A Genius Pharmacist Whom the Empress Is Obsessed With

19th episode. Approaching Time.

Among the murmurs floating around on the streets, there is such a saying.

“A dog doesn’t let go of its excrement.”

Adrian was starting to realize that that saying was truly fitting.

“He’s looking at me again.”

Adrian, who was gardening with Idun, looked up and glanced at the Star Palace.

In a small room on the second floor of the Star Palace, the princess leaned against the window with her silver hair spread out. Whether the princess had nothing to do as a princess or not, she had been watching this place since the morning.

“…She probably thought she wouldn’t be noticed, but that’s impossible.”

Unfortunately, Adrian was a dragon. He was an existence that could easily sense the presence of a hidden person.

The day after Idun returned to the apothecary’s room and left it empty, the princess had come to Idun’s room late at night.

Without any maids accompanying her and discreetly looking around with every step she took, it seemed like she had sneaked out while no one was aware, just to see Idun.

“It can’t go the way I want.”

It would be better if Adrian were to finish it while Idun was temporarily absent. Thinking that, Adrian quietly slipped out into the hall and roamed around, making loud noises. Just by attracting the attention of those around, the princess would feel burdened and leave.

Adrian’s thought turned out to be correct, and the princess didn’t even look back and fled at the sound of a maid’s voice coming from the end of the hallway.

The problem was that since that day, the princess had been stealing glances at Eden whenever she had the chance.

The princess observed Eden, always with Adrian by his side. Because of this, Adrian always had to endure the unwanted attention from the princess.

“Adrian, is there anything bothering you?”

Eden asked with a worried voice as Adrian was engrossed in his lone staring match. In his gloved hand were freshly picked weeds.

“Hmm? I’m fine, really.”

The truth was, it was uncomfortable. He had felt it even in the alchemy lab, but for some reason, the princess’s gaze was not only unpleasant but also extremely so. If a normal person’s gaze was like a breeze, a mage’s gaze felt like specks of dirt.

However, Adrian couldn’t tell Eden that the princess had been watching him.

Even though it would be an ephemeral connection that would be erased with time, Adrian wanted to erase everything about the princess from Eden’s mind as soon as possible.

“I can tend to the fields alone, so go and rest your eyes. I worry about you. And even if it’s troublesome, make sure to take the medicine in the cupboard.”

Even though he spoke, it was amazing how he only chose pretty words. Adrian climbed onto Eden’s shoulder as if he were a godsend and nuzzled his cheek.

Although surprised by Adrian’s sudden display of affection, Eden gently stroked her fur after taking off his gloves.

“Thank you for worrying about me. But really, I’m fine. You can see that with your own eyes.”

“In terms of vitality, that may be true, but mana is different. Unfortunately, I’m not a mage.”

“Well, if you’re really worried, then caress my hand every day when we return to the Lair. Morning and evening will suffice.”

“Well, of course.”

Adrian’s tail fluttered again without a hint of hesitation in Eden’s words.

***

“Tomorrow, it will finally end.”

Late at night, Rudimene leaned against the window and gazed at a room where someone’s light was still on.

Since the day she had returned from the alchemy lab without any gains, Rudimene hadn’t once sought out Eden.

No, to be honest, there was one time she had secretly gone to the alchemy lab by herself late at night. On her way to bed after finishing her late work, she had abruptly left her room upon seeing the lit light in the alchemy lab, as if she were possessed.

“…Let’s just go and be honest. I’m way too curious about that hand treatment.”

She had made up her mind and went, but because the strange cat was wandering in the corridor and incessantly meowing, she had to change her course.

Since then, Rudimene had secretly observed Eden. It was truly a petty action, but Rudimene didn’t have any other means to quell her curiosity while avoiding the eyes of others.

“By the way, what is that cat? What on earth is it?”

Feeling the breeze of the early summer night, Rudimene remembered the sight she had seen earlier today.

Since Eden had picked it up, she could understand him sticking by its side.

However, no matter how many times she watched, she couldn’t possibly accept the fact that the cat sought extra affection from Eden, as if it were guarding something.

How could a cat behave like a person? At first, she thought it was a mistaken impression, but as time went on, she realized it wasn’t a mistake.

The same was true today. As soon as she started watching, the cat climbed onto Eden’s shoulder and showered him with affection.

“…Though it does concern me, I don’t actually dislike the cat.”

No, on the contrary, the more I see it, the more I feel a strange attraction from that cat. It was a different kind of attraction from the curiosity I feel towards Eden.

“Like a mother and child feeling….”

Thud. Just as Ruedimine was lost in thoughts about Eden and the cat, someone knocked on the door.

“…Who could it be at this hour?”

Afraid of being exposed with her secret hobby, Ruedimine hastily headed towards her desk.

“Your Highness.”

A solid voice of a man. On this late night, the person who came to find Ruedimine was Count Peniade.

“Come in.”

