MTLNOVEL Chapter 186
186. Handling Dangerous Substances Requires Clear Rules Isn’t It?
Recently, an office was established in a corner of the Golden Dawn castle.
That alone wasn’t particularly surprising, but I couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of the people coming and going.
As dozens of civil officials passed in and out of the office, I made my way to the room I was headed for.
“Hey, Van. Isn’t it a bit much to bring in civil officials from the royal capital?”
This was the private office of His Majesty Vaindeck Midlights von Maugaria, King of Maugaria.
Because His Majesty visited so frequently, Kyle had arranged it.
“You’re late, Craft. How’s the situation in the wetlands?”
Vaindeck—no, Van—looked up from the documents he was signing.
“Can you at least listen to me? It took a bit of effort, but the issue is resolved. I want to discuss it with Kyle and Jabil-sensei.”
“Got it. Summon them both. We’ll start the meeting as soon as they arrive.”
Van’s quick decision-making prompted the white-bearded old man standing beside him to rub his forehead.
“Your Majesty, you must announce meetings days in advance to avoid inconveniencing others. You must remember your position.”
Admonishing Van was Batista, the head court alchemist of the Maugaria Kingdom.
Given his daily struggles, it wasn’t surprising that his eyes looked so sharp.
“Hmph. Kyle called not just me and Craft, but even Jabil-sensei for this meeting. This isn’t just a political decision; it’s likely about some new contraption that man created. Considering the potential significance, we can’t afford to delay.”
“That may be so…”
Um, Grandpa Batista, could you stop glaring at me so intently? Can’t you scold me more decisively, like earlier?
“Besides, I’m only turning a scheduled wetlands report from Craft into a meeting. Kyle’s probably already prepared and waiting to be summoned.”
“Understood. Someone, send a messenger to Count Elixir!”
And so, we moved to the conference room.
◆
“Your Majesty, I am deeply honored that you have granted my request—”
“Skip the formalities and get to the point.”
Kyle began with a courteous bow, but Van waved him off irritably.
In the room, it was Kyle, Jabil-sensei, and me on one side. On the other side, it was Van, Grandpa Batista, and Zaid.
We had run into Zaid in the corridor, and Van had dragged him along.
“All right, Zaid, you’re chairing this meeting.”
Apparently, Van had kidnapped Zaid to make him preside over the meeting. Zaid, who was already incredibly busy as a civil official, sighed lightly.
“Your Majesty, I don’t mind chairing, but could you at least tell me the agenda?”
“No idea. Ask Kyle.”
Van’s curt response prompted Zaid to rub his forehead briefly.
“Viscount Elixir, please explain today’s agenda.”
“Yes. I would like to discuss the handling of a newly developed alchemical substance.”
Van raised an eyebrow at the term “alchemical substance.”
“This explanation will come from the alchemist, Jabil-sensei.”
Zaid gestured to Jabil-sensei, who nodded in agreement.
“Very well, Alchemist Jabil-sensei, please explain to everyone.”
“Indeed. First, let’s distribute the materials.”
Jabil-sensei handed out prepared documents to everyone.
The title on the first page stood out in bold letters:
“Development and Use of a Complete Poison Fog Against Certain Monsters”
Van, Batista, and Zaid froze upon reading it.
As if expecting their reactions, Jabil-sensei began explaining calmly.
“—This is the poison. It’s ineffective against some stronger individuals.”
The explanation wasn’t lengthy, but by the end, the three looked drained.
Van recovered first and spoke up.
“So, we now have a poison effective against the majority of monsters in the kingdom, with a method that most alchemists with crests can replicate?”
“That’s correct. I’m torn between pride as a mentor and wanting to scold you for not consulting me earlier.”
Jabil-sensei shrugged, but Van smirked and raised a finger.
“Hmph. We would’ve sought this method eventually. You’ve only saved us the trouble.”
“That’s true, but still…”
Jabil-sensei slumped over his desk while Kyle whispered to him.
“Jabil-sensei, the alchemical poison is already being used on a large scale in the wetlands. It’s too late to keep it a secret.”
“I know that, but still…”
“Without it, developing the wetlands would take a hundred years.”
“To wall off the entire area while fighting monsters would indeed take that long.”
Zaid straightened up and addressed the group.
“Everyone, as you’ve likely realized, its effectiveness is undeniable, but its use poses challenges. Should we not establish guidelines for handling this alchemical poison?”
The meeting had veered off course, but Zaid quickly steered it back on track. Truly, he was an exceptional chair.
Without his curse, Zaid would be unstoppable.
Van, who had also been slumped over, sat up and hardened his expression.
“…We will distribute it kingdom-wide.”
“That’s too hasty.”
“Think about it, Batista. As long as it’s used in the wetlands, rumors will spread quickly. The common folk are sensitive to monsters. Once they know of a poison that can easily kill monsters, they’ll all want it.”
“Hmm.”
Batista stroked his beard, waiting for Van to continue.
“Hopeful buyers flooding in wouldn’t be so bad. But you’ll also get fools trying to steal it. If the street price skyrockets, the problem worsens.”
That made sense.
If everyone in the kingdom wanted it, its value would soar.
“I don’t care if criminals die using it. But improper use endangers even those who acquire it. That’s a threat to our citizens. We must spread it with proper knowledge, or we risk chaos.”
“This Batista is deeply impressed by Your Majesty’s wisdom.”
“…I only thought it through based on past experiences, like with stamina potions. Away from Golden Dawn, regular potions were sold as ‘crafted by Craft’ at exorbitant prices.”
“Experience has taught you well, it seems.”
Van turned slightly red and looked away. Praise from Grandpa Batista must be rare.
“Then it’s decided: we’ll distribute it throughout the kingdom.”
Zaid calmly confirmed everyone’s agreement.
Afterward, it was decided that operational tests would be conducted in the wetlands and several other regions by Batista and his disciples.
The production method would be distributed to kingdom-affiliated alchemists.
Operational issues would be identified during testing, and the rollout would begin around the royal capital.
Unlike previous products, the alchemical poison would not enter the general market.
Villages or towns wanting it would first submit a petition to the king. Upon approval, an alchemist would be dispatched, and the poison would be distributed under strict supervision.
Thus, the basic framework was established, though it might change based on the test results.
“The challenges are numerous. First and foremost, there aren’t enough alchemists.”
“The low crest manifestation rate makes that inevitable.”
“I’d like to make crest aptitude testing mandatory nationwide…”
“If you do that, mana potion prices will skyrocket, along with magic stone prices.”
When I pointed that out, Van waved dismissively.
“…But if this monster repellant spreads throughout the kingdom, magic stone prices might drop.”
“Chicken or egg. If the tests go well, expanding crest aptitude is a priority.”
“And where would the funds for such a massive budget come from?”
“That’s what I can’t figure out!”
Grandpa Batista shook his head.
“That’s not the only problem. Some stronger individuals will survive. We need a unit to handle them.”
“Monsters unaffected by the poison were reportedly quite formidable. Right, Craft?”
“Yeah. It’s guaranteed to kill Hydra up to four heads, but occasionally, five-headed ones survived and rampaged.”
“A unit capable of handling such monsters would need exceptional training.”
“In the wetlands, we’ve got lizard warriors pumped full of stamina potions, but covering the whole kingdom with such elite forces…”
Van crossed his arms and gazed at the ceiling.
“Crest aptitude could bolster those forces.”
“A nation of crest-bearers, huh?”
That thought was terrifying.
After a long silence, Zaid quietly spoke.
“The discussion has drifted. Today’s agenda is complete; further topics should be addressed another day. This meeting is adjourned.”
Seriously, Zaid, you’re amazing.