It was still the familiar castle study.
Mira once again wore a simple white dress, sitting upright at her desk.
Below her stood the chief knight, treasurer, cleark, and sheriff — all her trusted subordinates.
Aven sat across from her, holding the Petilil in his arms, with Fessen standing behind him.
"Aven, you want to cooperate with me on the healing potion business?"
Mira looked at Aven, sitting across the desk, and spoke after thinking for a moment.
She had long coveted the healing potion formula in Aven's possession.
Thanks to the healing potions Aven had made, the casualties during the winter beast tide and the Abyssal Beast Tide had been kept to a minimum.
Therefore, the potion — which could be made using only the Oran berry — could significantly enhance the overall strength of Aspiration City.
Originally, she had planned to negotiate with Aven to see how she could acquire the healing potion formula. She didn't expect him to propose a partnership first.
"That's right. Rather than selling the healing potion formula, I prefer cooperation," Aven nodded.
At this point, the potion formula in his hands had become a hot potato. He planned to use this opportunity to pass it on.
Although he was now a lord with his own territory, the southeastern corner of Aspiration City, bordering the Black Forest, was constantly under threat from magical beasts — especially the winter beast tides — making development nearly impossible.
This barren land would need to be cultivated by him, but building up a territory required a great deal of funding, which he severely lacked.
Without sufficient financial support, the idea of developing the land was nothing more than a joke.
"Tell me then, what kind of cooperation are you proposing?" Mira asked after a moment's thought.
Although Aven was a border earl she had personally appointed — obligated to provide military service, pay taxes, and fulfill other duties — matters involving trade and territory development were still equal negotiations. She couldn't force him into a deal just because she was his liege.
"Well, the cooperation on healing potions is very simple," Aven said.
"I want to open a shop in Aspiration City that sells potions exclusively."
"Your Highness would provide the space and protection, while I would run the shop. The profits would be split 50-50."
Everyone present was stunned when they heard Aven's proposal.
Before the meeting, they had already prepared several possible plans — none of which included this.
"Wait, Aven, did you say the shop's profits would be split fifty-fifty?"
At that moment, Johnson suddenly interjected, clearly catching onto something.
If Aven was opening a potion shop, didn't that mean it might sell other types of potions besides just healing ones?
He knew well that Aven was skilled in making not just healing potions, but many other types — even potions that could assist in training the Rock Slide move or the Awakening Potion that dispel the Gray Mist.
Aven was a true master apothecary.
If this shop also sold other potions, the potential revenue would be staggering.
And all Mira had to do was provide a space and protection — and she'd get half the profits?
It looked like she was getting a fantastic deal.
However, there was a downside: the core formula would still remain in Aven's hands.
"Yes, fifty percent of all the shop's profits," Aven confirmed with a nod.
"Besides healing potions, the shop will also sell other potions, like the Rock Slide training aid and more."
Kevin, Richard, and the others' expressions shifted upon hearing this — clearly realizing the enormous value of such a shop.
Mira slightly nodded, thinking the terms were indeed very generous.
She then looked at Johnson, her treasurer. While she agreed with Aven's proposed partnership, the details were better left to the person most suited to it — Johnson.
"Fifty-fifty. Sounds fair, right?" Aven smiled at the treasurer.
Johnson narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't reply right away.
He suddenly asked, "What if our knight order needs potions?"
Mira was momentarily surprised by the question. She had just thought Aven's proposal gave her the better deal.
But now, after Johnson's reminder, she suddenly realized: the biggest consumer of healing potions in Aspiration City might just be herself.
"If Your Highness needs potions, there will naturally be an internal discount," Aven replied.
"As for pricing — we deduct Your Highness's share of the profit first, then we split the remaining profits fifty-fifty."
Johnson did some quick mental math.
Assuming each potion brought in a profit of 10 silver coins, they'd only need to pay 5 silver coins to purchase it. After deducting costs and expenses, they'd still earn about 2 silver coins per potion.
