CHAPTER#36: Potion

The hunched-back old Derran knocked on the heavy black and platinum gold doors of the master chambers. Luciana asked Mina to answer the doors. The old man hurried inside the chambers and frantically greeted Luciana.

"Please calm down Mister Derran. You are out of breath." she offered him water in the wooden cup.

"Milady! Oh, h-how can this humble servant drink from the same cup as his lord's?"

"Right, milady I'll fetch another cup right away."Milady opposed the idea.

"Oh, it wouldn't hurt. The cup will be washed up eventually."

Mina took the cup and winced at the old man.

"M-My lady is too generous."

"Well thank you."She smiled gently.

"What brought you here in such a rush?"

"O-oh Yes! The potion! The one you requested madame. It was successful."He claimed excitedly taking out a small round bottle made of elk wood.

"Wonderful!"She looked at the small bottle in astonishment.

"B-but madame... There is a little trouble with it."He hesitated.

"Is it still incomplete?"

"No no madame. If it were I would've begged my lady for a little more time."

"Then?"

"This potion was indeed difficult to make because it requires rare ingredients to make it effective. But unfortunately, I ran out of the crucial ingredient..."He gave a pause and asked for forgiveness.

"Please... You were able to achieve something impossible like this with little things you had."

"Lady... There are some shortcomings... So to be sure please refrain from using it frequently. The potion's effect will run out within half a day. And the use will be required twice. But it is dangerous as it might affect those certain regions you wish to change on one's body."

"What makes it so dangerous to not use it frequently?"

She had always had an interest in herbology and studying different medicines and potions from different realms.

"There are such ingredients I say it's harmful due to their high poison potential. Consider the crucial ingredient I ran out of recently. It can become an effective drug for demons but it is equally lethal for us humans. As for your race, I'm not sure but hypothetically it will destroy the core of the pure energy flowing inside your body."

Luciana was taken aback. Hearing just an example shook her and made her realize how careful she should be. The knowledge she gained in Amanécer won't do her much. She'd have to study the demonic life and the habitat of the realm. It was surprising enough that she was able to survive to some extent all thanks to her husband.

"What is this rare ingredient you talk of Mister Derran?"

"According to the merchant who used to sell these ingredients, it is called the Devil's palm. I tried to get more information about the plant. Regardless, all he knew was that it was a kind of fungus that was like a mushroom. However, it only grows in the forbidden forest that's always covered in mist. And that is at the southern border of the capital city. For folks like us, it is not an easy thing to get. Many of my potions require such rare ingredients only found in the capital. Since it has an environment far better and suitable for their growth."

-"That does make such items extremely rare in a cold region like this. The territory is nearly barren with bare minimum produce to keep it going through the harsh winters. And I do not know the situation of this region. Neither will he let me out since the failed attempt to escape. I've been holed up in this room far too long. I could ask Jafar or Mina to guide me around the place but... Even if he is my husband in name... I will need to gain his trust from scratch."

"The lady is thinking too hard."The old man whispered to Mina.

"Of course who's fault was it in the first place? And besides she's become so weak ever since she came into this place. I always have to be extra careful with her food, and clothing and check if there is enough firewood to keep her and her child warm."

-"What could the lady be thinking about to zone out?"

"Madame-"Derran began when Luciana cut him through.

"Mister Derran do you know anyone who frequents outside of the territory?"

"N-no madame. Unfortunately for us humans and half-demons, there is no place beyond this region."

"My brother only goes on master's orders. But Master does frequent the other places. Since the master is responsible for eliminating any dangers budding in the realm." Mina informed her.

-"It's a problem... He wouldn't listen to me. He's more on guard to let me go. Jafar isn't an option either... I can't let the other servants be in danger judging by Mina's words... Hmm... Someone who travels from place to place..."She pondered and suddenly exclaimed.

"Merchants!"

"Merchants?"

"Yes! That's it. Mister Derran when does the merchant you buy the ingredients from visit this place?"

"Madame I regret to inform you that man has died."

"Huh died? "she repeated in disbelief.

"Yes, it was a month ago when his caravan was sabotaged and he was found dead by the master during his patrol near the western mountains."

She felt her hope dwindle at every heartbeat.

"And merchants rarely come to this place knowing the climate."He sighed regretfully.

After a long silence, she heard Nemesis laugh as Leo licked his cheek gleefully and wagged its tail.

"Oh dear... She hurried and gently patted the wolf and calmed him. She took out her handkerchief to wipe away his soft cheek.

"Mina, can you please help Nemesis wash his face?"

"At once milady!"She took Nemesis from Luciana's arms and went outside the chambers.

"Let's go change into warmer clothes young lord."

"He seems to have cheered up more."The old man studied the young boy's face.

"Yes... At least my husband shares the same concerns."

"Then milady and lord must have a better way to understand each other."He smiled wanly.

"Pardon?"

"An effective communication between people is the best way to understand each other. I don't mean to cross the boundaries milady. Consider it as this old man's little advice."

"Thank you....for looking out for me."She thanked him and looked at the small bottle.

A smile came across her pale face.

"I think I know what to do... For now at least. As for your hard work, what do you want?"

"This was just a small thing madame..."

"There is no need to humble yourself. Tell me if it is within my power I could grant your wish."

He paused for a moment and thought.

"There are some ingredients madame... I need them since I've run out. If I asked the master for them... I'm afraid that he would just pick anything without knowing."

Luciana giggled after hearing him out.

"That does describe him well."

"But there seem to be fewer and fewer merchants around to run your errand."

"A merchant caravan... Perhaps they will come in handy."She smiled.

-"Blue Van... I need them under my control."

"Talk about a good timing."