Chapter 89: Returning to the Institution

Chapter 89

Returning to the Institution

While still unable to come to a decision, time continued to pass until it was already morning. Ellie could no longer stay in the tent. She had used the excuse of needing rest from the previous battle to avoid helping Celey with the potion concocting yesterday, but she couldn’t use that excuse again today.

Ellie spent the morning concocting potions as she did every day. The situation at the camp had greatly improved, and the patients received better medicine, thanks to donations from the 4 major families, especially the Fernal family, known for their expertise with herbs. After their recent embarrassment, they were eager to restore their reputation and prevent further damage to their name.

Many patients were recovering well, and with the absence of demonic beast toxin, most were nearly healed. It was expected that within 1 week, the camp would be disbanded as the villagers would be fully recovered.

Seeing the situation improve, the major families began to leave, starting with the Setter family. Although they left some members to assist with dealing with the beasts, the key figures and a portion of their forces had returned to their posts.

It appeared that the top-ranking noble family was indeed swamped with work, but Ellie knew that their primary reason for leaving was to investigate the creator of the demonic beasts.

The Setter family had suffered a major loss before, so it was no surprise that they were determined to uncover the truth about this matter. Their movements were secretive, and no one questioned this. The Camp Leader had vanished without a trace since the incident occurred. Some speculated that the leader might have encountered a demonic beast and sacrificed his life, or perhaps was taken by a level 2 beast.

The person most saddened by the Camp Leader’s disappearance was Nara. The sudden loss devastated the young girl, and her heart broke along with his disappearance.

She had fallen for his attentiveness and maturity. Without his understanding, Nara might have been more disheartened by her stay here.

Fortunately, the story’s heroine was emotionally strong. The bond she had with the Camp Leader, though a secret, became a cherished memory. Life had to go on, and with the Camp Leader gone, Nara turned to cling to Wint once more.

After all, attending the institute and earning mission points were crucial. She couldn’t fight alone, so she maintained her relationship with Wint, despite her feelings for the Camp Leader.

Ellie and the other students lived peacefully. During this time, Ellie also learned additional basic potion-concocting techniques. Celey’s teaching was excellent, and Ellie felt confident that, with her newfound knowledge, she could pass the exam to become a 2-star level apothecary.

Unfortunately, time passed quickly, and after just 1 week, an announcement declared the camp’s mission a success. The last treatable patient had recovered and could return to normal life. The losses were fewer than expected. Out of 2,314 patients with the Red Plague, about 400-500 had died initially. The priests and apothecaries’ relentless efforts saved the remaining lives, resulting in only about 100 more deaths. This was considered an acceptable loss, as it was the best possible outcome.

Meanwhile, over 300 stationed soldiers also perished. No students were lost, only some injuries that were treatable. The number of casualties among the major families that assisted was not disclosed to prevent comparisons.

Finally, the reports revealed to the public contained only this information, making everyone quite happy with the news. The exact origin of the Red Plague remains unknown. Sometimes it resulted from the spread of a deadly poison, sometimes from demonic beasts, and other times from various other causes. In the past, there had been outbreaks that wiped out entire village and spread to others, causing widespread panic. If the handling of the situation in this village had not been sufficient, it could have led to another panic.

The institute took its students back. Ellie went to see Professor Medik first, as she owed him a great deal of thanks. If not for Professor Medik taking care of her planting plot, her 3 herbs might not have survived.

"You’re back?" The beautiful-face young man greeted her, though his hands were still busy with his work.

Sweat trickled down his face, adding to his charm. Ellie felt a pang of sympathy for him having to work so hard, recalling her own days of relentless dedication, only to see others benefit instead...She wanted to warn him, but some things were better learned through experience.

"Yes, Professor."

"Mmm, I heard you did well," Medik praised without looking up. Ellie nodded confidently.

"Thank you, Professor. On this mission, I met a 4-star level apothecary named Lady Celey."

"Celey?" Medik paused briefly, then recalled.

The woman with a similar relentless drive and dedication to her work, just like him. It took only a moment of thought to remember her. They had only spoken in passing, so he didn’t know how strong she was.

"Lady Celey spoke highly of you, Professor. After learning that I use the same elemental power as you, she personally taught me. I learned how to concoct 3 or 4 different potions from her, all of which are normally taught in higher years. This means I have more time to focus on other things in the meantime."

