Wraith had some things he wanted to make once the workshop was completed. One of them was a bottle. They were useful for holding potions and storing liquids, so they would soon run out of them.

　Although I replenished them several times at Daisy's shop, there was no harm in having many if you think about using the workshop in the future. Wraith immediately moved around the workshop with the materials.

''Okay, first use.''

　In front of the wraith is a large kiln, like the one used for blacksmithing. There is a semicircular hole in the front and a small pedestal-like thing inside. The material is special. It's an ore that can withstand large widths of heat and cold.

　However, this is also a magic tool and uses magical powers. Its main function is to heat and cool. Here, it is used to process armor and ornaments.

　The amount of magic power can be adjusted accordingly, and it is also possible to adjust the temperature accordingly.

''Good job.''

　Wraith puts the glass material into the kiln and covers it. What we use this time is the heating function. When the Wraith applies the detailed settings, the kettle starts to receive the magical power supply from the magic stone and starts to move.

'Oh.'

　When it comes to actually using it, it still feels somewhat impressive. Wraith's eyes shone like a child's. However, since it would be a waste of time to neglect the work, the situation inside the kiln is watched closely.

''Analysis (Analyze)''

　I observed the details inside with alchemy. Rather, it's more like watching the raw materials of the glass melt by 'analysis'.

　This is just to make sure I don't overdo it with the changes in temperature and conditions.

Hmm, I guess it's about time.

　Wraith saw the timing and stopped working the magic tool. When he took out the glass material from inside, it melted and glowed orange. This is where the alchemy comes into play.

''Transformation.''

　Wraith muttered lightly, and the molten glass material quickly turned into the shape of a bottle. Wraith repeated the process and put the bottle back into the kiln again.

　This time it is the exact opposite of what happened before. It was time for cooling.

　The Wraiths watched with 'analysis' as they did with the heating and took out the bottles in the optimal state. The cooled bottle was almost transparent in color.

''Purification.''

　Then, with the addition of alchemy to remove even more impurities, the bottle became a completely cloudless, transparent color. Wraith looked at the finished bottle in the light and nodded in agreement.

''It's not bad. Alright.'

　The response of the new workshop is not bad. It's not a bad response to the new workshop, which naturally brings a smile to my face.

Hmmm, while we're at it, shall we make a cold storage and an insulated one as well...?

　The "cold and heat retention" is a story about a bottle of magic tools. As the word suggests, the bottle itself has the effect of keeping the cold and the warmth in itself. It's a product that Lace has been using for a long time, and it's a useful substitute for anything.

I'll leave that for another time.

　Wraith resumes working feverishly to make a bottle for now. In between tasks, she thinks about her mentor.

　Perhaps it was because of the topic of the conversation with Nicola, but the thought came to my mind naturally.

"There were some people who were so curious about their master...

　Despite what Wraith says with his mouth, he is grateful to his master, Lurimes, for teaching him alchemy alone.

　However, the words "I love you" can't be said to Lurimes, even if it's a mouthful.

Yeah, that's good. That's the best thing.

　It's a heartfelt wish from Wraith. It doesn't feel like a flag, but it's probably just my imagination.

　For a brief moment, a strange chill went through Wraith's body, and it was just my imagination.

　-- Believing that it should be so, Wraith just threw himself into the work.



　* * * *



　Snow was falling. It's not at that level of snowfall that is easy to describe. If I had to describe it in words, it would be "heavy snow" or some other such expression would be more appropriate.

　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one. The woman is wearing a light dark blue robe that only covers her upper body in this heavy snowfall, and a slightly longer red skirt and long brown boots on her lower body, a crazy outfit.

　Normally, you would definitely freeze to death within a few minutes. However, the woman proceeded to shovel snow with a relaxed expression on her face.

It's still very cold here. Now that the materials are gathered, it's time to leave quickly.

　She's dressed in a way that makes me wonder if she really thinks she's cold, but according to the woman, she feels the cold. I sneeze adorably and let out a white breath.

'I mean, how did you know where I was?

　As the woman blurted out this, she took out a letter. The letter was sent out by an old acquaintance of the woman. The content of the letter is a request for help, and since we are not strangers to each other, it's time to head over there for now.

''Huh.......I shouldn't have used my magic power too much if this is the case.

　Right now, the magic power left in the woman is negligible. This is because she was experimenting just now and had spent most of her magic power on it.

''Ah, it's so annoying to walk in the cold!

　As long as the magic power is still there, the woman feels that way even more so because she can take the means of transference. While walking around complaining like that.

Hmm?

　A huge wolf suddenly appeared in front of the woman. The huge body that could lightly crush a human being and the enormous amount of magical power it possesses is quite impressive.

　If I were to use a rank, there is no doubt that it lightly exceeds the S level. This is an opponent that will prepare you for death if you meet it.

　The wolf roars as if to assert its existence, and then it goes to the woman and--

Distraction.

　The woman waved her arms wildly, and the wolf was instantly cut in half. The woman just walked off again, as if nothing had happened.

'Hmm, well, still, I guess I'm looking forward to going to the kingdom for the first time in a long time...'

　The woman's destination is the kingdom. Among the many countries I've visited, it's a country I have a special attachment to. I've been called a "hero" and so on, so I'm involved in that in my own way.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it.

　I recall an apprentice who always had a dead look in his eyes. He was a boy who had no magical talent, but had a remarkable talent in alchemy.

　He was always upset about something, and he was always amused by the woman who was his teacher. It had been a long time since I had gone out without him due to a wilderness errand, so I hadn't seen him in a while.

'Hmmm, I'm looking forward to it!'

　The woman hummed in a good mood as she made her way to the kingdom. It's like she can't help but look forward to her apprentice's reaction when they meet again.

　For the disciple himself, though, it was nothing but a nightmare.

　Master didn't notice it - the time of the reunion was getting closer by the minute.



　******



So how's the finished workshop?
That's good. I didn't have any flaws.
Yeah. Well, that's good to hear.

　It is now a regular request for appointment. In between their work, Wraith and Daisy exchanged idle chatter. The topic of conversation comes up about Wraith's workshop that was just recently completed.

'I'm thinking of making a bottle of magic tools now, and I'll give it to Daisy when it's finished so you can tell me how it feels to use it.
Yes, I'll take what I can get. As long as it's not too weird.
I won't give you anything weird...

　Wraith stops his hand as he continues to speak, saying he won't make the weird thing itself in the first place. All the work for today was done.

''Oh, you're still fast as always.
Yeah. Okay, I'll see you around, kid.
Yeah, nice to meet you.
Yes.

　Wraith said goodbye to Daisy and trudged down the road to the Adventurer's Guild as usual. Then, as usual, he entered the guild and went to Amelia's front door as usual - and

Mr. Wraith!
Yes. Yes?

　-- What wasn't the usual was Amelia's condition.

　The Wraiths were surprised because of the sudden shouting of her name. It's unusual for Amelia to act like that out of the blue.

''This, this!
'The letter...?　Who is this from?

　An upset Amelia offered a letter. When Wraith unintentionally asked for the sender, Amelia shook her hand and shook it.

The royal family requests your appointment.
...Yes?

　Wraith's face was drawn up at the prospect of new trouble.