I got fired from my job as an adventurer, so I'm starting over as an alchemist! ~ Frontier development? Okay, leave it to me! - Chapter 4 feel like I want to rebel against someone who makes me angry

“This is my younger sister, I’m Maena Beilroad. Due to certain circumstances, I’ll be accompanying him. Maena, go on and greet them.”

“Um… Nice to… meet you.”

From behind the third son Kyle, Maena timidly peeked out, lowered her head, and quickly hid again.

The dress she wore wasn’t suitable for going to the pioneer village, but it definitely suited her.

“Kyle-sama, and even Maena!?”

The Guild Master exclaimed in surprise. Normally, it would be considered impolite, but this was an exceptional situation. Fortunately, none of the three nobles seemed to take offense to the Guild Master’s reaction. Well, one couldn’t be sure about what was going on in their minds.

“Yes, isn’t it an honor?”

“Well, of course. It’s a great honor. However, as I mentioned in advance, the pioneer site we’re heading to is quite treacherous. I cannot guarantee your safety.”

“I see. We are well aware that the pioneer site is dangerous. Isn’t that right, Kyle?”

“Yes, Brother Zaid.”

Kyle replied with a nervous expression.

“No… However…”

“Don’t worry, we have arranged impeccable personnel as our security force. Alphard Promis! Persia Formalhaut! Step forward!”

“Yes, sir!”

Two capable adults, a man and a woman, stepped forward. Their demeanor and equipment made it clear that they were highly skilled.

The armor worn by the man was a lightweight armor of the Holy Knights, and the woman wore the lightweight armor of the Royal Guards, both adorned with intricate emblems on their left arms.

“Alphard was the commander of the Holy Knights’ unit at such a young age. Persia served as the deputy commander of the female guardian unit in the Royal Guards. Both are highly skilled, and their abilities are beyond reproach.”

“These two are from those famous… I see. They are more than enough as promised for defense, but…”

In this world, individual strength could make up for the power of an entire group. So, a powerful individual could be considered a force equal to a regular unit of soldiers. Indeed, with these two guarding the pioneer village, there might be no significant problems in terms of defense. However, the question remained whether they would protect not just the nobles but everyone.

“No need for gratitude.”

“It’s just that, it’s impossible to provide an environment suitable for Kyle-sama beforehand.”

“Guild Master, I’m fine.”

“However…”

“The person himself says so. There’s no need to worry.”

“Is that so…”

Zaid leaned in closer to Kyle, revealing a subtle, sly smile.

“What? We’ve been told you were incapable all along due to your poor health. Don’t miss this chance. Whether you fail or succeed, it’s all on Kyle’s shoulders. If you fail, it’s Kyle’s fault for not being a proper leader. Oh, of course, I believe in Kyle’s capabilities. I expect him to achieve impressive results and return in triumph quickly, satisfying our father, right?”

With that nasty smile, I understood what he was scheming. This guy doesn’t have any expectations for his brother; he might have even set him up for failure.

I clenched my teeth, and the sight of Kyle standing there, resolute and earnest, overlapped with my past self.

“Well, we’ve sent pioneers here several times before, and they’ve all failed. I hope for Kyle’s efforts. Yes, whether you succeed or fail, it’s all your responsibility, Kyle, the one who couldn’t command properly. Oh, and of course, I’m talking about the excellent Kyle. We’re confident that you’ll achieve satisfactory results, and we’re looking forward to it.”

I was starting to get angry, you know?

“What? You’ve been considered useless all along due to your poor health. Don’t miss this chance. Whether you fail or succeed, it’s all on Kyle’s shoulders. If you fail, it’s Kyle’s fault for not being a proper leader. Oh, of course, I believe in Kyle’s capabilities. I expect him to achieve impressive results and return in triumph quickly, satisfying our father, right?”

With that nasty smile, I understood what he was scheming. This guy doesn’t have any expectations for his brother; he might have even set him up for failure.

I clenched my teeth, and the sight of Kyle standing there, resolute and earnest, overlapped with my past self.

