The Alchemist’s Ultimatum

“I can offer you some information regarding the potion, along with the rights to its exclusive distribution.”The boy, strikingly resembling a young girl, who was dressed in women’s clothes, produced a potion bottle and placed it on the table. “The profits this could bring in the borderlands are far more than two hundred gold coins. Coupled with the twenty-odd coins I already possess, may I redeem him?”

“…Are you truly the alchemist Anto?” Mr. Carmen watched the potion slide toward him, his expression subtly shifting. “I never imagined the witch’s apprentice would possess such… delicate beauty.”

“I must commend your effort in selecting such a word,” Anto replied, then glanced at the others. “That being said, may I take him? His family is waiting for him.”

“Wait, Alchemist,” Mr. Carmen interjected at that moment. “There’s no need to rush; we have much to discuss. It’s not just about this potion; I’ve heard you possess many other remarkable things, is that not so?”

“…What do you mean?”

Mr. Carmen slowly rose from his seat. “Alchemist Anto’s reputation is quite considerable here. Some say your potions can mend shattered bones and instantly restore the health of the long-ailing. They claim you possess a special secret formula, a… panacea.” Mr. Carmen gazed at him, then uttered the phrase: “Wanjin Yao (TL Note: A mythical medicine, also known as the panacea, believed to cure all ailments).” Upon hearing that term, Anto’s faint smile broadened noticeably.

“Impossible. Surely, in this day and age, no one still believes in such a thing as a Wanjin Yao? I am an alchemist, not a priest of the Holy Court.”

“Indeed, those priests are only adept at swindling and deceiving,” Mr. Carmen chuckled. “But you are not a swindler, are you? Could you perhaps divulge whether the Wanjin Yao truly exists, that witch’s…”

“It does not,” Anto stated calmly. “You may ask her yourself, directly.”

“…” Faced with this option, Mr. Carmen clearly seemed apprehensive. He then moved to the other side of the room. “If you agree to cooperate with us, we will be most pleased.”

“No, it is you who will be pleased,” Anto corrected, his gaze sweeping over them. “You hold many resources, many formulas, yet you refuse to disclose them. Precious knowledge is bestowed only upon the utterly impoverished, often without charge. Your medicines are priceless to many, yet for others, they are a selfless gift. Is this truly reasonable? We should use them to generate greater profit.”

“You speak many idle words,” Anto suddenly declared. “You need not lecture me with such platitudes. I choose what medicine to administer to my patients, for many medicines must never be abused or discovered.”

“…”

“I smelled it the moment I arrived,” Anto stated slowly. “You are using Angel’s Tears (TL Note: A potent and addictive drug).”

“…” Mr. Carmen was stunned. Anto looked at him. “On whom do you use it? Debt-ridden gamblers, or their families? It must be those young girls, isn’t it? To keep them locked here…”

“Sir, an alchemist saves lives, they do not destroy them,” Anto said, fixing his gaze on Mr. Carmen. “While that epilepsy medication does induce dependence, using it excessively will certainly lead to death. I hope you understand this. As for anything else, I cannot possibly reveal the production methods to you, nor can I become your exclusive alchemist. I have no desire to involve myself in such illicit affairs. Please understand.” With that, he helped Mans to his feet and declared, “Now, I must take him and leave. Perhaps we shall meet again.”

“…Perhaps fate is not required,” Mr. Carmen murmured, signaling his subordinates to close the door. Witnessing this, Anto sighed.

“Is this a rather cliché plot? Does Mr. Carmen intend to detain me?”

“Since you’ve learned of the Angel’s Tears, naturally, we cannot let you depart. Unless…” Mr. Carmen produced a vial from his side. “You too become one of them.”

“…To even consider using such a thing to bind an alchemist into producing drugs for you, how should I put it, Mr. Carmen?” Anto sighed, facing the unfolding scene. “Are you utterly foolish?”

“Perhaps, but you may soon be the fool. You should know, people like you actually have quite a following among our clientele. And do not imagine you can call for rescue; my room is exceptionally soundproof,” Mr. Carmen stated as the burly men slowly advanced toward the two. The boy in women’s clothes sighed then.

“This is truly a place fallen to the extreme. I thought coming to the city would offer respite, only to find myself further exasperated.” Anto sighed. “My teacher was right; the city dwellers are nothing but wolves.”

“Before you decide to commit acts that are, by any measure, illegal, might I say a few words?”

“Hm?”

At that moment, the alchemist sighed and continued.

