Chapter 294 ·The So-called 'Divine Medicine'

The So-called 'Divine Medicine'

Upon hearing Avril's account, Serea grew somewhat curious.

Just the fact that this new potion could push vampire alchemical potions off the market made her want to see for herself what exactly this so-called Divine Medicine was.

She instructed a blood slave to mingle with the queue, then resumed her conversation with Avril.

"Have you appraised the so-called Divine Medicine? Does it really have the effects they claim?"

"Yes. Some guards in the merchant guild also carry this Divine Medicine. According to my confirmation, the so-called Divine Medicine does indeed have those effects."

After Avril confirmed this, Serea fell into thought again. At this moment, someone noticed Avril's presence.

"I didn't expect to run into Miss Avril here."

They looked toward the voice to see a man wearing a black preacher's robe walking their way. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be from the Church.

Preacher... Preacher, could it be!

Appraise.

Noel, level 19, father of the Church.

Just an ordinary believer, it seemed she was overthinking.

The man named Noel approached, and Avril greeted him.

"Hello, father Noel."

"And this is...?"

Looking at Serea, who stood by Avril's side, noel voiced his curiosity.

"This is my trade partner."

"Oh, so you are Miss Avril's friend! My name is Noel, I serve as the priest here."

Noel gestured toward the Church's missionary post, and Serea replied.

"Yun."

Using the alias she had employed before, Serea did not reveal her real name.

"So it's Miss Yun. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner."

Noel was very polite. After exchanging pleasantries, he finally got to the point.

"It's rare to meet with Miss Avril. Have you considered the offer we made previously?"

Avril's expression shifted when this was brought up.

"Sorry, the chapel has already been sold. Please look elsewhere."

"What did you say!"

Noel cried out upon hearing this, but realizing his loss of composure, he forced himself to calm down.

"I apologize for my earlier rudeness, but Miss Avril, your actions are inappropriate. How could you sell the chapel privately without our consent?"

Faced with his questioning, avril's displeasure was obvious.

"The chapel is private property of the Xiyun Merchant Guild. How I dispose of it has nothing to do with you, does it?"

"That's not how it should be. The Church has been here for days, and we helped the Trading Post overcome a plague crisis. Our contributions to this place cannot be denied. You should thank us. Moreover, the people here love us and will not accept other religions. You know this, and the chapel's ownership has long been settled."

Noel's tone grew urgent, as if restraining his anger.

"That's a separate matter. I am grateful for how you helped the Trading Post during the plague crisis, but I am a merchant. I must think of my own interests."

"Interests! To speak of interests in the face of divine grace is blasphemy!"

With that, noel's attitude became more aggressive. The fox tribe guards tensed up, and noticing the tense atmosphere, noel let out a long breath.

"Forgive me for my rudeness again. But Miss Avril, perhaps you shouldn't make a decision so hastily on this matter. I hope we can discuss this further, and maybe I can speak with whoever purchased the chapel."

"My guest wishes not to be disturbed. If you have any requests, please go to the merchant guild headquarters."

"Very well. I believe our Preacher will be able to have a good discussion with you in the future."

With these words, noel retreated, finally disappearing into the Church's missionary post.

Seeing Avril's somewhat gloomy expression...

"Is the chapel's ownership troubling you, miss Avril?"

"No, I'll handle it. Please don't worry, Your Majesty."

She said that, but Serea could tell this Church was a troublesome existence for her—or rather, that any issue involving religious powers could be troublesome if not handled well.

Through today's inspection, Serea gained a general understanding of the Trading Post. The development here had not been smooth sailing.

After transferring the chapel's ownership to Serea, they returned to the headquarters. As soon as they sat down, the blood slave who'd just gone to purchase the 'Divine Medicine' returned.

......

In the reception room, the blood slave presented a box and several vials of potion.

"Queen Serea, these are the Divine Medicines—four different types in total."

After setting the so-called 'Divine Medicine' on the table, Serea picked up one box at random. Upon opening it, she found four black pills inside.

"This is the highest-grade Divine Medicine, priced at four gold coins. The other three are sold at one gold coin, fifty silver coins, and twenty silver coins respectively."

Expensive! Absurdly expensive, but considering the legendary medicinal effects...

Appraise!

Divine Medicine (Blue, tier 3): On use, restores fifty percent of recoverable injuries, provides a junior-level detoxification effect, inflicts the negative status 'Drug Addiction,' and with long-term use will continuously reduce the user's spirit attribute, with severe use causing illusions.

"Master, it contains the banned substance 'Windweed!'"

This was Dogsius's mental transmission.

"What is Windweed?"

"Windweed relieves pain and helps heal injuries, but it also causes 'drug dependency' and cannot be used long term. That's why it's considered a banned substance."

"Heh, no wonder it's so effective—it comes at the cost of damaging the body. Anything else?"

"I can't determine the other ingredients yet. Further experimentation is required."

Hearing this, Serea shared the information about the 'Divine Medicine' with everyone. Upon hearing it, avril's brow furrowed tightly.

"So it's a banned drug!"

After mulling it over, she asked again.

"But, how did you find out, Your Majesty?"

"Ordinary people wouldn't notice, but Miss Avril, have you forgotten that I have a master alchemist by my side?"

Though she said so, it was through Appraise that Serea had learned about the addiction and mental effects, and she had to admit—Appraise was truly a broken skill.

Avril didn't know about Appraise, but the term 'master' held a lot of weight.

"A master alchemist!"

Avril was shocked, and glanced over—all she saw at Serea's side were handmaidens. Could the master really be one of them in disguise?

"In any case, my information is never wrong. If people regularly use this medicine, it will be very harmful to their bodies. Miss Avril, you'd better take action fast."

After considering Serea's words, avril summoned a guard.

"Spread the word—members of the merchant guild are forbidden from taking this medicine. Anyone who disobeys will be expelled from the guild."

"Yes!"

Avril's reaction seemed resolute, but a bit weak.

"I think you should completely prohibit the sale of Divine Medicine."

At this, avril looked troubled.

"I... I'm afraid we'll have to wait a little longer."

(To be continued...)