After clearing her throat, Ruedimine casually responded as if nothing was amiss.

The Count quietly opened the door, entered, and showed his respect.

“I apologize for disturbing your rest.”

“No worries. Must be something urgent. Do you want something to drink?”

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“Yes. It might take some time, though….”

What on earth was he about to say? Curious, Ruedimine held back and rang the bell.

A while later, her maid, Huga, brought in the tea, and Ruedimine opened her mouth.

“So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?”

Although she knew it was improper, Ruedimine picked up the teacup with both hands.

Even though summer was approaching, it was still night. After spending a long time enjoying the night breeze, her fingertips were slightly chilly from the tea.

“Eden will be leaving the Umstendel Castle by tomorrow.”

“…And?”

“I was thinking of assigning separate escorts for Eden. What do you think?”

“Escorts?”

“…As you know, Your Highness’s situation is not exactly favorable.”

Only after a while did Ruedimine realize what the Count was worried about.

“All those who had something to do with me when I escaped from the palace ended up facing death….”

It was the result of a common power struggle.

Although everyone acted indifferent, the current palace was stained with accusations, assassinations, and curses.

Those blinded by power had no hesitations, and it would be easy for them to kidnap a mere common apothecary and extract information from the Umstendel Castle.

As Ruedimine was lost in her thoughts about what to do, the Count added a few more words.

“Rather, if Edun continues to stay within the walls of Umstendel Castle, I would have at least protected him, wouldn’t I?”

“…Have you ever assigned someone to the legislators?”

“I haven’t done such a thing, but…”

“Then, perhaps it’s better not to assign anyone this time as well. It seems wiser to avoid unnecessary actions that might raise suspicions, isn’t it better than inviting doubt?”

“But this time, the circumstances are different. Edun has stayed within the castle for too long.”

“…How long has he stayed?”

“Most of the legislators are usually sent away before even a month passes, but Edun has already been here for almost two months. At this rate, pursuers will undoubtedly follow.”

“Why is that?”

“…Because of His Majesty’s rising. Even though he voluntarily relinquished his position, he was once rightfully the Empire’s Crown Princess. Those individuals will do anything to undermine His Majesty.”

“…Indeed, no matter how tight the security is, news of my rising has likely already crossed the walls.”

Ludimene folded and unfolded her fingers slowly, organizing her thoughts. It was clear that those who had pulled her down were already devising another trick.

“Yes. That’s why I think it’s better to prepare thoroughly this time. Moreover, Edun saved His Majesty’s life.”

“Tomorrow, make sure to assign proper guards to that apothecary. We’ll need to continue protecting him for a couple of months, at least.”

Better to err on the side of excess than to fall short. The viscount nodded slowly with a stern face at Ludimene’s command.

***

“Oh, my, sir. I am truly grateful.”

Director Estelon said, rubbing his bandaged hands together.

A man with brown hair and a kind demeanor sat at the foot of the bed where he lay.

“If it weren’t for you, I would have died long ago.”

“Everyone has their own story, but what exactly happened to make you end up in such a situation?”

“Well, you see, I was supposed to be the personal physician for someone…”

Director Estelon spilled everything that had happened to him to the one who saved him. It was a kind of gratitude towards his savior.

Not long after being driven out of the castle, unidentified inspectors came after the director.

Despite the director’s questions of why, the inspectors remained silent and swung their swords relentlessly. The director, dumbfounded, looked at his torn clothes and fled as if possessed.

However, to say that those who had always just sat around suddenly became skilled fighters was an unbelievable notion.

Before long, a knight’s sword grazed the director’s arm, and he fell to the ground screaming.

“That’s when I coincidentally met this man.”

The man hiding in the bushes pointed to a spot. When the director glanced, he saw a small stream formed from the recent rain between the lush leaves of the cliff.

Without delay, the director rolled his body into the stream and when he regained consciousness, he found himself on a soft, comfortable bed.

“That’s the story. You really went through a lot.”

The man sighed deeply and nodded his head. The sight of the man empathizing with his situation made the headmaster even more elated.

“Yes. Still, thanks to you, I was able to save my life. I will definitely go find that count later and express my complaints. Or maybe to that illegitimate royal princess!”

“Is it true that the princess has actually woken up?”

“Yes. I personally examined her. We even had a conversation.”

“…I see.”

The brown-haired man nodded his head and stood up from his seat, heading towards the wall with a cloak hanging on it.

“Nah Uri, where are you going? If it’s okay, I have a few things I need.”

However, the man who had always responded to him with a “yes” in the past did not give any answer this time.

“…Nah Uri?”

As the headmaster called the man again, something flashed before his eyes.

After a while, the small door of the cabin opened, and the brown-haired man appeared holding a large sword.

“Take care. I’ll deliver my regards to Lord Peniad,” said the brown-haired man, waiting for himself with three inspectors, slowly disappearing into the forest.