I Shall Survive Using Potions! Volume 3 Read online

  Chapter 21: Layette’s Atelier

  A few days later...

  We traveled south from Drisard, then toward the neighboring kingdom of Jusral. We went east from the kingdom of Balmore to Brancott, then to Drisard, and there hadn’t been signs of pursuit... Well, disregarding the lower-class nobles who didn’t know any accurate details. If the higher-ups heard of it, they’d surely capture us with “polite reception” and “insist we stay” instead of calling it an arrest, but I strongly preferred to avoid all that.

  To leave Drisard as soon as possible, we’d changed directions from going east toward the inlands to the south, where the borders were closer. The kingdom of Jusral, where we were currently located, was a neighboring region to Drisard, and still a neighbor to Brancott as well. But I doubted either of them would chase us into another kingdom, so we were relatively safe.

  “We’re changing plans this time. Let’s get on with what I explained the other day!”

  I hadn’t thought it through enough last time because it was all so sudden. I wasn’t going to meet anyone new just absentmindedly wasting time at the inn, and if I were to work somewhere, doing menial tasks while staying at an expensive inn would be clearly unnatural. The normal course of action would be to rent out a cheap room or find live-in work. Especially for someone like me, who’s often mistaken for a minor... And at my age... I mean my actual age! Anyway, at my age, doing simple jobs all day with actual children was too strenuous. I mean, mentally.

  Just then, I remembered back in the beginning... When I came to this world, what did I think to accomplish? That’s right, I want to live a carefree life with this OP power given to me by God. That’s why I came up with the idea of starting a potion shop. The dream I’d given up on when I found out there were no magical potions in this world...

  But as someone who had a four-and-a-half year history in this world, as well as a twenty-seven-year history of being single, my knowledge of this world was already that of a pro’s. I’ve come to completely understand the difference between “medicine with impossible effects” and “medicine with ordinary effects that wouldn’t be out of place in this world.” As long as I sold potions within that scope, there’d be no problems whatsoever.

  I’d rent out a small shop, where beautiful young girls sold potions with potent, yet plausible effects for an affordable price. Yes, I’d create Kaoru’s Atelier, “Kaoru Pharmacy”! My goods would work exactly as advertised, and my cost of goods would be zero.

  The entire time, zero.

  Zero, forever.

  There was no way I could lose to competitors.

  It’d be suspicious if there were no signs of us purchasing materials, so I’d just say Emile and Belle were hired to gather those ingredients for me. In addition to those duties, I’d have them hunt and gather food, as well as complete quests from the Hunters’ Guild. They’d have a great role in generating income for living expenses, gathering information, and improving relationships on top of their training.

  As for how we knew each other, I’d say they were two hunters I happened to become acquaintances with, and I provided lodging for them.

  Roland and Francette? Who knows.

  Actually, that might be a bit harsh... I could say we didn’t know each other, but I hired them as guards in case something happened. Those two could just stay at the inn. That’d be least suspicious.

  The incident at the provincial city in Drisard still hadn’t spread at all. It all happened in a mere tens of seconds, and there couldn’t have been more than ten or so people who saw what happened up close. Besides, there was no way anyone who was there could have gotten to this region faster than us.

  Not only that, but from the kingdom of Balmore to the distant region of Drisard, which was an entire kingdom away, and to here, Jusral, the incident from four years ago was overshadowed by the news of the appearance of the Goddess, so I doubted anyone would have been talking about her messenger. Even the upper levels shouldn’t have any accurate information...

  That was why any rumors of this whole incident would likely be dismissed as some embellished story or a mistake, and soon be forgotten. Even if it reached the upper levels, they’d search within the kingdom or assume we headed east and search in that direction.

  In other words, no one would come looking this way. I highly doubted they’d spread this story to other kingdoms.

  Conclusion: I was safe here. And tomorrow, I’d finally arrive at the royal capital, Litenia.

  The royal capital, which was a populous melting pot of people from all over the lands, was the best place to set up shop inconspicuously. A forest was the best place to hide a leaf, and the most chaotic city of the kingdom was the best place to hide a person.

  “Okay, everyone, tomorrow we proceed as planned!”

  “...Is it really going to work?”

  “I’m worried...”

  Roland and Francette were being downers already, but I had it all figured out this time!

  “This again? I told you, it’ll be fine! We’ll be sleeping in proper beds starting tomorrow, so let’s enjoy our last night camping and go to sleep already.”

  Roland and Francette looked at me with reproachful eyes. I called it camping, but I brought out the baron’s bed from before and climbed in with Layette. Yeah, this bed has been really useful in the past four-and-a-half years...

  ＊　　　＊

  “It’s the royal capital...”

  The next day, we arrived at the royal capital and passed through the city gates sticking to the backstories we’d been using. The other two pairs of Roland and Francette and Emile and Belle may have gotten through without issues with this updated story, but I was afraid Layette and I would be taken into another room for questioning. That was why I decided to save the new backstories for once we were inside the royal capital.

