Chapter 182 (1/2)

Territory Pioneering 3

“Edita Sensei, did something happen in my absence?”

“Y-Yes, well, there is a certain problem we’re facing….”

“So there is? If Sophia-san is involved then, as her employer, I’d like to get involved as well.”

“Well, umm, actually, it’s about the mana potion you made….”

Just as Edita Sensei was about to explain the situation, another voice cut her off.

This voice belonged to the noble mage.

“O-Oi, Tanaka, what is that…?”

This damn ossan is stopping me from valuable time spent talking with Edita Sensei.

It took all of my power to turn away from Edita Sensei and respond to the noble mage.

“What is what?”

I followed his line of sight which ended on a shelf lined with the main souvenir of our town. The mana potions that had been made from pessari grass. I had instructed Gonzalez’s men to get the display set up in anticipation of our grand opening.

“Those items on the shelf there….”

“Oh, those are souvenirs. Would you like one?”

“Don’t tell me, are those mana potions?”

“You’re able to tell that off of a quick glance? I’d expect nothing less of Lord Fahren.”

“But that colour is….”

“I know it’s a bit strange and the taste is terrible, but I promise you it will recover mana. Think of it more as a gag gift.”

I grabbed one off of the shelf and brought it over to the ossan.

He quickly cut open the seal and downed half of the potion.

We’ve got a real challenger here.

As long as he doesn’t puke it up like Nannuzzi-san.

“Ngh!?”

The noble mage’s face froze.

“It’s just as I thought.”

Of course, it’s disgusting.

There’s no chance that terrible taste would suit the refined palate of the noble mage.

“O-Oi, this is…!”

“I told you, didn’t I? It’s more of a joke than anything serious. It’s something we’ve decided to sell her to bring in a small amount of extra revenue, but I’d appreciate it if you refrain from judging the entire town off of that one potion.”

I never expected it to be a suitable gift for a nobleman, but if he were to give a critical review of it — or I hate to even consider if he were to become ill after drinking it — my entire town would suffer because of it.

It would also be terrible if we were forced to recall all of them after producing such a large stockpile of them. If we had to, I’m sure that it would lead to my financial ruin and, eventually, to me becoming a slave.

If a powerful noble were to demand compensation for any damages caused to their body or dignity, I’d certainly go bankrupt. I’ve purposefully made sure the vials they’re in are the cheapest quality available so that commoners can afford them and there’s a sign above the potions that specifically states they taste terrible.

It’s similar to how an onahole’s manual describes the product as a joke gift and the developer is not responsible for any damages caused while using the product. Please, use responsibly and educate yourself on urethritis.

“…o-of course, a joke.”

“Yes, just a fun product to buy a friend as a souvenir.”

I can’t afford for him to demand compensation or punishment of any kind.

It’s literally a matter of life and death.

“….”

“….”

I tried to sell him a little more on the idea of a gag gift, but it was impossible for me to read his face. Was I about to feel the wrath of the noble mage? Or was he impressed by the quality of a potion made using pessari grass?

I have a feeling that I need to make amends.

“Um, Fahren-san, if you’re feeling ill….”

But the noble mage ignored me completely and turned to the glasses woman.

“Nannuzzi, drink this.”

“I-I don’t think that’s necessary….”

“You have no say in the matter. Drink it.”

He held out the half-empty potion to Nannuzzi-san.

This bastard. Is he trying to get an indirect kiss?

Why didn’t I think of that?

I want to lick every last drop of Edita Sensei’s saliva from the rim of the vial. If it were sold in stores, I’d buy it in the gallons. I’d cook ramen in it and savour every noodle coated in her juices.

“F-Fine….”

Nannuzzi-san carefully brought the vial to her mouth.

As the first few drops passed her lips, her eyes opened wide.

“….”

“I believe you understand now, Nannuzzi.”

“….”

She had no answer to give the noble mage. She pulled the vial away from her lips before her arms fell limp at her sides. I could then see her shoulders starting to tremble.

She doesn’t look like she’s doing well. Did it upset her stomach that much?

I don’t imagine she’d cough it up for a second time.

This is an important first demonstration before our grand opening and I would like it if I could avoid two nobles from harshly criticizing one of our main exports. The reputation of my town hangs in the balance. And the opinion of the nobles is important as there’s no other way of spreading the word about my town except by word of mouth.

“I’ll say it once more, Nannuzzi-san. Do you now understand?”

“…yes.”

She was barely able to squeeze out a meek response.

What kind of play is this?

I’m so envious of the noble mage.

“This is Baron Tanaka.”

“….”

“This is a perfect example of why a student needs their teacher. We saw extraordinary potential in this potion and I’m sure you saw a fortune for you, but, despite how ridiculous it may sound, he only thought of it as a souvenir. Something only worth being used as a joke.”

“…of course.”

“No matter the potential this potion possesses, I will not allow you to use it as you please. And I will also add this, no educator at my academy would be allowed to fail one of their students as you’ve done and escape punishment. Do you understand my meaning?”

“I-I understand….”

“Then, we shall proceed with your execution.”

“Aa….”

The noble mage declared this in front of the gathered crowd.

Where did that even come from?

We’re days away from our grand opening and the noble mage wants to have a public execution at our entrance. Why is he even punishing Nannuzzi-san? Seriously, what did she do? He didn’t bring my maid all the way out here just so she could witness an execution.

“Despite your status as a teacher, you robbed one of your students of their achievements and attempted to profit off it yourself. As school director, I cannot allow you to go unpunished.”

“Fahren-san? I don’t mean to interrupt but could you put an end to this?”

“I know. This is the academy’s fault, so I’ll end this quickly to rectify the problems you have been caused.”

“No, that’s not….”