MTLNOVEL Chapter 70
“Huh? What’s this?”
King Ares took the stamina potion with a puzzled expression.
“It’s a stamina potion crafted by a renowned alchemist.”
“I see. However, both my wife and I are already using the finest stamina potions made by the royal alchemists. I appreciate the thought, Erik, but I doubt this will have any effect.”
Potions of this nature prioritize the most potent effects. Since both the king and queen had already consumed stamina potions, they likely assumed that drinking another one would be pointless.
“I’ve heard about the queen’s illness from Princess Angelica.”
I decided to reveal that I was aware of the situation.
“You told him?”
King Ares turned his gaze toward Angelica with a surprised expression.
“Yes. I also told Erik why I enrolled in the academy.”
She had joined the academy to gather the necessary ingredients to create an elixir that could save her mother’s life.
“So, knowing that, you still chose to offer this to us?”
I could see the king furrow his brows. Even though I had mentioned a “renowned alchemist,” he clearly doubted its effectiveness.
“Erik, I appreciate your concern, but many alchemists have attempted to create a potion that could improve my condition. Yet, none have succeeded.”
The queen spoke gently, as if trying to convince me.
“I understand. The problem is that the current potions don’t provide enough recovery, which is why your health has been deteriorating, correct?”
Day by day, her body was weakening. Though I hadn’t mentioned it before, the king’s greatest source of distress was undoubtedly the queen’s illness.
“Even knowing that, I still ask you to try it. Please, just drink it as if you were testing it.”
The two of them exchanged glances, clearly uncertain about my insistence. They must have thought I was just a naive young man who didn’t understand reality.
“Hmm… If you insist that much…”
King Ares took the stamina potion and walked over to a magic appraisal device.
“I don’t suspect my daughter’s friend of poisoning us, but I hope you won’t take offense.”
The device was used to analyze magical items. The academy also had one, and it could display an item’s effects and quantify its potency. If there were any toxins, they would be identified in the description, ensuring that anything consumed by the royal family was properly inspected beforehand.
“I don’t mind.”
“For reference, the highest-quality stamina potion my wife is currently using has a recovery value of 1,184. The average stamina potion created by standard alchemists has a value of around 300, so hers is nearly four times stronger.”
As expected of a royal-grade potion—its potency was leagues beyond the norm. It was no wonder they considered my potion unnecessary.
“Now then, please conduct the appraisal.”
Perhaps he had said that to spare me from embarrassment, but seeing that I refused to back down, the king gave a wry smile.
The device began its analysis, and after a few minutes, the results were displayed.
“…It’s certainly a proper stamina potion with no toxins.”
His expression softened slightly. Maybe he had entertained a small suspicion that it might have been poisoned.
“Father, what about the recovery value?”
Angelica asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
“Ah, right… Let’s see… Wh-what…?!”
“What’s the matter, dear?”
Seeing the king frozen in place, the queen stood up to check the result herself.
“P-please, allow me to confirm it as well!”
Angelica also approached them, curious about the outcome.
“R-recovery value… 9999?!”
Her eyes widened in shock at the displayed number.
The three of them stared at the stamina potion on the table, their expressions filled with disbelief. A cold sweat formed on their brows as they pondered how to handle this revelation.
“Are you not going to drink it?”
I prompted them.
“No, I am grateful for the gift, but… would you mind if I let my wife have it?”
“Of course.”
I nodded, and King Ares handed the potion to the queen.
“…I will take it.”
Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, the queen brought the potion to her lips and drank it.
“How do you feel?”
King Ares swallowed hard as he anxiously asked her.
Tears streamed down the queen’s cheeks.
“My body… feels as light as if it’s been reborn!”
She wiped her tears away, looking utterly refreshed.
“M-mother! Has your illness been cured?!”
Angelica’s voice trembled as she rushed toward her mother. She threw herself into her arms and began sobbing.
“I’m so sorry, Angelica, Ares. I worried both of you so much.”
The queen stroked Angelica’s head, her gaze warm and affectionate.
“You don’t need to apologize…”
King Ares’ voice trembled as he drew closer to them.
“You were the one suffering the most, Mother…”
Watching the three of them embrace, I felt a lump form in my throat.
Once they had calmed down, they turned to face me.
“Erik, that was an incredible potion.”
With one burden lifted from his heart, King Ares smiled warmly.
“Indeed. This was completely different from any potion I’ve ever had. The moment I drank it, my entire body overflowed with energy—it was as if I had been reborn.”
“Sniff… I can never thank you enough, Erik!”
Tears still glistening in her eyes, Angelica expressed her gratitude.
I had made quite the impression. Now was the perfect time to take control of the conversation. With that in mind, I decided it was time to reveal the truth.
“There are two things I need to tell you.”
I raised two fingers.
“First, while the stamina potion has restored the queen’s strength, it is only temporary. The illness has not been cured, so she will need to continue taking the potion regularly.”
“I-I see…”
King Ares’ face fell. Perhaps his own fatigue had returned, as he looked visibly exhausted.
“Here, drink this and relax.”
This time, he didn’t question its effects. He simply accepted the potion and drank it.
“It truly is incredible. The exhaustion has vanished. As expected of a renowned alchemist’s work. Erik, I must ask—can you introduce me to the one who made this potion?”
With his mind cleared, the king had already begun taking action.
Normally, a king would never lower his head so easily. However, Ares prioritized his family’s well-being above his pride.
A warmth spread in my chest. If it was this man, I could trust him.
“Actually, there’s still one more thing I need to say.”
I had structured everything to lead to this moment. Without hesitation, I spoke the truth.
“Earlier, I mentioned that a renowned alchemist made this potion. That was a lie.”
“W-what?!”
“I’m sorry. I figured you wouldn’t even listen if I didn’t say that.”
“Then… who made it?”
The queen asked hesitantly.
Bracing myself, I looked at the three of them and declared—
“I made that potion.”