85 – 85. Caffeine
When Sienna returned. I was extracting caffeine in the lab.
The ingredient was tea leaves enjoyed at the palace.
I didn’t know I could make this here either.
Morphine, heroin, ephedrine. And compared to the filofon that I could make right now if I wanted to, it was a very wholesome substance. I wasn’t suddenly trying to quit the dru*g business; I was preparing for Leon Roderdale.
“Because I can’t give him ephedrine indefinitely.”
Leon, the human who shouted that morphine alone was not enough.
But the ingredient, mahwang, was expensive.
The cost wasn’t a problem, but if I hastily purchased mahwang, it could have caused misunderstandings among those currently watching Medop Pharmaceuticals.
Misunderstandings that I might release a special concoction that enhances training efficacy.
So, I planned to mix caffeine, which is easily procurable, in an appropriate ratio to create a mild-tasting filofon. Sienna witnessed it.
“You’ve come, Your Highness.”
“Yeah.”
After a brief exchange of greetings, silence fell once again.
Curious, I turned around, but Siena only urged me to continue with a nod.
“There’s nothing to hide.”
It was just a basic task.
Besides, it was my choice to allow Siena access to the manufacturing room.
It was my intention to grant Siena personal space in order to earn points. Thanks to that, Siena became more obedient, even though there was still a slight tension.
I couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous as Siena stared at me without saying a word, wondering what thoughts were going through their mind.
Could it be that they had just finished a match with Victoria? Or did they simply return peacefully?
I couldn’t tell, so I decided to let go of the unknown.
“It’s caffeine.”
Instead, I tried to pique Siena’s interest in a different way.
“Caffeine?”
“It doesn’t have the effects you expect, Your Highness. It only provides a slight awakening effect. It’s not something we plan to distribute commercially.”
I said that in case they had any expectations for a new product.
Surprisingly, Siena didn’t show any signs of disappointment.
“I see. I didn’t expect anything extraordinary from tea leaves.”
“….”
“Morphine and heroin are ultimately made from op*ium, right? And ephedrine, that’s made from ephedra… a type of ma-hwang. In the Jin Kingdom, there’s a person named Beonwang who directly supervises the cultivation of ma-hwang. That’s how potent the effects are, so one must be cautious.”
“You’ve done your research.”
“Of course. Something with morphine… Well, should I say an additive? Anyway, it doesn’t seem like it’s solely about the ingredients when you see that they’ve made heroin by introducing some changes.”
Listening, it seemed like there was a vague conjecture about semi-synthesis as well. I was once again reminded of the wisdom in allowing access to the manufacturing room.
From Noble mtl dot com
Even if left alone, this guy would eventually have figured out how to make morphine on his own. It’s better to leave it in plain sight than intentionally create barriers and fuel obsession.
“But that’s not the issue now.”
Siena, who had been examining tea leaves attentively, spoke again.
“So, what’s the purpose?”
“I’m making it to supply Leon Rotherdale.”
“I know you made some agreement with that guy related to my sister.”
Now it gets crucial.
I managed a simple facial expression control and nodded.
“Yes. I have an agreement with Queen Victoria. After tomorrow, you won’t see Leon Rotherdale in the system anymore. I’ll use him as a precedent and then plan to send him out of the system. However, I can’t just send him away…”
“You’re giving him the dru*g. My sister must have made a big decision.”
“That’s right.”
“In the end, that dru*g addict will be under the command of my sister? Even though he’s an addict, he’s still a superhuman. You’re even providing the means to control that superhuman. My sister must be really grateful to you.”
Given Siena’s intelligence, she should know that I didn’t give a gift to Victoria but rather handed her a responsibility.
“No, she even saw Leon in person.”
In the end, it wasn’t about handing over talent to Victoria, my rival in the book business. It had to be seen as just whining because she was upset, not receiving any acknowledgment or reward from Victoria.
Why did she negotiate with Victoria without a word to me? That must be the reason.
‘Is there nothing going on between me and Victoria when you act like this?’
It seemed like Sienna was killing the mood again.
If that’s the case, I was willing to endure this level of whining.
The method was simple.
“Milady, I apologize, but could you lend a hand?”
“You want to put me to work?”
“Yes. Is that not acceptable? There’s no one else here to help unless it’s milady.”
At my words, Sienna seemed momentarily taken aback, then chuckled.
“Well, Victoria won’t be entering this workshop anyway. She never has, and she won’t in the future… Am I right?”
“Of course.”
Sienna approached, standing by my side.
A small shoulder that seemed to brush against my upper arm, crimson eyes alternately glancing at me and the tools, including the funnel.
Her expression was indeed unique, perhaps due to her peculiar taste. From my perspective, it wasn’t a bad thing if it meant less work for me.