  Yup, there was no need to shoulder problems unnecessarily.

  Once we got enough distance from the gate, we split up into three groups. We were to act like complete strangers until we “happened to meet up” later on. We’d find separate lodging as well.

  “...So how did we end up at the same inn?!”

  “Well, I just randomly picked a place, and you happened to be here...”

  “...Likewise.”

  So said Roland and Emile. Judging by the looks on their faces, they didn’t seem to be lying...

  But considering we split up from the same spot, went elsewhere at staggered times, then walked down the main road toward the center of the city, it wasn’t too farfetched to end up at the same inn. They’d been staying at inns of my choosing so far, so they’d gotten accustomed to a certain quality level of lodging too...

  I mean, over half of us were young girls, so I wanted to avoid any shady locations. I also didn’t want to stay anywhere with bad food, and it had to be a certain level of quality since we’re supposed to be nobles. But I had to avoid places high-class nobles and big merchants may stay at, and it had to have a nice ambiance, so the first inn that caught my eye... Well, that explained why we all ended up here.

  “Not much we can do about that now... But we’re strangers until the event where we all meet up. So at least while we’re here, let’s not interact any more than normal guests would.”

  After our hushed discussion away from the inn workers and other guests, I went back to my room with Layette.

  ＊　　　＊

  Four days later...

  Layette and I were sitting at the shop counter. No, not just any shop—our shop.

  Medicine Shop, “Layette’s Atelier.”

  “Kaoru’s Atelier” would’ve been a bit much, and it’d make it easier for “those people” to find me,
and I didn’t want anyone to think I was using the messenger’s name. Most of all, I chose the name because I wanted Layette to know she had a home she could come back to.

  ...Though I did have some other reasons too.

  “Pharmacy” may have been a more apt name, but I’ve always liked the sound of “atelier” because it sounds like an alchemy workshop. I was also worried whether we’d get regular fans if I named it a pharmacy.

  What’s that? How did I get the shop set up so quickly, you ask? It wasn’t like this was modern Japan. There wasn’t any tedious paperwork to fill out. No resident card, seal certificate, or guarantor was needed, either. Just the deposit and advance payment for rent. That was it. I guess as long as I paid, it didn’t matter if I went bankrupt and fled in the night or hanged myself.

  ...Not that I’d do either of those things!

  In any case, the first realtor mocked me thinking I was a child, so I left immediately. The second one treated me as a proper customer as soon as I showed them some gold, and I signed the contract for this shop slash residence. It apparently used to be a general goods store. It was a two-story building where the first floor contained a shop, a small warehouse (or more like a store room), a kitchen, washroom, and toilet.

  The washroom didn’t have a shower or bathtub or anything like that. It just had a portable laundry tub for bringing hot water from the kitchen, which could be used to wipe yourself down.

  The toilet wasn’t the type that flushed either. It was just a po... No, I don’t wanna say it!

  My Item Box eliminated the need for a warehouse, but it’d be better to keep some stock in there for appearance’s sake. I’d think about what to do with the rest of the space later.

  Unlike a general goods store, I only needed a few shelves for the shop section, so I took out a ton of the shelves that were already in there to make room for a table and four chairs. I then decorated the display shelves with glass containers and ornaments. They were, of course, created with my ability and up for sale, so I purposely lowered the quality upon making these.

  The window was originally just a wooden one, but I had a craftsman upgrade it to a double-paned window. I’d kept the original wooden window part intact and added an interior glass window to it. The wooden window could only be opened or closed before, but now I had the option of using the glass window mode. Well, I made the glass with my ability. It’d probably fetch a nice price for the quality.

  The curtains were purchased normally at a store. I mean, I shouldn’t be using my abilities for everything. I did have a duty to contribute to the economy and such, being a member of society and all. The only times I’d use my abilities were when there were no other options, and when I didn’t feel like using another method.

  ...As such, I used my powers to make the lighting fixtures. Yeah, I’m too easy on myself! So what? The lighting was the face and signboard of the shop. I absolutely couldn’t skimp on that! If I used candles or an oil lamp, I’d have to worry about odors and the risk of fire.

  I’d only keep the shop open during the day, but I made the lighting look like normal lamps (I made them self-contained fixtures with a power supply that would last about thirty years.) I may have just been renting it, but it was my first shop... my castle. Of course I was going to be picky! Haah... haah...

  So, the sections that required water and any areas that needed goods to be carried in and out of often were on the first floor, and the second floor was for living space. It was just me and Layette for now, but I had rooms ready for Emile and Belle to move in too.

  “Okay, let’s do this! I’m going to use this shop to make some money, get to know more people, and find myself a marriage partner! For my happiness, and for the growth of the Nagase clan in this world!”

  Upon hearing this, Layette muttered to herself, “I’m not sure what she’s talking about, but I’m kinda worried... I should be more responsible...”

  What’s that supposed to mean?!