“Well, we’ve sent pioneers here several times before, and they’ve all failed. I hope for Kyle’s efforts. Yes, whether you succeed or fail, it’s all your responsibility, Kyle, the one who couldn’t command properly. Oh, and of course, I’m talking about the excellent Kyle. We’re confident that you’ll achieve satisfactory results, and we’re looking forward to it.”

I was starting to get angry, you know?

“Well, we’ve sent pioneers here several times before, and they’ve all failed. I hope for Kyle’s efforts. Yes, whether you succeed or fail, it’s all your responsibility, Kyle, the one who couldn’t command properly. Oh, and of course, I’m talking about the excellent Kyle. We’re confident that you’ll achieve satisfactory results, and we’re looking forward to it.”

I was starting to get angry, you know?

“What? We’ve been told you were incapable all along due to your poor health. Don’t miss this chance. Whether you fail or succeed, it’s all on Kyle’s shoulders. If you fail, it’s Kyle’s fault for not being a proper leader. Oh, of course, I believe in Kyle’s capabilities. I expect him to achieve impressive results and return in triumph quickly, satisfying our father, right?”

With that nasty smile, I understood what he was scheming. This guy doesn’t have any expectations for his brother; he might have even set him up for failure.

I clenched my teeth, and the sight of Kyle standing there, resolute and earnest, overlapped with my past self.

“No need to worry. I will ensure the success of this pioneer expedition.”

“Craft-kun!”

“Oh?”

I slowly stood up, placed my hand on Kyle’s shoulder, and raised myself from my kneeling position.

The soldiers and even Alphard and Persia moved as if to stop me, but they paused when Zaid signaled to them.

Kyle looked at me curiously.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Craft Walken, a former adventurer, and now a member of the Production Guild. I will be participating in this pioneer expedition.”

“Former adventurer? You changed professions to the Production Guild?”

“Yes.”

“What can a newcomer do?”

“I will support him. I will make this pioneer expedition a success.”

“Wait! Craft-kun!”

With Maena clinging to him, Kyle had a puzzled expression on his face.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m just following your brother’s example. He’s incognito, right? I’m just playing along.”

“I see. That’s something an adventurer who dislikes authority would say.”

“Shall I have him punished?”

“No, let it slide. However, I hope you’ll make us laugh with your results.”

“I promise.”

Zaid’s expectations are likely to change significantly, I thought to myself. My crest whispered it to me. We can make it happen!

“In addition, Kyle-sama has already achieved one result,” I chimed in.

“What?” Zaid furrowed his brow.

“By hiring me, we’ve significantly reduced the number of carriages needed. I’ve made quite a contribution to budget savings.”

“Huh? You can store things?”

“Yes.”

“But Kyle didn’t specifically mention you.”

“Fortune is part of one’s abilities,” I replied.

Zaid blinked, then burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! I see! Indeed! Results are what matters!”

I couldn’t help but feel irritated by him.

“Hahaha… You’ve made me laugh. Well, I’ll take my leave now. I wish you good luck.”

He left with the soldiers. Should I have flipped him off?

“Hey! Craft-kun! What were you thinking?”

“Yeah, really! We were on the verge of breaking into a cold sweat!”

“Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.”

“Um…”

“Oh, this is Kyle-sama! Our subordinate did some rude things!”

“No, it’s not like that.”

“Kyle-sama, please accept my apologies.”

I kneeled before Kyle and bowed deeply.

“Please, raise your head! I was actually very pleased!”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“But can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“Why did you mimic that act?”

“It’s a bit personal, but I felt a connection with your situation.”

“?”

“I was an adventurer until recently, and I was often dismissed as useless.”

Not just once, but multiple times.

“Oh…”

“I don’t know your circumstances, Kyle-sama, but I couldn’t help but feel that Zaid-sama might be distancing himself from you.”

“Please, raise your head.”

Prompted once again, I slowly raised my head. Kyle’s expression held a hint of bitterness.

“I mean, I’m frail, and when compared to my two capable brothers, I really am useless.”

“No! Kyle-sama is a noble person who cares for the people!”

Without missing a beat, the Guild Master shouted.

“I don’t have the power to save anyone… But! This time, even though I’m inauspicious, I volunteered because I wanted to help the people in any way I could!”

