Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

Rhett's eyes gleamed with interest as he listened to Henk's sincere words. Desperate for capable individuals to join his ranks, Rhett couldn't afford to be coy. He looked into Henk's eyes and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Fledgling Eagle Town needs talented people like you, Henk. Welcome to our community!"

"Thank you, Lord Rhett. I pledge to serve you faithfully," Henk responded with a respectful tone. "May the glory of Fledgling Eagle Town endure!"

Rhett smiled. "It seems that the eagle has gained another splendid feather!"

With Henk's arrival, Rhett decided to postpone his visit to the logging camp to speak with Coudine. Instead, he planned to take Henk to Deep Rock Castle's main keep. Typically, newly recruited knights would be accommodated in the secondary keep, but given Henk's special status as a Level 2 alchemist, it was more fitting for him to stay in the main keep where the alchemical laboratory was located. This would also make it easier for Henk to mentor Ryley and Thales in alchemy.

As they made their way to Deep Rock Castle, Rhett conversed with Henk, learning more about him. He soon discovered why Henk had arrived earlier than expected. It turned out that after Count Nilo returned to Twilight City, he immediately posted a public notice about the destruction of the evil alchemy organization. Henk, who was then working as an alchemical pharmacist at "Annie's Alchemy Hut," heard the news and quickly resigned from his position to head to Fledgling Eagle Town.

Rhett pondered, "Could it be that in the previous simulation, Count Nilo didn't spread the news as quickly upon his return to Twilight City? And in this reality, he announced it almost immediately?"

Rhett couldn't quite figure out the discrepancy, but since it didn't seem to have any negative impact, he decided not to dwell on it.

In the first-floor hall of the castle, Sveta was busy polishing Rhett's crystal goblets with a clean white silk cloth, ensuring they were spotless. He noticed Rhett and Henk entering and hurried to greet them. "Welcome back, Master. Would you like me to prepare some refreshments?"

As he spoke, Sveta's eyes fell on the man following Rhett. The scarred face didn't fit the image of a noble, nor did he seem like a new servant. Sveta's curiosity piqued; this was the first time Rhett had brought someone like this into the castle, so the man must hold some special status.

Rhett waved his hand. "No need for refreshments. Let me introduce you to someone. This is Henk, a newly joined Level 2 mage and an experienced Level 2 alchemist."

"Henk will be staying in the main keep from now on," Rhett continued, stepping aside to reveal Henk. "Sveta, please prepare a room for him on the fourth floor and ensure he has all the necessary provisions."

Sveta was momentarily taken aback, but noticing the mage's staff at Henk's waist, he immediately composed himself. "Welcome, mysterious alchemist. You've made a wise decision in joining us. I'm sure you won't regret it!"

Sveta held Rhett in such high regard that he believed anyone fortunate enough to serve under him was truly blessed.

Rhett then led Henk to the fourth floor to show him the alchemy lab. As they ascended the stairs, Rhett asked casually, "You mentioned earlier that you have a brother. Why didn't you bring him along? We can provide him with a comfortable life here."

"Thank you for your kind offer, Lord Rhett," Henk replied as he used wind magic to lighten the load of his baggage. "My brother, Felix, is five years younger than me. After we escaped from the evil alchemy organization, we swore to avenge our family. However, our paths diverged. Felix wanted to go to the capital, where he could access greater resources and make influential connections. I chose to stay here, biding my time and investigating the people who betrayed our family. We agreed that our goals weren't mutually exclusive—he would pursue opportunities in the capital, while I continued my work here."

Rhett nodded, impressed by their determination. "You two make a strong team, and your brother is brave to venture to the capital alone. Has he returned in recent years?"

"He came back two years ago. He's now part of an alchemical organization in the capital and is doing fairly well. My brother and I have similar talents, both in magic and alchemy. If he returns, I'll tell him that our revenge is complete and try to convince him to stay here," Henk said with a hint of nostalgia. He had only his brother left in this world and didn't want them to be separated forever.

"Does he know you've come to Fledgling Eagle Town?"

"No, but I informed a mutual friend before I left. If my brother returns, he can learn of my whereabouts through him."

"Well, I hope you and your brother are reunited soon," Rhett said with a smile, secretly hoping that Henk's brother, also an alchemist, would eventually join them.

When they reached the alchemy lab, Henk was surprised to find the equipment so well-stocked. He unpacked his own alchemical instruments, placing them on an empty table, and remarked, "I didn't expect the lab here to be so well-equipped, even better than what I brought with me. There's enough here to support seven or eight people working simultaneously."

Rhett hesitated for a moment before deciding to be honest. "To be truthful, these instruments were seized from the evil alchemy organization. However, these are just tools, and given the harm those people caused, think of it as them repaying their debt."

Henk paused, glancing around the room before sighing. "You're right, Lord Rhett. The crimes of individuals shouldn't be blamed on the tools they used."

