Chapter 46
Chapter 46
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: You Can't Do It - 2
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[Achievement: Plague Treatment has been accomplished.]
[As an achievement reward, all stats have increased.]
After administering the medicine to the final patient, a message window appeared before my eyes a moment later. This meant that the plague spreading through the elves' forest had been completely cured.
Phew. That took a while. After checking the data brought by the other alchemists, I turned to Lorellia, who had been watching from the side, and informed her.
"It's fully cured now."
"I see."
"Yes. Um. And..."
When I gestured, Seongya approached from behind. She had once held the position of saintess but had lost a significant amount of holy power due to suffering from the plague, to the point where she could no longer be called one.
She wasn't the only one. Most of the priests from the Healing Tree Tribe who possessed holy power had also lost theirs.
They still retained the elves' characteristic powerful physical abilities, but to call themselves priests again, they would need at least a few years—on average, several decades—of further training.
For long-lived elves, that was no issue.
And not all elves with holy power had lost it.
"The Healing Tree Tribe will lose its influence in the elves' forest."
I looked at Suhwi, and she lowered her head.
"It's unavoidable. Everything comes full circle."
The Light Wing Tribe had quickly accepted me and helped treat the plague.
As a result, their alchemists had gained considerable knowledge.
Not just related to the plague.
While earning the Pharmacy Master achievement, I had shared some information on the medicines and poisons I tested with them.
In that process, a few alchemists had even grown enough to learn ultimate skills.
But unlike them, what about the Healing Tree Tribe?
They had lost a great deal.
But it was their own doing. If they had acknowledged me and the alchemists from the start and cooperated willingly, this wouldn't have happened.
Knowing that, Suhwi couldn't say a word.
"...We'll have to accept it."
Seongya replied with a faint smile in Suhwi's place. I smiled back at her. Honestly, I didn't know what other expression to make besides smiling.
"Heh. Serves those arrogant elves right."
Marax spoke in a mocking tone while puffing on his pipe, but the elves couldn't respond.
If the elves had cooperated fully from the early stages of the plague, the damage wouldn't have grown this severe.
"I did my best. But don't forget that it was I who brought the Sage here."
"You're quite something. Anyway, what do you plan to do about repayment for this support?"
The beastkin Leo bared his sharp fangs and growled. They had come to support, but it was closer to a request from me and the kingdom than pure goodwill. So, it was natural for him to demand answers regarding the control of the elves' forest and the damages incurred while stopping the plague.
"Well, I can't say anything until the plague damage is somewhat restored."
Lorellia made a cold judgment. With the current situation needing even more support, repaying now would be impossible.
Leo seemed to know that too, so he didn't press further.
"Still, you should at least express your gratitude. At minimum, all the elves at the tribe chief level should come forward personally."
"Um..."
The haughty and noble elves would have to bow their heads directly.
It was part of what I had agreed with Marax, so there was no compromising.
Lorellia let out a short groan. It seemed painful for her generation to see such a thing happen, but... that wasn't my concern.
"For now, send envoys to the kingdom. Without such repayment..."
More forces would target the weakened elves' forest.
This wasn't just regular armies; we had to consider attacks from monsters or bandits as well.
For the time being, the various races would have to take turns protecting the elves' forest.
"Yes, we must. Princess. Thank you."
"No need to mention it. I did it because my master strongly requested it."
Lucille smiled brightly, and Lorellia shrugged before looking at me. What was that look?
"I thought you were extraordinary. You truly are impressive. Indeed, Evangeline..."
"Evangeline what?"
"...Nothing."
"There are two ways to annoy someone. One is stopping mid-sentence, and the second is..."
"Not in that sense. It was just musing to myself. Or... a realization, perhaps. Anyway, Sage. For now, we'll fulfill what we promised you. And... I have one more proposal."
"Go ahead."
"Would you consider settling in the elves' forest?"
At her words, Marax frowned, Leo sneered, and Gallashi flicked his tongue.
The other minority races just snorted.
I knew why they reacted that way.
"No."
I'd received similar offers before and always turned them down.
"...Why? It might not be appropriate to say here, but elves are all beautiful. And their abilities are exceptional."
"I imagine so."
"Sage. We have the power to grant what you desire. And with elven power, we could even extend your human lifespan..."
"I'll pass."
Because what I wanted wasn't in the elves' forest.
At my response, Lorellia let out a heavy sigh.
"Many elves want you as a mate. And many see you as a hero. Even those who rejected you at first now regret it..."
That wasn't my concern either.
And I had a lot to do right now.
"As Princess's master, I haven't fulfilled my duties yet. Therefore, I can't stay in the elves' forest."
