Royal Command
We moved to the living room as a family and dismissed all others.
"The households that wish to sell dragon scales will have them auctioned under the royal family's supervision. It seems they plan to notify other nations as well."
"The royal family already has three dragon scales, and even if a few end up in other countries' hands, driving up the price will be more profitable for them."
"But now there's a royal decree summoning Hardt to the capital to show the dragon egg."
"Wouldn't it be better to wait until after the dragon reincarnates?" I asked.
"They want to see it post-reincarnation too. No one’s ever seen a dragon egg before, so it’s only natural that they’d want to. That said, the attendees will be limited to those from last time and Duke Clondale only."
"Father, I have two conditions for going to the capital."
"I have a bad feeling about this... Let’s hear them."
"First, I want to make a backpack. Second, I can only stay for a few days because the egg needs a special liquid."
"Hardt, it sounded like you just casually said something very serious."
"Father, you’re not wrong," Brother Gerald said. "Brace yourself before you listen."
The first condition is a revised version of the carry-sling. I’m the only one who can carry the dragon egg, so I need a backpack designed to hold it.
The second condition involves a bottled liquid. I explained that this liquid is made from a slime that has only drunk my healing water. If I don’t give two bottles of this to the dragon egg every day, I’ll likely collapse from mana depletion. Even then, the egg still consumes about one-third of my mana each day.
“Hardt, was this liquid made specifically for the dragon?” Brother Chris asked.
“You’re sharp, Brother Chris. I made it while I was searching for a substitute for holy water.”
“Brother, remember the hot spring Hardt made at the dragon site? The real hot spring seeds are much smaller. Hardt used this liquid to enlarge one by constantly pouring it on.”
“Hardt, why didn’t you just use holy water?” Mother asked.
“Because I thought it was best not to get involved with the church, so I tried to create an alternative.”
“And how does Gerald know about this?”
“Because the hot spring seed I saw at the dragon site was so huge, I cornered Hardt about it,” Gerald replied.
“… Hardt, where is that slime now?”
“Georges is taking care of it. Brother Gerald got really mad at me, so I understand it was something dangerous. But until the dragon reincarnates, it’s necessary. Besides, I think it might have other uses, so I want to keep it hidden.”
“So you aren’t reflecting on it.”
“Brother Gerald warned me that if this got out, Georges might be in danger. That’s why I want to hide this liquid’s existence by using holy water as a cover.”
“Judging from how you're talking… you have a plan, don’t you?”
“Yes. I was thinking of calling it a bath additive. A concentrated hot spring essence that turns any bath into a hot spring. We could mix holy water into it. Or maybe make hot spring-based skincare products.”
“So you want to involve the church. But won’t they refuse out of fear of being accused of using holy water for profit?”
“We’ll make two versions—one with holy water, one without. The version with holy water can be sold as medicine. Also…”
“That’s enough. For now, focus on dealing with the palace. You can make the backpack. Georges will carry the slime in a sling to the capital. Work with Maria in secret to make the holy water-based product. You can use the leftover holy water from last time. And Hardt—no more acting on your own.”
What do you think about this chapter?