What followed were simple instructions and repetitive tasks.
And conversation.
“Sienna, there’ll be something interesting at the academy tomorrow. Would you like to come along?”
“So, you’re telling me to watch, huh?”
“Yes. But I’ll be watching too. If the owner of Meidof Pharmaceuticals, us, along with the 1st Princess, visit the academy together, the students will naturally misunderstand. They’ll think we’re going to release training dru*gs soon.”
“So, in the end, it’s about watching.”
“Yes. But it’s not that I’m conceding the lead role. It’s more like avoiding dirty work. Princess Victoria doesn’t enjoy such things, unlike us.”
“You’re saying Princess Victoria will shine in front of the gathered people. In the end, the main character is Princess Victoria, right?”
“It’s not about conceding the main role. It’s about avoiding troublesome matters, don’t you think? Princess Victoria doesn’t enjoy such things, unlike us.”
“….”
“Think about it. Why would I have collaborated with Queen Victoria?”
“Well, that’s true.”
Siena nodded as if satisfied.
After that, we continued to work together for about 90 minutes.
Extracting caffeine, measuring pre-made morphine and ephedrine, and using a tablet press to manufacture pills – a series of processes.
The result was 900 pills.
Each pill contained 15mg of morphine, 15mg of ephedrine, and 80mg of caffeine.
We didn’t give them a specific name. We would supply them in small quantities to prevent overdosing, but since only Leon would take them, there was no need.
Although it required some ingredients and a few hours of effort, it was not a waste. Considering it as a farewell gift to the original protagonist, it was worth it. Plus, Siena asked for it, so I didn’t even consider it as an additional investment.
“It was fun, Alan.”
Siena’s expression brightened, having gained more knowledge.
**
The next afternoon.
Siena and I headed to the academy.
Our purpose was to jointly address the academy’s faculty with Victoria and offer them encouragement.
And, of course, to support the center of attention, Leon Loaderdale.
“It’s a worthy cause.”
To think he became a master while still a student. Although he didn’t become a master solely through the professors’ teachings, it was an achievement.
Even if two princesses visited the academy in person, it wouldn’t be strange at all.”
However, it seemed that no one was interested in the encouragement fund. We could tell just by looking at the attitude of the academy’s president who welcomed us.
“Your Highness Siena, and Chairman Allen, please wait in the guest room for a moment. The event will soon begin in the auditorium. We apologize for any shortcomings due to the rushed preparations.”
“Did you say auditorium?”
“There are so many students who want to observe. Well… hehehe.”
“I understand.”
Even the third-year students who were about to graduate and had to leave for their final practical training postponed their schedules to observe. It was understandable for those who were about to graduate to be anxious. If they could improve their skills even a little at the last minute, it could change their careers.
At least there would be no shortage of topics.
Still, Victoria’s role was crucial to make a proper demonstration.
After a while, we encountered Victoria in the guest room prepared by the academy.
“Here you are, Mr. Allen.”
Victoria was dressed differently than usual.
A red coat, a splendid brocade with golden threads, and even a dangling gold tassel attached to it, swaying above her chest.
Usually, she wore a dull dark green military uniform, but now she looked quite powerful. It was only natural for an event to be like this.
However, despite her glamorous attire, her expression was somewhat dark.
“Your Highness…?”
“Don’t be discouraged.”
Was it because of the reality that she had to personally embarrass young talents and use them as examples?
It didn’t seem likely.
As far as I knew, Victoria was not such a fragile person. Despite living a life of privilege, she had a strong character, although sometimes she was like a flower garden. But suddenly, I was puzzled by why she was acting like this.
“Sister, if you feel uncomfortable, I can take your place.”
Even when Siena spoke, Victoria could only manage a bitter smile.
Siena, feeling lonely, and Victoria with a perplexed expression.
After a while, Victoria finally looked straight at me, not as her younger sister.
“Lord Allen. I have already made up my mind. However…”
“Please go on.”
“I had been contemplating because I had a feeling that the days ahead would not be smooth.”
“…Yes. Of course, it won’t be easy. Even if things go according to plan, there will be those who cannot let go of their attachment to the medicine. Humans who focus on the profitability of medicine will attempt something even if they know it has no effect.”
“Of course, that is also a concern.”
Victoria calmly nodded her head and then turned to look at Siena. Siena responded with a smile and met her gaze.
An uncomfortable atmosphere arose between the two princesses, but it did not last long.
“Your Highness. The preparations are complete.”
It was thanks to the Academy official who had been discreetly watching them.
The two princesses ended their confrontation, as if saying, “Let’s resolve the current issue and move on.”
Considering the attention focused on the Academy at present and what would soon happen in the auditorium, it was a very reasonable attitude.
I closed my mouth and followed behind them.
Soon, the buzzing of the students could be heard.