“Hmm, we finally arrived.”
Three members of Falma’s family exited the carriage. One was Falma’s father, Bruno; another was his mother, Beatrice; the last was his younger sister, Blanche. Each one of them carried an appearance that showed they had been waiting for this day to come. Falma was the last to get off. He took a deep breath of the crisp and salt infused air, then stepped firmly on the chalky ground. They had disembarked near the Medioccasean Sea.
True Era 1146, half a year had passed since the establishment of Different World Pharmacy, Falma had become 11 years old.
The pure white hillsides and beaches made a vivid contrast against the blue sea that appeared to be glittering to the eyes. Stone houses of the nearby fishing village dotted along the coast, their red painted roofs and pure white walls facing alongside the hill. In the emerald green ocean, trading ships came and went busily. A ship could be seen anchored at the large trading port. A scenery that certainly resembles Southern France.
“We have been waiting for you our Lord, the New Archduke of Marseille.”
“Yes, I did not neglect to patrol the province day in and day out.”
Since Bruno wasn’t a native feudal lord of the Marseille province, he assigned Adam: a young, well-behaved, and able butler from the de Médicis family (A rank lower than a Steward), as the acting governor.
“The province has 21 villages, 47 knights, 635 farmers, and 938 medicinal plant growers. . .”ーー
“Compulsory labor, conscription will be done on each village in rotation. . .”ーー
“What is the status of the harbor?”
There are 14 trade routes, connecting with harbors from 31 countries and 3 colonies,
“Hmm. Not bad at all. Both trade volume and tax revenue have increased.”
“As for foreign trade, it is desirable if there is freedom to do so. Reduce the tariff rate. But if they still don’t follow our rules, then drive them away.”
“If we lower the tariff rate, both people and goods will flow in. As for the logistics. . . What are you still doing here Falma? You go play outside, the sandy beach is wonderful.”
“Waa, I can see the sea!”
“Don’t go into the sea!”
Falma was finally convinced that there was no doubt about how similar the geography of this world was to his old world.
“So smooth! so smooth!”
Those two are really kids.
I’m a kid too, aren’t I?
“Young Lady! Let’s make a sand castle!!”
“Big brother! I want to splashy splash over there!”
“Master Falma, can we go near the water and watch the waves!?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to enter the sea, as neither of you can swim. Also, did any of you bring a change of clothes?”
As for the smiling Ellen who had accompanied them, she took of her coat and rested under the shade of a tree while drinking.
Lotte and Blanche chased after the waves without a care in the world, they seemed to be quite pleased as their feet soaked in the ocean water.
“Come on, little Falma!”
“Haa, hahaha, that’s funny!”
“Now I’ve have done it, Lady Blanche!”
“Emergency!”
“Master Falma!”
Falma eventually found Blanche being swept away by the ocean current as if she was unconscious. Though he swam towards her, the blowing wind and fast current made things difficult for him. The girl was steadily getting farther away, and his swimming just couldn’t keep up.
Falma felt an aching sensation from the keloid on his right arm that was soaked in water.
Should I try it. . .!?”
I would have given up if I had to dive too deep, but fortunately it’s still shallow out here, despite being so far from the shore, therefore. . .!
Erase
He imagined the details of the states of both water and seawater in his mind, he felt the texture of the water on his skin, and was eventually able to understand the aqueous solution.
Perhaps the entire sea will disappear if I used my full power, was the stupid thought that crossed his mind.
Shortly after, Falma’s imagination was materialized as seawater in a 10 meter radius around him disappeared. Within the space he had created, Falma fell hard onto the seafloor. At first a gaping hole in the sea appeared in the shape of a crater, then a column of space without water formed.
All right.!. . . But what the hell is this!?
He took Blanche, who had also gotten caught up in his skill, and carried her back to shore. As to prevent the inflow of water, Falma created a wall of divine power as he continued to remove the seawater in his path. He walked one step at a time while dividing the sea, until he arrived back at shore.
“Blanche! . . .”
Thank god. . . with this childish body, it would’ve been impossible to save her just by swimming
However, Falma noticed something.
Now that he had thought about it, he might not have designated just “water molecules”, as he had been in a hurry. He wasn’t certain that he could’ve entirely erased seawater, so he thought it would only be natural for a large quantity of salt and minerals to separate from the seawater. In other words, the salt and minerals didn’t accumulate on the seafloor. . .
Ellen asked timidly.
“Not the “Negative” attribute, that’s for sure. The ability to completely eliminate seawater does not exist. This is because the ability of the negative attribute can only go as far as reducing volume. To put it simply, the domain of erasing substances doesn’t exist.”
She became increasingly convinced that her theory that Falma wasn’t human anymore was true.
“In the end it doesn’t matter, you saved her.”
“Is the production of the medicinal herbs going well?”
It seemed it was very unusual for a feudal lord to come directly for inspection, the farmers felt very much obliged.
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Let’s see, perhaps. . .”
“Falma, don’t tell me you forgot it already?”
Cedric Luneau was also a respected Divine Art user.
“I see.”
The farmers showed their gratitude to Cedric, because of him their work had become easier. This year’s harvest is going to be quite bountiful, don’t you agree??, the villagers said many optimistic things such as that. Few nobles had the Earth attribute, and those who did were quite valuable.
Bruno asked them.
“Is that so?”
Bruno drew a simple Divine Art formation with his wand and then started to do his questionable dance, causing a haze like a mirage to envelope his entire body.
“Blessed rain of healing (Pluie bénie de la guérison)”
With a wave of his wand, Bruno’s divine skill brought forth rain clouds to grace the land. It gave vitality to the medicinal herbs, it seemed these herbs would end up being quite potent. Bruno performed his dance, strengthening the effectiveness of both the divine power and divine skill, it was his rare personal ability. It was said that medicinal herbs under the effects Bruno’s Divine Art would fetch a high price.
Falma watched Bruno, who had brought the rain. It had certainly been the work of a divine skill.
The farmers leapt up with joy as they thanked the blessed rain while they sang and danced.
I must verify the effectiveness of the Divine Art too.
If he dissolved medicine in water created by a Divine Art, will the therapeutic effect increase? He started to recognize his father’s expertise. Since Bruno was an excellent Divine Art user, he was able to create high potency potions by mixing medicinal herbs.
After the graceful rain ended, a vivid rainbow containing divine power formed a large arch.
“Look at that.”
“Now then, that is the best piece of land that Adam chose at the other side.”
“In addition, you will be able to produce any medicinal herbs you want over there. If it’s up you to decide, what would you do?”
At this excellent location, what can he do for the future, for the sake of the people of this parallel world? Taking all of this into consideration, it was only natural what Falma’s answer would be.
He would construct a pharmaceutical factory, employ the locals ,and arrange a system for pharmaceutical production. The goods would then be transported to the Imperial Capital, where they would be sold to each and every apothecary and pharmacy, not just to Different World Pharmacy.
“It’s not for the sake of making money. Even after I disappear, the people of this world will live on. I don’t want anyone to suffer from diseases, so the appropriate treatments need to be available.”
Borrowing the body of a child, the business of the Medicine God will begin.
The words that Bruno said to Falma disappeared into the wind and was masked by the background noises of the grassy plain.
“Do try whatever you wish. I will help you out in any way I can.”
The son looked at the vacant land while the light shone down upon him, he thanked and nodded his head vigorously.