That was essentially at cost — and he was satisfied with it.
"Of course, if you're willing to provide the raw materials, the price can go even lower," Aven added.
At that, Johnson smiled in satisfaction and nodded at Mira, indicating that the proposal was reasonable.
Mira also did the math in her head. Though she was a little disappointed not to obtain the formula, she realized she was still making quite a lot from this partnership.
Plus, Aven was her vassal and had proven himself loyal. Even without the formula, it wasn't a problem.
As a true potion master, Aven's value far exceeded that of a single recipe.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder — why was Aven willing to make such a big concession? From the outside, it didn't seem like a good deal for him.
"Your Highness, if you have no objections, we can sign the agreement now," Aven said.
Mira nodded, instructing Johnson to start drafting the agreement.
Seeing this, Aven secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Although he had made significant concessions in the deal, he knew that working with Mira would ultimately bring him greater benefits.
Besides, his true goal wasn't to earn money from potions. This potion shop was just the prototype of his planned Pokémon Breeding Center!
With Mira's support, he believed the plan would unfold much more smoothly.
The unsuspecting female lord happily signed the agreement.
She had initially prepared to pay a high price to acquire the healing potion formula, but in the end, not only did she pay nothing, she even stood to make a hefty profit.
That was a huge relief. After the financial strain from the winter beast tide and the Abyssal War, Aspiration City's treasury was stretched thin.
This new partnership would undoubtedly improve the city's finances, allowing her to invest more into developing the territory.
"Phew, finally some breathing room in the budget," Johnson exhaled deeply.
For a treasurer, dealing with a strained budget was agonizing. His gaze toward Aven became increasingly appreciative.
…
A hurried Olai arrived at the castle.
In the noble guest area, he finally met with Aven.
"Master Olai, long time no see."
In the study, Aven smiled and greeted the renowned potion master.
Olai was visibly excited. After a brief greeting, he began unpacking the potions from his medical case.
Behind him, Link let out a sigh toward Aven, gesturing helplessly.
"Honestly, if the city hadn't been locked down during winter, Master would've gone straight to the frontlines to find you," Link said.
Hearing Link's chatter, Aven chuckled. It seemed the rumors were true — Olai really had poured his heart and soul into potion research.
After unpacking all the potions, Olai looked at Aven with eager eyes and asked,
"Master Aven, why can't I replicate your healing potion formula no matter how I try?"
Usually, asking another apothecary for their formula was extremely rude.
But Olai couldn't help himself anymore.
Aven didn't take offense. He understood how painful it was for a dedicated researcher to hit a wall.
"It has to do with some special techniques," Aven replied with a smile.
He then walked to a side table already set up with a full set of potion making tools.
Knowing Olai would ask about the potion, Aven had prepared in advance.
Standing by the table, he picked up a tool and said,
"Now, I'll demonstrate the healing potion preparation right in front of you. Watch carefully for any differences."
Olai's eyes lit up as he stared intently at Aven's every move.
Behind him, Link's expression suddenly changed. As an apothecary, he knew how precious such a formula was.
Yet here was Aven, openly demonstrating the process in front of them — with no attempt to hide anything!
Was Aven really so trusting, or did he truly believe they wouldn't leak the secret?
Link's gaze was conflicted, but his eyes remained locked on Aven's hands, watching him skillfully process the Oran Berry.
Aven's movements were smooth and elegant — almost artistic to the two watching apothecaries.
Once the Oran Berry was properly processed, Aven lit an oil lamp to heat some water.
Both Olai and Link were surprised by this step.
Aven carefully observed the water under the flame. Once it began to emit light steam, he waited briefly, then poured it into a test tube.
"The nutrients in Oran Berry dissolve best in water between 40°C and 60°C. Temperature is very important," Aven explained to them.
Both Olai and Link instinctively nodded like students absorbing a teacher's lesson.
Aven continued the preparation process. After a while, a vial of healing potion was completed in his hands.
"So this… is the healing potion?"
(End of Chapter)