the end of the second month. The weather was warmer. Winter was on the verge of passing. Spring was also on the verge of arriving.

Time could not defeat determination. Passing through 5 extended months of unceasing practice, Rumont's martial skills were even more well-trained. The figures within the Shennong Horn had begun to display Level 3 Swordsmanship and Level 3 Footwork.

Of course, simply having Level 3 Swordsmanship and Level 3 Footwork did not all equal a Rank 3 Warrior. Yet along with each of his trainings, he also began to gradually generate a type of Warrior's rhythmic sense, this evidently reflected on having achieved some kind of level as a Warrior.

However, needing to officially obtain a power equivalent to an official Warrior, it was still necessary to wait for his condition to have finished stabilizing. As for Fafnir's achievements from training, because he was even more hard working at practice, he was even more outstanding than Rumont.

Rumont even had a type of misconception. That the youth, that in the past who had never had the opportunity to come into contact with orthodox martial skills, or since the the time of spring, would be able to leap to Rank 2 as a Warrior, it would not be an impossible scenario.

"Rumont you rascal, I suddenly discovered that you're getting surprising more handsome. You're still fair skinned after all the blowing winds and burning sunlight. There's really no sense of it hey. Don't tell me, that all Druids are like this?" on this day, after practicing their martial skills, the two good friends were both bathing in a small lake inside the forest. Seeing the other's increasingly more sturdy physique, Fafnir unexpectedly showed a rather envious expression.

At first, it was still okay if the tall physique was getting more sturdy, but unexpectedly it was still retaining a gentle and delicate appearance. The temperament also appeared increasingly more easy going, natural and unrestrained. This type of change gave him, the friend, a taste of defeat.

Rumont haha laughed: "no it's not, aren't you always maintaining an out of the ordinary bravery and fierceness, how come you're now envying another person?" as he spoke, he headed towards the shore, changing into his clothes.

"It's not because of Miss Eleni right, I've heard that even Miss Eleni is fond of you eh, it really is enviable ah. At what time, would I also have a maiden liking me?" Fafnir deliberately put on an exaggerated expression, laughing haha as he spoke.

"You've heard?" Rumont faintly wrinkled his forehead: "who'd you hear from?"

At this time, Fafnir also climbed over out of the lake, and hehe smilingly said: "lots of people are saying this, I had heard it from a Warrior that teaches me. He said, because Miss Eleni likes you, therefore, it was quite likely that you would become the Baron Lord's son-in-law eh. Currently, they're all struggling to get closer with me, trying to get a bond out of a friend of a future, soon to be the Lord's son-in-law."

Rumonts wrinkles were even deeper, this non-existent affair, how did it manage to spread so everyone knows?

"Why, don't tell me you don't like Miss Eleni?" Fafnir having changed his clothes, saw the other was still startled at his former place, and laughingly hehe slapped him.

"They're casually saying that and you also believe them?" Rumont seem to spoke with his own intention.

"Oi! The sky's still bright, and you're going back?" seeing Rumont turn his body and head towards the outside of the forest, Fafnir promptly followed. They journeyed without speaking, at the entrance of the town when a townsfolk ran into Rumont, they suddenly exposed an understanding expression.

"Rumont, someone's looking for you, quickly go back." he said this with a hehe laugh and started to show a face with a mysterious expression.

"What's this about?" Rumont looked strangely at the other as he left. Afterwards, he increased his steps.

Eventually, returning to the drugstore, he saw a few townsfolk inquisitively sticking their heads in from the outside of the store. Rumont couldn't refrain from having a type ominous feeling.

Something happened to the drugstore?

He entered the store quickly, and saw a young maiden talking softly about something with Nick. Hearing the sounds of footsteps, the young maiden gracefully turned her body.

"Miss Eleni?" not only Rumont, even Fafnir who had similarly followed behind Rumont was startled. The beautiful young maiden that was standing at the front, was exactly the second daughter of the Lord of Ricca town, the Rank 2 Priest Miss Eleni.