Rhett was pleased with Henk's pragmatic outlook. "I'm glad you see it that way. Henk, I plan to appoint you as the head of the alchemy lab. You'll be responsible for all alchemical work here, including potion-making and training new alchemists."

"You can count on me, Lord Rhett," Henk responded with a bow.

"What low-grade potions can you currently make? I need to know so I can gather the necessary ingredients," Rhett inquired.

After a moment's thought, Henk replied, "Lord Rhett, I can produce any type of low-grade potion. My success rate for antidotes, healing potions, and poisons is around seventy percent. For Boiling Potions, it's about fifty percent, and for Moonlight Potions, it's around forty percent."

He added, "In other words, I can make a profit from most low-grade potions, but Boiling Potions and Moonlight Potions are a bit riskier. Of course, if we grow our own magical plants, it would reduce costs."

Rhett nodded thoughtfully. While he understood Henk's point, he wanted to clarify a few things. "Henk, you're familiar with the formulas for Moonlight Potions and Boiling Potions, correct? Can you list the magical plants required for each so I can arrange for their procurement?"

Henk nodded. "Of course, but let me clarify something. The formulas aren't as simple as requiring a fixed number of plants. Alchemical potions aren't just made by combining a bunch of plants together. The key is extracting the essence, or condensate, from the plants. For example, if a plant yields one unit of condensate, a potion might only require half a unit. So, using the number of plants as a measure isn't precise. The condensate is the true measure."

Rhett nodded in understanding, recalling that Ryley had mentioned something similar earlier. Hearing it from Henk gave him further insight.

Henk continued, "That being said, for convenience, I can estimate the number of plants needed for each formula. With my skill, I can extract nearly one hundred percent of the condensate. For example, to make Moonlight Potions, I would need about twenty-one Ice Crystal Lilies as the main ingredient, along with seven Rockberry fruits, one Wind Chime Grass, and two Three-Leaf Sparklings, among others..."

As Henk listed the ingredients, Rhett mentally tallied the supplies in his storage. Most of the required plants were in stock, including Ice Crystal Lilies, of which there were over two hundred—enough for about ten Moonlight Potions.

Satisfied with his calculations, Rhett said, "Henk, I'd like you to prioritize making Moonlight Potions and Boiling Potions. We have some of the necessary ingredients, though we're missing a few minor ones. I'll arrange for them to be purchased, and they should arrive within two weeks."

"Understood, Lord Rhett. I'm ready to start as soon as the materials are available. If you have any other requests, feel free to let me know," Henk replied, already setting up his equipment.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Seeing that Henk was fully engrossed in his preparations, Rhett decided to leave him to it.

As Rhett stepped out of the corridor, ready to head downstairs, he was met by an excited Thales, who was practically bouncing up the stairs. "Father, I just heard from Sveta that a Level 2 alchemist has joined us!"

Rhett raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, that's true. Do you want to meet him?"

"Yes, Father, I'd like to talk to him!"

Rhett considered it briefly. Since Thales only wanted to chat, there was no harm in letting him. "Very well, but remember that becoming an apprentice mage is the foundation for alchemical studies."

"I understand, Father!" Thales replied, his excitement tempered with determination.

As Thales hurried past him, Rhett continued down the stairs and returned to fledgling Eagle Town.

At the central square, Ryley was waiting, accompanied by an older man with graying hair. Seeing Rhett approach, they both stepped forward.

"Father, this is Jovan, my former steward. He retired two years ago due to a back injury, but he has experience managing the town's agricultural affairs. I plan to appoint him as the temporary village chief of Fire Mine Village," Ryley explained.

"Lord Rhett, it's an honor to meet you," Jovan said nervously, unable to meet Rhett's gaze.

Rhett sized up the middle-aged man before speaking. "If you've managed the town before, you should have the necessary experience. I hope you can maintain order in Fire Mine Village. When I'm not around, follow Ryley's instructions."

Jovan's face lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Lord Rhett. I will do my utmost to fulfill this responsibility."

Rhett smiled and turned to Ryley. "Jovan's salary will be ten silver coins per month."

"Understood, Father."

Jovan was visibly thrilled. Ten silver coins—a sum five times what he earned as a steward—was beyond his expectations. More importantly, becoming a village chief was a great honor, making him the highest-ranking member of his family in history.

After sending Jovan off to prepare for the move, Ryley turned to his father with a puzzled expression. "Father, I noticed an unfamiliar mage accompanying you to the castle earlier. Who is he?"

"Ah, I was just about to tell you. That man is a Level 2 mage and also a Level 2 alchemist. From now on, you can consult him with any alchemical questions you have."

Ryley's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's wonderful! I've been struggling with some alchemical problems, and now I finally have someone who can help!"

Two weeks later, a light mist covered the ground as Rhett rode Greygor to Fire Mine Village. During this time, Rhett had refrained from sending Ryley to conduct trade, so the discovery of the Fire Pattern Mine hadn't spread. Naturally, this meant that Viscount Bolton and his daughter, Rylis, hadn't made their anticipated visit.

...