  ＊　　　＊

  “Layette’s Atelier? Some sort of workshop?”

  A shop had suddenly appeared where the closed-down general goods store had been. There were no signs of construction beforehand, so it clearly must’ve been purchased with everything included. In these cases, the interior and equipment from the previous tenant would be transferred to the new owner, making it possible to open business much faster than if everything were to be replaced, but, in turn, the equipment would all be used. Though this was more of an issue on the business side, so it didn’t really affect the customers.

  Many were surprised by the store that had opened in a matter of days, but they were further taken aback upon peering into the building.

  “...There are only children working here.”

  In this world, 157cm was the average height of a twelve-year-old girl. And despite the rather unpleasant look in Kaoru’s eyes, her face looked rather child-like overall. In addition, those of Asian ethnicity seemed particularly young from the Western population’s point of view. So no matter who looked at her, Kaoru completely looked like a child.

  There was a sign put up outside the shop, with some text written just below the shop’s name.

  “We have all types of medicine in stock. We will also compound specific types upon request.”

  “No way...”

  They were clearly just children. It wasn’t as if they were selling cookies or anything. How could children be trusted to handle sales of expensive, difficult-to-handle medicine that could cause serious issues if there were any errors...? Ineffective folk medicines were one thing, but even some folk medicines were quite powerful in efficacy and side effects alike.

  If they were indeed selling something that could easily be obtained by commoners, it’d be unlikely that the store would make enough profit to stay afloat. They were called “folk medicines” because they were easily obtainable and safe to use by common folk, after all. Although they were often thought to be similar, folk medicine is different from the likes of herbal and galenical medicine.

  About ten people were now gathered at the corner of the side street. Finally, one of them made their resolve to step foot inside. The others followed, entering the shop one by one.

  Cling...

  The doorbell rang, and the young girls working there responded at once.

  “Welcome!”

  “Welcone!”

  ...Layette had messed it up. And the guests who’d entered all nearly died from the moe shock.

  They struggled to contain themselves from how cute the girls were, and began browsing the wares in the store.

  Since it was originally a general goods store, it was quite roomy compared to most stores of this type in this day and age. It was unlikely any sort of medicine being sold at an individually owned store would be much good. Even including shady, crude drugs that may not even qualify as medicine, there weren’t very many types of medicine out there. Rare and expensive types were usually stored in a safe at the back of the shop or handled via special order only, many of which could only be purchased by nobles or royalty.

  “Healing medicine for soldier’s disease...?”

  After some time, one of the men read the description on a shelf out loud: “Soldier’s Disease.” Upon hearing this, most people would likely think of Legionnaires’ disease, a deadly illness caused by bacteria known as Legionella pneumophila. Besides that, it’s a bit dated, but there was also beriberi...

  In any case, “soldier’s disease” in this place referred to...

  “This can make that unbearable itchiness better?”

  Yes, it was athlete’s foot. It didn’t solely occur among soldiers, but it was incredibly common in their ranks. Not to mention there’d been many who were originally healthy, but became afflicted as soon as they joined the military. It wasn’t hard to imagine why it became known as the soldier’s disease.

  “Oh, yes, that’s right. Just as it says there, there are three types of medicine, and the one worth three small silver coins can pre
vent itchiness by applying it once a day. It’ll prevent it from getting any worse. The kind worth three silver will prevent itchiness and slowly cure the condition. And finally, the one worth three small gold coins will cure it within a few days. But do keep in mind that we are not responsible if it recurs again after being cured.”

  Three small silver coins was equivalent to about 300 yen. This may sound cheap, but anyone who began using it would never be able to stop, and the itchiness never got cured, so it was quite wicked in design. Although it relieved itchiness and prevented it from getting worse, it was devilish in the way it continually drained money from its user.

  Even if it was cured with the expensive medicine, they could get it again from someone else, or if they never changed out the shoes or mat they were using previously. It was a medicine that continued to sell and bring in profits forever. A well of never-ending gold.

  ...She was pure evil.

  “Is it really going to work...?”

  The man seemed skeptical. No one could blame him. There was no way such effective medicine would be sold at a store run by little girls. It was probably no better than some plants you could find outside...

  But the man reconsidered. They may be little girls, but considering they had the funds to rent out a store like this, they had to have some sort of sponsor backing them. There were probably people in charge of purchasing and other aspects of the business, and these girls were simply sales employees. And since they opened the shop, they had to be expecting the wares to produce profit. In other words, they must’ve been worth selling.

  There was no harm in trying. It was merely three small silver coins, which was about the price of breakfast. Even if it didn’t work, it was no big loss.

  “These are for diarrhea and constipation, huh...” Another man was looking at two medicine bottles.

  Many of the residents of this kingdom, particularly those in the royal capital, had a diet mainly consisting of meat and didn’t consume enough fiber, resulting in many who were afflicted with constipation. Though not eating enough meat could also lead to constipation... Kaoru had been researching this very topic the past few days.