Know that a Priest of the Earth Goddess was an occupation that mainly safeguarded the Shrine. As a Rank 2 Priest, Miss Eleni's tranquil type of aura was felt ever more in front of people. Unless it was some big matter, otherwise as a Priest, Miss Eleni would rarely appear within the town.

"Rumont, looks like you're still denying it." Fafnir inwardly cursed, before giving Rumont an obscure look from his eyes. He first greeted Eleni, before adopting a manner full of interest and pulled Nick to the side.

On this side, there only remained Rumont and Eleni, who stood there face to face.

"Rumont, who could have thought your business was this good, neither did you invite me over to have a look." Eleni took the initiative to break the impasse, seeing the many people within the store. "How come you still haven't invited me walk around?"

"Hehe." Rumont laughed foolishly, his mind was thinking, where would he have a place for official business?

However, Rumont also thought thought that standing around like this and chatting wasn't too suitable. He took Eleni within the store to a remote area, with a small sectioned room that was used as the reading room.

There was a table and a few chairs inside, the two sat well face to face.

Eleni hummingly smiled while glancing at the surrounds, while also flipping over a book on magic that was currently placed atop of the table. She curiously asked: "you guys surprisingly also have magic books? Who's looking at them?"

Rumont looked at the book, and also had touch of curiosity, only, he thought about how recently Rolak was frequently studying in that direction, thinking that it must be him.

Hearing his explanation, Eleni shook her head and said: "if one does not have the gift of magic, then looking at however many books still wouldn't have much of a use. I never expected that you would be willing to spend money to buy such expensive introductory magic books, this has really surprised me."

Rumont hehe laughed. All these books were obtained free of charge, which naturally meant he was willing to part with. It's a pity, that these words couldn't be explained to Eleni.

The pair again idly chatted. Eventually, Eleni spoke out the objective for visiting this time.

At first, she was actually attracted over by Rumont's new medicine. As a Priest, synthesizing medicines was similarly a study she needed, she was also quite interested in it as well. Once she heard of Rumont's new medicine, that it surprisingly had an even better efficacy than the old medicines, she was at once attracted over.

Rumont naturally couldn't give away the secret of the new medicine, and explained it to Eleni. However, the pair actually connected on the topic of synthesizing medicines, undertaking a exchanging discussion.

Not only did Rumont, a half-baked Druid profit by no small amount, Rumont's knowledge gotten through other means had also broadened Eleni's scope.

The two people spoke really joyously.

Opposite of Rumont's drugstore, an intense atmosphere was currently filled within the store manager's room.

"How is it? I didn't lie to you right?" the Tax Officer sneered.

Opposite of him, a young maiden in her teens, was currently attentively watching the window opposite of her; at that place, a youth full of smiles was escorting Eleni out.

"I never really thought that Rumont was surprisingly such a despicable person!" the young maiden withdrew her sight and fiercely spoke.

The Tax Officer again fanned the flames: "that's right, an innocent young lady such as Miss Eleni, how would she be able to see through his mask. It's such a pity ah. She's now being exploited, and still doesn't know of it."

"I'll go tell her then!" He was a Rank 2 Druid, how could he have somehow developed a new medicine. It was originally swindled out of Eleni's hands, this……this was simply too despicable! Treating a predecessor's medical recipe, as his own achievement! It's too despicable!"

"That's right, even with Master Jeff's talent, he was unable to develop a new medicine. As anyone saw it, Rumont being able to develop it would make them believe that Master Jeff wasn't as good as him……however, Miss Willow. In honest, Rumont's gift is indeed really high ah. Leaving the guidance of Master Jeff, he was still able to quickly promote to a Rank 2 Druid. Tsk tsk. He really is a genius. Miss Willow, you're just but a Rank 1 right, miss?" the Tax Officer hehe laughed and reasoned.

Willow angrily harrumphed and said: "he's just a swindler, what's so amazing about it!"

"Only, you know, I know, but others don't ah." the Tax Officer said with a tsk tsk: "I think, not long in the future, Rumont's store will definitely become the town of Ricca's biggest drugstore, Miss Willow……"

Seeing the young maiden turn her body angrily with a huff to strikingly grind medicine, the Tax Officer's face showed a smile.

–

1. [一知半解]↩

Chapter end