Chapter 43: Treating My Grandparents

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“You want to give this medicine to Hilde?”

“Yes, please, Duke.”

“…”

You don’t need to think so hard about it; this is good medicine. It’s not suspicious at all!

“I’m willing to allow it.”

“Really?!”

“But on one condition.”

“A condition…? What is it?”

What kind of impossible demand was he going to make? I swallowed nervously.

“Could you call me ‘Grandpa’?”

“Huh?”

What kind of condition is that? I was preparing myself for some unreasonable demand, but he went and played with my feelings like this!

“Your Grace… that’s a bit…”

Look, even Sebas seems exasperated.

“Come on now. He’s the grandson I finally got to meet. I’d like him to call me ‘Grandpa.’”

I could go along with it and call him “Grandpa”… but wait, isn’t “Grandpa” kind of a big ask? It feels like a high hurdle. Couldn’t I at least call him “Grandfather”?

“Um…”

“Yes? Go ahead and ask anything of ‘Grandpa.’”

“Could I call you ‘Grandfather’ instead?”

“Hmm…”

Was it really that much of a disappointment?

“Your Grace, perhaps you should accept Lord Toma’s suggestion. Otherwise, he might dislike you.”

“What?! That can’t happen! Very well, I’ll settle for ‘Grandfather!’”

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

“Oh-ho! Toma, would you call me that one more time?”

“Grandfather.”

“Haha! Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!”

He seems genuinely delighted. I don’t quite understand it myself. From what I’ve heard, the Duke has other grandchildren—Lord Alexander’s children. I wonder what he has them call him? I doubt it’s “Grandpa,” considering his rank.

Anyway, since I had the Duke’s permission, I went to administer the life elixir to my grandmother. Since I’m calling the Duke “Grandfather,” it feels right to call the Duchess “Grandmother.”

Mother helped Grandmother drink the medicinal elixir. Though she was in a dazed state, Grandmother managed to drink it little by little.

The life elixir had an even stronger odor than the one lingering in her room. Though the smell was nearly overwhelming, Grandmother’s senses of taste and smell had weakened, so she managed to drink it without issue.

We ensured Grandmother drank the medicinal elixir twice a day, morning and evening, and during the day, we served her a nutritious soup made with vegetables and meat.

By the second day, Grandmother’s complexion had improved, and by the third day, she could see again.

“Ah… Hermina…”

Seeing my face, she mistook me for Mother. Grandfather had mentioned that I resembled Mother, but I am still a boy, after all.

On the fourth day, Grandmother was finally able to recognize Mother as her daughter. She was no longer in critical condition, and her recovery was remarkable. As expected from a divine medicine!

“Mother…”

“It’s really you, Hermina…”

Mother and Grandmother embraced, both in tears. It was enough to make me tear up too.

Later, I returned to the library to conduct further research—this time to find medicine for Grandfather’s stomach cancer.

After identifying the necessary ingredients in the books, I had Sebas prepare them.

Sebas, ever efficient, quickly gathered the materials.

Back in my room, I began crafting the medicine.

• Converted: 100 grams of Roban, 500 grams of Tauzon, and 200 grams of Bantro into 10 tablets of Stomach Purge

• Mana Consumption: 1,000 points

• Stomach Purge: A divine medicine for stomach cancer created by Deuro’s Apostle, Toma. To be taken once daily before bed; one tablet per day for ten days will cure the cancer.

 

This time, the mana consumption was only 1,000 points.

Maybe it’s because healing Grandmother’s severely weakened body took more mana, while curing a specific illness like stomach cancer required less. Or perhaps it was due to the difference in materials.

In any case, since this medicine would cure his cancer, Grandfather needed to take it!

“Grandfather, here’s your medicine!”

“H-here’s my medicine?”

“Don’t worry about the details; just take this every night before bed.”

“Why do I need medicine?”

“Your stomach is afflicted with an illness, and this medicine will heal it.”

“My… I’m really ill?”

“If left untreated, it will lead to death in the not-too-distant future.”

“D-death…? But the royal physicians said there was nothing wrong…”

“You’re not going to take my medicine?”

“Ugh… of course I’ll take it! I’ll definitely take it!”

“Great! Sebas, please ensure Grandfather takes this every night before bed. Even if he makes a face at the bitterness, make sure he drinks it.”

“Understood.”

“Grandfather, are we clear?”

“O-of course…”

Now my grandparents should be safe.

“I have business in Ashud Territory, so I’ll return in two or three days.”

“What?! I haven’t heard of this!”

“I just told you.”

“I… see. Couldn’t you stay a little longer? Now that Hilde is recovering, just a bit longer…”

“I’ll visit again soon. Besides, Mother, Father, and Siegvalt will be staying here for a while.”

“I see… Please tell Lord Roxfall that I apologize for the inconvenience. And Toma, know that I will do everything in my power to support you.”

“Oh, in that case, could I get some apples?”

“Apples? Certainly, but how many do you need?”

“Please arrange for one ton.”

“A ton?! Do you love apples that much, Toma?”

“Oh, they’re not for me to eat. I’m making sake with them. Lord Dardell requested it.”

“What?! That old bat wants sake?! That old hag dares to exploit my grandson?!”

“She’s paying me for it, so I don’t mind.”

“Well then, would you make some for me as well?”

Grandfather’s competitive spirit flared up, and he requested his own batch of sake. Those expectant eyes…!

“Sake for you, Grandfather? I can do it, but it’ll take some time.”

“No problem. I’ll look forward to it.”

“Got it. In that case, I think a medicinal sake would be best for you, considering your health. I’ll need a few specific ingredients.”

“I’ll provide whatever you need. Sebas, take care of it!”

“At once.”

That night, Grandfather took his first dose of Stomach Purge, grimacing from the intense bitterness.

I returned to Ashud Territory to check on the state of the Horse King brewery.

I also checked on the new artisans, reiterating the importance of safety and a sanitary work environment.

As I was about to stop by the temple, Lord Dardell herself arrived. That woman is impressively quick on her feet.

“I hear Lady Brunhilde’s condition has improved. Truly impressive work, Lord Toma.”

“Flattery won’t get you anything from me.”

“Oh, no, merely seeing your honored face is more than enough for me.”

Well, if that’s all it takes, you’re welcome to look all you want.

After that, I made a swift return to Axel Territory.

The day Grandmother finished all the life elixir, she was able to get out of bed.

“Toma! How can I ever thank you? Thank you, Toma!”

Grandfather hugged me tightly.

“Oh, now, you’re making Lord Toma uncomfortable.”

“What are you talking about? Toma has healed not only Hilde but also my own illness!”

“It’s not completely cured yet, so please remember to take your Stomach Purge every night.”

“Ugh… of course!”

“Lord Toma, thank you. Ever since what happened to Lady Hermina, His Grace has stopped smiling, but now…”

Sebas wiped at his eyes with a handkerchief.

“They’re my grandparents, so it’s only natural to help them.”

“No, Lord Toma, you truly are a savior to this household. Thank you so much.”

Apostle, savior… where am I headed, exactly? Well, at least Grandfather has a wonderful steward in Sebas, and that makes him a fortunate man.