"...I see."
Lorellia spoke briefly, her long ears drooping slightly, and I looked around.
Lucille was clasping her hands tightly, her eyes sparkling.
Now that I'd earned the achievement, there was no need to linger here.
So, I handed over all the data and know-how related to the plague treatment to Rotello and the alchemists I'd researched and experimented with. Along with instructions to refine and organize it before passing it to the Alchemists' Guild.
"...This. You're just giving it away?"
"Yeah."
Rudhi, standing with Rotello, stared at me blankly, and I nodded to her.
The plague was an event that appeared once and never again.
Even if it did, it wouldn't be tied to achievements, so the Alchemists' Guild, priests, and healers would handle it.
The data I'd created and organized would serve as a foundation, but that didn't mean I had to get involved.
"But... but, Sage. This is the result of all your hard work so far, isn't it?"
"True."
Alchemists treasure their personal recipes more than their lives. But I'm not an alchemist, so handing it over and claiming the support funds from the Alchemists' Guild is all I need.
I'm not planning to live here for a thousand years anyway.
"I'll make it public data for now."
It pays the most that way.
The plague won't break out again anyway, so I should grab as much as I can now.
"But... this."
"I'm not patenting it with the Sun."
Rudhi looked unconvinced, and I shook my head at her. No need to tell the full truth.
At my words, Rudhi and Rotello were flustered. Hm. Overdid it a bit?
"...Sage."
"Sage..."
Don't get emotional. It's all for my benefit. I patted Rudhi and Rotello's shoulders.
"Then, I'll leave the rest to you."
"...Understood. I will make sure... everyone knows what you did..."
"No real need for that. Do as you see fit. I'm off now."
"Eh, where are you going?!"
"Me?"
Back to the palace first. Report to the queen, and until Lucille finishes up here and returns...
I'll just grind quests at the Adventurers' Guild.
Those quests are endless if you don't do them steadily.
"...Off to help others again? Like how you saved the elves?"
Rudhi asked in a small mutter, and I nodded. Adventurers' Guild quests technically help others, so not wrong.
"Rotello. Um..."
"Ah. Right."
Rotello nodded slightly, shook my hand, and left.
Now alone with her, Rudhi looked up at me and let out a small sigh.
"I heard about my sister and you..."
"Not good stories, so what good is hearing them?"
"...I'm sorry. Because of my sister. It's okay if you hate elves, Sage. I can accept it."
My wariness of elves isn't really because of Evangeline. I'd never liked them much even during the game.
But Rudhi seemed to have a firm misunderstanding, showing quite a submissive attitude.
"Still, if... if you wish for it."
"Wish for what?"
"I could serve as your assistant for life, to atone for my sister's wrongs."
She clenched her fist, looking resolved. Seemed genuine. Rudhi was an excellent alchemist who caught on quick and worked hard, so she'd be helpful.
"No need."
"Pardon?"
There are hardly any alchemy-related achievements left. If I need an assistant, I can borrow from the kingdom's alchemists or the Guild.
With my position grinding achievements, a fixed assistant would be a hassle to drag around.
I can teleport alone, no need to add baggage.
"B-But."
"I can handle my tasks alone. So you should focus on stabilizing the elves' forest."
I patted Rudhi's shoulder, picked up my bag. She seemed like she had more to say, but no need to hear it.
"Then, I'm off. You worked hard."
"Ah... W-Wait a moment."
"Bye~"
I waved to her as she reached out and immediately used teleport.
Destination: the palace.
My vision blurred, and when it cleared, the now-familiar sight greeted me.
Alright. Time to report and grind some quests?
***
As the Sage vanished before her eyes, Rudhi bit her lip hard.
What an incredible person. Saving an entire race without demanding any reward.
How could someone who accomplished such a great feat be so free of greed?
"Ah..."
He said he had things to do, but his attitude clearly showed he had no desire to stay in the elves' forest.
What reason could such a great, kind person have for showing that openly?
What was the reason he rejected her, a skilled alchemist?
-The door burst open.
In walked none other than Rudhi's sister and a member of the hero party, Evangeline.
"...He's gone."
Rudhi glanced at what Evangeline held: a men's tunic. The finest one made of elven silk.
Why had Evangeline brought something that would suit the Sage perfectly?
Staring silently at her, Rudhi gritted her teeth.
The Sage.
The reason the good-hearted Hyun-woo avoided elves.
She felt like she understood again.
Author's Note
Huge thanks to Geomseong-nim for the support~!!
Hello, it's Malmulmalmul! Happy Thursday! Just one more day and it's a holiday...
Let's all hang in there! See you tomorrow! Bye~