Chapter Six

Despite the long history of magic in this world, it is unknown how to exactly increase one's own energy which is called as mana.

Researchers who spent their whole lives to find out just a fragment of the truth, managed to uncover things that could affect one's power.

One of the most controversial thing was that the best way to accumulate the energy to use for one's magic was to meditate and absorbed the world energy that exist around you.

As the only thing that can differentiate the degree of output an individual is capable of is proportional to the quantity of their mana, many questioned such a method.

But of course, since the one who proposed this idea was dubbed as the Sage of Losulmior, the Father of Philosophy, who possessed power that can destroy castle walls with ease, everyone simply accepted it as the fact.

"Truly, after weeks of meditating, I feel like this weird bubbly lump of energy inside of me is increasing, albeit slow fuckingly"

Just by thinking about nothing while in a quiet and peaceful environment, Lalaine was surprised that something actually changed.

The feeling of some sort of energy entering her body, as if energizing her, was proof.

This means that there is another factor that affects the amount of mana one can take, which is compatibility.

Lalaine stood up and looked at the mirror.

[Magic / Degree = Plant , Soul / 5, 3]

"Degree must mean the potential amount of energy one can accumulate in their body...

But seeing that I have two different 'Degree' contradicts with that theory"

After thinking more about it, she then come up with the most probable idea.

"Though it sounds cringe, I don't really have much choice but to admit it"

In many martial art novels and in the world of martial fiction, there states that an individual cultivate a 'type' of energy suited for them.

Just like in the martial world, this world also has many different types of mana unknown to all.

Hence, the 'Degree' shown here states the compatibility one has with their magic. If you are then compatible with the mana of that specific element, then you will be able to store a lot inside you.

In order to test this theory out, I will have to meditate somewhere full of plant life.

"I sure have so much things to do. Well, I'm sure it will be worth it in the future"

With nothing to do, Lalaine thought of her dream house and where she could build it in the near future before drifting into sleep.

An image of a simple two story house appeared in her mind.

It was a hobbit house with a fairly large fish pond and garden on the back while there was a well at the front.

Imagining it to be nearby a forest, she also had two dogs who would help her hunt in the day and play with at night.

"That... looks nice..."

...

During their two day stay in Vualen's manor, the viscount and viscountess were not only hospitable but was also proven to be the kind of in laws who would lose track of time while recalling memories of the past.

Especially the embarrassing ones that all children try to hide from their peers.

"Will it be alright to go so soon?"

"Of course it is. It may not look like it, but me and the others also need to go to Lerdin"

"....."

Lalaine looked at her uncle with a pair of judgmental eyes.

"Why... are you looking at me like that?"

"I don't really discriminate when it comes to matters of love, if anything I support those who swing the other way, but... do you and the viscount have a history together?"

Lalaine asked curiously with a small, almost teasingly, grin.

"I assure you that what you are imagining is not true"

Robin huffed, irritated.

"But... the way you two... touched each other was... weirdly sensual"

"....."

"Uncle, is it perhaps not allowed for the three of you to get together when you guys were younger?"

"As I said, we are not like that!"

Robin grumpily went away to oversee the loads their merchant group will be taking with them.

After setting off to Lerdin, Lalaine spent ten days prying into her uncle's love affair.

"Hooo~.... Are you not tired of pestering me like this? I will seriously get mad at you if you continue-"

Before he could finish himself, Lalaine handed a small bottle.

As a merchant, Robin was instantly curious to find out another creation of Lalaine's and opened the bottle.

"....? Oil?"

"I call it a tiger balm. It has the same effect of relieving pain. Stomachache. Headache. Aching joints.

Quality wise, this is better compared to the existing ones in the market"

While listening to Lalaine's explanation, Robin took a little bit and rubbed it on the back of his hand.

"Wow!"

Just seconds later, he felt an intense and cooling sensation.

"It also has a unique scent. As expected, everything you make is simply worth investing on!"

"Just so you know I have no plan on telling you the manufacturing process nor the ingredients needed"

"Tsk! Then, what are you planning to do with this? Surely you did not simply gave this to me after annoying me for the past ten days?

If so, then I think I will get angrier"

"I can produce about twenty of those every month. Don't you think nobles, especially the old ones, would die to have something like this?

Something that could alleviate their pain?"

A spark was ignited

".....?!"

Robin instantly understood what Lalaine was talking about.

"In my knowledge even the pain relieving oils have a much milder effect and does not last as long as this one. They also smell unique, in a bad way of course"

Robin looked at the oil on his hand and begun mumbling like a bee.

"How much are you willing to sell this to me?"

"Free. I will give twenty of those every month to you for free. In exchange, I want your company to be responsible for all the things I will be purchasing from now on such as food, tools, equipment, and ingredients"

"So you want supplies and other daily necessities?"

"Yes"

"....."

There was an awkward silence between the two until they reached the city gates.

"Fine. You are lucky that I am investing this much on you"

"I knew you would say that"

"Is it just me or have you become more cheeky since I last saw you"

Robin squinted his eyes in an attempt to find out the change from his neice.

"Time's have changed. Naturally, I grew older with time"

Seeing her pompous smile, he could not help but be reminded of his free spirited aunt.

'But, it is truly amazing. Before I could even recall my past life's memories, the 'me' from this world was already working on so many things that I only had to modify them slightly to have the best product I can make with the currently available tools.

I guess even in an another world, I am still a genius'