"That’s great. If you can concoct potion like this, you must have quite a talent for it." Medik was secretly delighted. If Ellie could really excel in potion concocting, he could eventually pass on some of his heavy workload to her.

Of course, Medik didn’t show too much of his excitement; otherwise, the rabbit might notice and run away. He simply praised Ellie to boost her confidence in her own skills.

"I’m not too sure yet, Professor. I’m still in the training phase. However...I must thank you for taking care of my planting plot. Otherwise, I would have lost some points by now."

"Mmm, they should be ready for harvest soon."

"Yes, the Red Zucks will be ready for the 3rd harvest, while the Radens and Clear Skites will be ready for the 2nd harvest." Ellie’s bright smile spread across her face. Even though Medik couldn’t see her face, he could still guess that she was very happy.

"That’s good. It seems your first year is going well. However, you should thank someone else for the planting plot."

"Someone else?" Ellie was a bit surprised to hear this.

She hadn’t focused much on her own planting plot. After checking each morning to ensure they were healthy and growing well, she considered her task done. The workload around the camp was too heavy. Moreover, everyone’s movements and the surroundings required her attention. Fortunately, her power was consistently at the advanced level 2 stage; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to allocate that much concentration.

"Yes, the person you should thank is me, as I was the one taking care of your plot. If you had left your plot with your professor, he wouldn’t have had free time for other things,"

While the two botanic elemental users were talking, a deep voice of a newcomer interrupted, drawing their attention. It turned out to be someone Ellie never expected to see in the Botanical Building. She had no idea...how her professor and this person had become so close, suddenly allowing him to enter the building as if it were the Light Element Building.

"Professor Lucien?" Ellie looked between the newcomer and her own professor, Medik.

The tall, slender young man had a handsome face resembling one of the novel’s heroes, capable of capturing many hearts. His gaze lingered on her for just a moment before turning to look at someone else hard at work.

"Look at your professor. Even on the day his student returns, he’s still buried in his work. Sure, it’s urgent, but does he really need to put in this much effort?" The man in the gold-trimmed robe walked past Ellie nonchalantly and approached Medik’s desk, snatching the cultivation element out of his hands.

Medik frowned deeply, clearly displeased with the other man’s actions, but he did nothing other than grumble softly.

"Why do you always meddle? I’m hurrying to finish this work so I can rest afterward."

"Are you really working faster just to rest? Do you honestly think that after finishing this task, the royal family will let you rest? They’ll just give you more work." Lucien shook his head.

"I can just refuse those tasks! Besides, this work is important. If it fails, the southern region will face future famine."

"Who cares about the southern region! They have their own nobles. Why don’t they help their people?"

"Lucien! You don’t understand. Give me back my work."

"No! At the very least, you should take your student, who just returned, out for a meal. Don’t you see how dangerous her mission was? Besides, I’ve heard she’s brought great honor to botanical magic users. You should reward her efforts more."

“..................” Hearing Lucien’s criticism, Medik froze.

It was only now that he really looked at Ellie, his only student and the heir to his botanic powers. Initially, he had planned to finish his work quickly and then do whatever he wanted. But after hearing Lucien’s words, he realized he had indeed been neglectful.

"Uh...Scholarship Student Ellie, as this Lucien...ah! I mean, Professor Lucien said, you must be tired from your return. So, I’ll treat you to a grand meal, alright?" Medik gave a sheepish smile, his demeanor full of guilt.

However, Ellie didn’t come here to be treated to a meal. She originally came to thank her professor for taking care of the planting plot. Who would have thought she’d end up witnessing the strange relationship between her Professor Medik and the brilliant Professor Lucien?

"No need, Professor. I’m not hungry yet..."

"You don’t have to be polite with your professor. Go on, let him treat you to a meal." Ellie was about to refuse, but Professor Lucien interrupted.

His gaze was fixed on Ellie, as if trying to send her a signal. After a moment of consideration, Ellie nodded to Professor Medik instead.

"In that case, please do, Professor."

"Mmm, it’s no trouble. You’ve done an excellent job. I’ve heard your name mentioned many times while I’ve been here."

"Thank you, Professor." Ellie smiled. Her beautiful professor seemed to have stopped being so critical. At least now he knew how to appreciate and think positively.Professor Medik led the young girl out of the Botanical Building, and to her surprise, Professor Lucien followed behind them, as if his destination was the same.