Chapter 17: A NEW ECHO of the NORTH
Days passed in a familiar rhythm. Morning turned to night, and night gave way to a new dawn. It had been two weeks—perhaps even a month—since I arrived in this world. Much had happened in that time.
According to the children, Elrik began working on potion crafting right after that dinner. He stayed up, working day and night for three consecutive days. I had even provided him with enough materials for ten attempts. After failing nine times, he succeeded on the fourth day—only to immediately collapse from exhaustion. When he finally woke, Rania scolded him relentlessly for neglecting his rest.
Once the kingdom discovered his success, they wasted no time. The royal court gathered their alchemists, and within a week, they too had learned to replicate the potion.
Since I had rescued that mischievous boy, he had started tailing me everywhere. At first, he merely observed the house from the forest, but later he followed me to the capital. He never caused trouble—just watched—so I let him be.
Two days after submitting my request, a group of adventurers managed to deliver a small bundle of herb leaves. A week later, more adventurers joined in, and supplies from the merchant guild began to flow.
Potion crafting spread like wildfire. Within three months, the capital was filled with self-taught alchemists. Within a year, it had reached other nations and become a common commodity. But that’s a story for another time. As for me...
[Three Days Earlier]
Just as I stepped out of the adventurers’ guild, someone called out to me.
"Lady Luna!"
"Ekin! How are you?" I called back.
"I’m well, my lady. I heard about an adventurer named Luna who made a breakthrough in potion crafting. At first, I thought it was a coincidence. But it turns out you’re not just talented—you’re also a noble, and Lady Rima’s sister," he said with a light laugh.