The first stop made in town was naturally to the apothecary, who was most pleased to see them. He had already tested the pills that Leon had previously sold to him and had been beyond delighted by the results. So he was anxious to get his hands on more of these pills and hoped to coax other improved pills from him as well. Of course, having the recipe would be great as well, but the man was not talented in making pills. Instead, he had great knowledge and could identify type and quality with just a quick sniff of his sensitive nose. Of course, if the recipe became common knowledge, the pills value would reduce overall and that would not be so good from a business perspective.The twelve one heart pills and five blood pills provided him with 12 silver and 400 bra.s.s, enough to see a single commoner through around quarter of a year should he be wise with his spending. But Leon was not quite through surprising Mr Clawse. The Soft Ice pill was an ordinary pill, admittedly, nothing special about it and it was perfectly average in its quality. However, it was not a commonly made pill in so far that apprentices saw no value in practicing making it. He understood clearly that Leon had been thinking of Mr Clawse as his purchaser when deciding to make it.
Its value was not great, just 200 bra.s.s was offered, but the apothecary said he would be happy to purchase more of these whether standard or he dare say improved. The wheels were turning in his head as he suddenly asked; "Are you happy to also make potions?"
Leon tilted his head in question before nodding. He guessed the question was not too odd, potion making was time consuming, not always as productive in the long term, though there were some potions that were worth the time. Potions were also bulky and not so sought after by pract.i.tioners and cultivators. Leon, himself, had not made any since creating the basic purifying potions.
Mr Clawse rummaged around for a dusty scroll almost forgotten upon a shelf behind him. "This is for the White Warming Potion," he told him. "It"s an aid in curing common illnesses, though naturally it has its down side. It"s not a recipe that is generally taught to apprentices as cultivators do not tend to get sick, thus you likely will not know of it. I am actually surprised you knew of the Soft Ice pill for the same reason!"
"I-I can try," Leon offered him a small smile, not able to say where he obtained the other recipe, Leo did not make note of it. He could only a.s.sume it was from the library if these sorts of things were not taught. Ah, perhaps he should attend some lessons and lectures soon, he could only learn so much from Leo"s diaries after all.
"Would you happen to be able to have an improved potion recipe for the basic purifying potion?" Mr Clawse asked as he gave Leon the scroll.
Leon shook his head. "N-not sure." He hadn"t looked too in depth at the potion recipes at all.
"Well, if it so happens..." Mr Clawse mentioned. "Ah do you have kegs for potion making?"
"I j-j-just used the c-cauldron," Leon said, slightly confused.
"That is no good," The man shook his head. What were apprentice alchemists taught these days! "Leaving the potion open to the air can cause it to turn and become nothing but a waste product." Leon thought of his failed brew and felt enlightened. Ah so that was what happened! "Better to use this."
The keg was made of a similar metal to the cauldron, it offered the same tingle to the touch as fingers were ran over its surface. It was shaped similar to a barrel and came with a lid that needed spiritual energy to seal and unseal it. Mr Clawse showed him what he needed to know about it"s usage, convincing him that it would be a good idea to purchase one.
"How m-much?" Leon asked.
But Mr Clawse refused to take payment of it. "Call it an investment, if you will," he said as Leon protested. Jin Li placed his hand upon Leon"s shoulder, understanding that the boy was not entirely convinced. Leon was uncertain about owing favours, but Jin Li saw that Mr Clawse had no malicious intention so thought Leon should take it rather than waste his silver. They still did not know how much the blacksmith would charge when fixing their door!
"T-thank you," Leon murmured, hugging both keg and scroll to his chest. The former was heavy, so it was soon deposited into the magic bag he had still not returned to Mino. His other bag was filled with all of his other things. He had not wished to risk them in case his home was ransacked again.
"Now, I understand from Mino that you are seeking the blacksmith?" Leon nodded his agreement. "Then I will come with you and introduce you. He, Mr Mars, has recently been in my care so I wished to check up on him any how."
"Oh, is he well?" Jin Li asked. If he was not, would it not be better for them to seek a.s.sistance elsewhere.
"Mmm," Mr Clawse replied. "He had a slight run in with an unhappy pract.i.tioner, but he is fine now. Your improved blood pill was very effective in fixing his internal injuries." The man locked his shop securely and told Mino where to drive them. The boy agreed without question.