But if this is the taste of potions in this world, wouldn’t my potions sell like hotcakes!?

“Is it the ingredients that are different, or the method of making them…? Which is it?”
“The ingredients are healing grass and water.”
“That’s the same, then. But why does the bitterness disappear?”

I took out some healing grass from my bracelet and showed it to Cloud.
“This is the healing grass I’m growing in my garden.”

Since it returns to its original state every morning, it feels like it’s not exactly accurate to say I’m growing it.

“Could I take a look at that?”
“Sure. You can have it.”

Cloud took the healing grass in hand and stared at it intently. Then, he tore off a small piece and put it in his mouth.
Ah… A clear wrinkle formed between his brows.

It must have been really bitter.
I gently handed him some water.

Even after gulping it down, Cloud was still moving his mouth around.
…His mouth must still be bitter.

“Indeed, the quality seems good, but it’s just ordinary healing grass. Then, I suppose the method is different?”

The method, huh.
I just stir it in the alchemical cauldron, but I guess it might be different normally.

“How do you make potions, Cloud?”
“I chop the healing grass finely and boil it. Then I strain it and bring that to a boil again… So your method must be different, right?”

Did he realize I thought it sounded like a hassle? Cloud pointed it out.

“Well, Mei isn’t a healer; she’s an alchemist.”
Ermine nodded, arms crossed.

Now that I think about it, they explained to me at first that I was brought here because there isn’t anyone else with alchemy skills.

So, that means I’m the only one who can use alchemy in this world?

“How does one become an alchemist?”
“It’s impossible without talent.”
“Can I become one too?”

When Cloud asked, Ermine tilted her head.

“Hmm, I wonder… If you train for about three hundred years, you might manage it?”
“…Three hundred years… That’s impossible unless you’re an elf.”

Oh!
From what he just said, there are elves too.

With beastmen and elves, that leaves dwarves, right?
I wonder if there are dwarves around.

“So that means we can only drink bitter potions.”

Cloud apologized to Alex, who looked disappointed.
“Oh, no. Cloud always makes potions for us, so we’re really grateful! Besides, they’re not nearly as bitter as the ones sold in shops.”

Cloud smiled at Alex, who hurriedly followed up.
I don’t know how to describe it, but Cloud really gives off a calm healer vibe.

He seems older than Alex. Maybe he’s around the same age as Zeke.

“If you want to get rid of the bitterness in the potions, why not try changing the method?”
“Change the method?”
“While it’s impossible to make the same potion as Mei’s, you can probably reduce the bitterness a bit.”

Oh~!
As expected of Ermine, the “Guide.”
Not only can she pull things out of her dimensional pocket, but she also has knowledge.

“What should I do?”
“First, soak the healing grass in water overnight, then take it out. After that, simmer it carefully without bringing it to a rolling boil until it reaches a color similar to that of the healing grass. The grass becomes bitter at high temperatures.”
“Is that so? Thank you for telling me.”
“No need to thank me~.”

Ermine’s whiskers twitched gently as she said that.
I recently learned that this is a sign that Ermine is in a good mood.

“By the way, should I take some of our healing grass home?”
“No, that would be too much.”

Cloud declined politely, but even if he took all the healing grass, it would grow back tomorrow, so there’s really no problem.

“In exchange, could you tell me how to get to the town from here and how much my potions could sell for?”
Since they’re adventurers, I’m sure I can get all kinds of information if I request it as a job.

I’m going to sell potions and buy meat!

“To get to the town from here… I think it would take about half a day of walking. However, strong monsters appear along the way…”
Cloud hesitated and glanced at Zeke. Seeing Zeke nod, he continued.

“Well… if you don’t mind, would you like to come to the town with us?”
“Come with you?”

Are they offering to guide me?
If so, that would be a big help.

“If you want to sell potions, you need to be affiliated with the Adventurers’ Guild or the Commercial Guild. If you want to sell your potions at a high price, it’s better to be part of the Commercial Guild. But you need two recommenders to join the Commercial Guild.”
“So you’re saying you’ll become my recommenders?”
“Yes. If I can continue buying those potions, I’ll gladly become your guarantor.”

Zeke and Alex nodded next to Cloud.
Wait, does that mean I can sell potions and buy meat?

Yay!