Chapter 84: Why am I so unlucky (I)

After entering the train station, Carter, as the team leader, immediately went to negotiate with the station’s commanding officer.
Nico and the other three stayed by my side, acting like they were afraid I’d get into trouble or be whisked away if they weren’t watching.

My adventurer’s outfit stood out among the uniformed soldiers and their standardized weapons.
They weren’t overly fawning, but Nico and the others clearly wanted to ensure I got to Nosend City safely.

…If things go this smoothly, cozying up to the families of Nico, Carter, and the others, then settling down in Nosend City wouldn’t be bad.
The name Nosend gives me an odd chill for some reason, but… I’ll focus on settling down and safely hatching my two egg babies first.

“By the way, Mengmeng, what kinds of potions have you made?”
I found a spot to sit, letting my legs rest and relax.
Nico came over and asked me.

“Hm… I’ve made things like Holy High-Tier Restoration Potions and Angela Toxin Potions, but my output’s low—only two or three bottles a month.”

I looked at Nico, figuring that if I wanted to get in with their families, I should be honest about the potions I’d made.
“If you don’t believe me, you can check with the Golden Skull Trading Auction House later. These were commissions I took from them in the past few months.”

“…!”
Though I only named two potions, Nico and the others were momentarily speechless.

“…Wait, wait, what did you say, Mengmeng? Holy High-Tier Restoration Potions and Angela Toxin Potions? I-I’m pretty sure those are super complex potions that most pharmacists avoid!”

Nico stared at me, as if trying to see right through me, speaking slowly and deliberately.
I shrank back a bit.

“Tch… no choice. Simple potions are all taken by pharmacist workshops. A lone pharmacist like me has to take complex ones to make money.”

I blinked, explaining.
Then Emil suddenly spoke up.

“Hold on. If you made those potions, they’d fetch at least thirty gold coins each. That’s more than enough to leave Blackshine City. Why are you still here?”

Emil caught a potential hole in my story, pressing me bluntly.
My heart tightened as I glanced at him.

As expected, this guy wasn’t going to trust me easily—what a pain.
I thought to myself.

“Hey, Emil! Why do you always have to dig so deep?”
Nico, hearing Emil’s words, got annoyed and snapped at him.

“…Just asking.”
Emil paused. “If Miss Su Mengmeng doesn’t want to answer, that’s fine.”

“…Nah, it’s okay.”
I waved my hand, showing I didn’t mind Emil’s skepticism.

“I spent some of the money I made on other things, and I was saving up to settle in Academy City. I heard the housing and living costs there are pretty high…”

I quickly spun a story to counter Emil’s doubts.
He froze, realizing his suspicion might’ve been unnecessary—my explanation was airtight and reasonable.

Sure, my age and appearance paired with a senior pharmacist title were suspicious, but history wasn’t without its prodigies.
Plus, I thought my acting was pretty solid.
In front of the noble squad, I’d played the part of a skilled but delicate pharmacist, lowering their guard.

Nico and Katherine had already accepted me.
Daniel and Carter were neutral.
Only the wary Emil hadn’t let go of his caution.

But Emil’s vigilance wasn’t wrong—keeping a close eye on someone not fully trustworthy was smart.
I thought to myself.
At that moment, Carter, who’d gone to negotiate, returned and appeared in our line of sight.