This child is truly pure and kind-hearted.

“So, despite my unfavorable situation, I’ll do my best. I’d be very happy if you could lend us your strength.”

“I’ve already declared it. Leave it to me. I’ll definitely make it work.”

“Your words are very reassuring.”

What I dislike most is unfairness.

A child like this doesn’t deserve such treatment.

“We, too, from the guild, will cooperate with all our might!”

“Yes! Me too!”

The settlers who had been holding back now gathered their resolve and began to speak up.

“We… We’re in too!”

“We know that Kyle-sama proposed tax cuts for a lean year!”

“Yeah! We’re all for Kyle-sama!”

Not only the Guild Master and Leifan, but even the settlers who had been holding back one after another clenched their fists. Given Zaid’s attitude, it was no surprise.

“Thank you all!”

Even Myrna, hiding behind Kyle, lowered her head shyly.

Afterward, the adventurers guarding the group joined them, and they set off on their journey. However, the two escorts, Alfred and Persia, remained stone-faced.

—

The journey was monotonous, simply walking for the most part. Despite being a former mage, I was still an adventurer at heart, so I didn’t mind long-distance walking. Leifan also showed no signs of fatigue, possibly due to his gnome heritage.

In contrast, most of the settlers looked fatigued. It seemed worrisome considering this was only the first day. Even Kyle and Myrna, who were riding in a cargo wagon rather than a noble’s carriage, appeared quite exhausted.

Well, it couldn’t be helped since this wasn’t a noble’s carriage but rather a cargo wagon, meant for hauling goods.

At night, tents were set up in the middle of the forest, with campfires burning everywhere to deter nocturnal creatures.

“Hey, Craft. I heard you changed professions,” said Raidoc, an adventurer who had arrived.

“Ah, Raidoc. It’s been a while,” I responded.

He was a slim swordsman who had once been in a party with me.

“Well, to be honest, I never saw much potential in you as an adventurer…”

“Don’t say that.”

“Sorry about that. But, joining a production guild is surprising.”

“Indeed, it is.”

“An undeveloped village, huh? Leave the safety of the journey to me.”

“I’ll assist if necessary.”

“Haha, don’t expect too much from me. We seem to have capable escorts too.”

Raidoc, promising to be dependable if the need arose, headed back to his companions. He was quite skilled, ranked as a C-rank adventurer. So, he would be reliable as a guard.

Although I hadn’t tried it yet, I should be more powerful since I had become an Alchemist. The attack spells I knew before had likely gained a significant boost in power. I’d join the fight if necessary.

“Anyway, the real issue is the common settlers,” I said to Leifan as we shared a meal.

“Yes, we’re planning to travel for about a month. However, this might extend the journey to more than twice that.”

“Right. It’s too late now, but I’ve learned Alchemy and there’s a thing called Stamina Potion that can be made.”

“It’s a potion that significantly boosts stamina for a certain duration.”

“Yes, exactly. Since it can be made with relatively simple herbs, I thought about making it and distributing it to everyone.”

“That’s a good idea, but… we don’t have enough herbs.”

“What? I double-checked when we packed, and there was a barrel full of dried herbs.”

“Well, you see, the amount of herbs needed for one Stamina Potion is supposed to be the size of a bucket, not a whole barrel. We’re far from having enough.”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

It was strange. According to the information provided by my skill, the required amount of herbs should be about a spoonful. A whole barrel of herbs could potentially make thousands, if not tens of thousands, of Stamina Potions.

“For now, can I try making one?”

“Sure, go ahead. After all, the herbs were originally meant for our use.”

“Yeah.”

I retrieved a barrel of herbs from my Item Box, filled a cup with water, and added a spoonful of herbs.

“Alright, it’s my first time using this spell, so I’m a bit nervous… Alchemy: Stamina Potion!”

The cup emitted a faint glow, and the clear water turned slightly yellow.

“I’ll take this for a moment.”

Leifan took the cup and appeared to use his Appraisal magic.

“I can’t believe it! Is this real? It’s unbelievable! Not only is the quality exceptional, but the quantity is enough for a ‘Legendary’ grade!”

“What? What’s going on?”

We were both puzzled.