Chapter 63 The Maiden'S Secret
Just as they finished listening to Ain's story, Theofrastos and his daughter Alicia, from the Alchemist Guild, entered the tent.
"It seems like the rye reaping has begun. We've also identified the approximate area of the fields with ergot around here."
Theofrastos pulled out a map of the surrounding area and spread it out on the table in front of Sara.
"Thank you. The Alchemist Guild is working quickly, aren't they?"
"This time, we cooperated with the Pharmacist Guild and used a pincer movement, but that's not a method we can use every time."
Sara stood up and peered at the map.
"As we concluded, this marked area is where the ergot were confirmed. It doesn't seem like the range is that wide, but what do you think?"
"Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we should reap all the rye. Moreover, the ergot fungus can infect weeds of the grass family, so we'll reap the weeds around the marked area as well. Thanks to the locals' efforts, we've already started reaping from this area."
As Sara pointed to a point on the map,
"I thought Lady Sara would say that. By the way, what will we do with the reaped rye and weeds?"
"I'm thinking of incinerating them, but I'm a bit worried that the spores might spread through the wind."
"Then let's dig a hole and incinerate them, and use a bit of wind magic to suppress the spread."
They began discussing where to dig the hole on the map. Alicia the Alchemist Girl raised a question.
"Will we incinerate all the rye? I thought Lady Sara said we could make medicine from the ergot fungus..."
"Hmm."
Theofrastos also showed interest.
"Well, yes, we can make medicine that affects the human body, Ms. Alicia. However, I don't have specialized knowledge myself. But I'm sure it's a dangerous type of medicine."
"Dangerous medicine, you say?"
Alicia the Alchemist Girl's eyes sparkled. And in the next instant, she said "Just a minute, please" and dashed out of the tent, calling out to Amelia the Pharmacist Girl in a loud voice. Then, Amelia the Pharmacist Girl and Alexander came running to the tent together.
"What's going on, Alicia?"
"Lady Sara is talking about the medicine that can be made from ergot, so I thought you should hear it too, Amelia."
"That's absolutely necessary. Thank you!"
It seemed like the 2 of them had become fast friends in just a few days. Teresa the Blacksmith Girl seemed to be keeping watch at the tower.
"It's become quite a big gathering, hasn't it?"
Sara let out a sigh, and Theofrastos also wore a wry smile.
"Lady Sara, I think I'd also like to gather all the guild members. We're creatures that seek new knowledge more than 3 meals a day."
"Is that so?"
"That's right."
The 2 alchemist magicians and 2 pharmacists nodded in agreement.
"Then, let me say it again, but I myself don't have specialized knowledge in pharmacology. However, I've heard that hallucinogens and abortifacients can be made from ergot. And maybe medicines to stop bleeding during childbirth can be made, but I don't know if they really can be made."
'I'm sure it's the raw material for LSD, but I have no idea how to make it.'
"Ah, I've heard that if you eat bread made from the devil's wheat, you'll be able to see demons. Is that a hallucinogenic effect?"
Amelia the Pharmacist Girl spoke up, and Alexander and Theofrastos continued.
"That reminds me, I've also heard that if you keep eating the devil's wheat bread, your hands and feet will rot and fall off."
"Perhaps it's because the blood flow is blocked, causing necrosis from the extremities? If that's the case, it's understandable that a medicine with a hemostatic effect can be made."
'Ah, the investigation meeting has started.'
"Well, I understand that everyone is enthusiastic about research. The trigger for this conversation was Ms. Alicia (Alchemist Girl)'s question, 'Will we burn all the wheat?' right?"
"Yes. I think it's unavoidable to burn it because it's dangerous, but if we can create a valuable medicine, I'd like to research it."
Just then, Marquis approached.
"The girl there is Alicia, right?"
"Yes. Grandfather, she's the daughter of Theofrastos and one of the maidens. Although she's not registered with the Guild, she's an alchemist magician."
"I'm pleased to meet you. I'm Alicia"
Alicia the Alchemist Girl bowed her head politely.
"I see, one of those maidens. Then, is the other girl also one of them?"
"Yes. She's Ms. Amelia, the beloved disciple of Mr. Alexander."
"I greet Your Excellency the Marquis. I'm Amelia."
She also bowed her head similarly.
"I see. It's reassuring to have talented maidens by Sara's side."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
"But, I cannot permit the research on the wheat ergot fungus. Grandchester is a major grain-producing region, accounting for 40% of the country's wheat production. If the damage from the wheat ergot fungus spreads here, it won't just affect the people of Grandchester, but the entire nation will suffer. I don't think you'd carelessly let the fungus spread, but we must avoid the danger as much as possible."
'Well, that's true.'
"I'm not saying I don't understand the enthusiasm of alchemists and pharmacists seeking knowledge, but can't you give up on this one?"
""I understand, Your Excellency the Marquis.""
Suddenly, Alexander turned to Sara.
"By the way, Miss Sara. Where did you acquire that knowledge?"
'Oh no, he has asked a forbidden question!'
Sara smiled elegantly and nobly, unable to help herself, and replied.
"That's a maiden's secret."
After saying those words, Sara felt a strange tingling sensation on her back for a while....
It takes a lot of courage to call herself a maiden, especially when she's an older girl (and an extreme one at that).
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