“Have you noticed your heart rate steadily accelerating, a sensation of excitement coupled with a pronounced pounding? Yes, you should be experiencing a bout of acute angina any moment now.”

“What are you talking about… Ugh!” Suddenly, Mr. Carmen gripped the table, realizing his earlier excitement had been unnatural. Now, his heart was gripped by a sudden, agonizing cramp, and the other people in the room were experiencing the same.

“You… have you poisoned us?” This realization was blurted out. Anto embraced Mans, then slipped a pill into his mouth.

“When you contemplate poisoning an alchemist, you should also consider why an alchemist might not poison you,” Anto said, retrieving the potion he had placed on the table earlier. “Why are medicines contained in sealed bottles? Simply to prevent their essence from dissipating. Generally, it takes considerable time for a room to become saturated with toxic gas. If you hadn’t been so greedy, a list of medications and twenty-odd gold coins would have brought you substantial profit. I made such a concession, yet you still wished to push your luck?” Anto responded with a smile. “Greed, you see, is a viper that will burst its own belly, leaving none to ponder its demise.”

“You… the antidote…” Seeing the two burly men and Mr. Carmen now collapsed on the floor, Anto’s face was filled with pity. He calmly opened his bag.

“You will receive it; I have no desire to be entangled in a murder charge, especially involving someone powerful,” Anto said, taking out a small pouch, identical to the one from which he had just produced the pill. “You seem to be struggling now. Open your mouth. It won’t harm you; it’s the antidote. I am an alchemist; I save lives.” Upon hearing this, Mr. Carmen quickly opened his mouth. The cute boy with long golden hair, resembling an angel, then pushed the antidote pill, along with the pouch, deep into his mouth.

“Ugh… ugh!”

“Just swallow it.” Mr. Carmen felt his head being pressed down as the small pouch and antidote were swallowed. Then, Anto, supporting Mans, prepared to leave.

“Alchemist, sir…” The two burly men lay on the floor by the door. “Save us…”

“This is rather difficult,” Anto said helplessly. “Actually, this poison is potent; without an antidote, it causes complete weakness in about three or four minutes, and shock in ten. However, you still have some strength for now. Incidentally, to ensure Mr. Carmen’s survival, I inserted all the pills. But it will take some time, perhaps seven or eight minutes, for the pills in that pouch to decompose and be absorbed. During this time, the antidote is inside his stomach. You see, the door is tightly shut, and those outside likely won’t know what’s happening in here. Both of you look quite muscular; if you wish to live, it’s actually quite simple.” Anto then looked at the somewhat panicked Mr. Carmen, his expression still gentle. “While disembowelment might not be an ordinary solution, it is certainly an option, given it’s right there in his stomach. You have about five minutes to decide whether to live yourselves or to let your boss live and receive commendations. Please choose for yourselves.”

“No… no! How could you do such a thing… Don’t look at me! Don’t look at me! Someone! Quick… quick, come!” he cried, his voice frantic, but the two guards had already closed in. Anto smiled from behind, his gentle smile unwavering. “The soundproofing here is truly excellent.”

“No… you can’t! I am your boss! I can give you money! Lots and lots!” Mr. Carmen pleaded, panicking, but the two burly men no longer needed the temptation of money. They wanted to live, and the only way to survive had just been laid bare.

“Pfft! Pfft! Ahhh—” Screams and the stench of blood filled the room. Meanwhile, on the other side, a window was opened. A boy leaned in, extending a rope to Anto.

“Sister, here you go. Are we leaving this way?”

“Help me throw this big brother down, and by the way, I am also a big brother,” Anto corrected. The boy tried to peer into the room but was stopped by Anto. “The uncles inside are playing a game not suitable for children. Don’t look. The rope is secured; let’s go down.” Anto, holding the rope, tied Mans to himself and descended, eventually reaching the ground.

“That was very well done; the timing was perfect,” Anto said with a smile, then tossed a gold coin from the pouch. “Buy something to eat for your sister. Give the rest to the broken old man at that broken church in the city, and he’ll arrange accommodation for you, perhaps a few days of full meals. It’s getting colder; it’s better to stay somewhere comfortable, after all.”

“Thank you, sister!” the boy exclaimed. “You truly are a great benefactor.”

“…A benefactor?” Reflecting on his recent actions, the boy with the beautiful, girl-like appearance responded with an exceedingly gentle smile. “I believe I am, indeed. Thank you for the compliment.