Published at 19th of July 2026 7:35 am

Chapter 1857: Happy Brewing

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

A week had passed since Adam moved into North Borough.

From buying furniture to setting up his workstation in the attic, it had been a very hectic week.

During that time, he also visited the Herbalists’ Guild and obtained a Potion Brewing License. He had to pass a theoretical exam, a practical exam, and an interview before a panel of established Herbalists.

Needless to say, he passed all the tests with satisfactory scores.

Of course, he made sure not to stand out too much. His performance in the exams and interview was just enough to mark him as an above-average Herbalist.

He didn’t want to draw too much attention in Davos.

The tallest tree bore the brunt of the storm and whatnot.

He had to pay twenty gold pieces to the Herbalists’ Guild for the license. That was painful. But it was an investment. With the license in his hands, he could finally brew and sell potions.

On this day, an inspector from the Herbalists’ Guild arrived at 7 Dutton Street.

The lanky man with thinning hair wore Magus robes that proudly emblazoned the symbol of the Herbalists’ Guild. Much to his annoyance, he had to crouch slightly as he scrutinized everything in the attic.

"Dust and dirt levels are satisfactory," he murmured as he checked off boxes on the parchment in his hand.

"No mold growth. No signs of vermin. Proper storage of ingredients."

He adjusted his glasses, then cast a look of silent approval toward the raven-haired youth standing in the corner.

The man walked to the ingredient storage section.

"Herb cabinets are clean," he murmured. "Drying racks are efficient. Preservation methods are satisfactory. Clear labeling."

He paid particular attention to the poisonous materials.

"Venoms stored carefully. Poisonous mushrooms, hmm. Monster organs conserved properly. Corrosive reagents are safe to use. Good."

Then he arrived at the center of the attic, where the true magic happened. It was where the brewing equipment was kept.

"Hmm, cauldrons and distillation apparatus could be better. These ones are cheap," he said, clicking his tongue in dissatisfaction.

That’s because I’ve run out of money already!

Adam cursed inwardly while keeping a humble smile on his face.

"Glassware is satisfactory," the inspector continued. "Mortars and pestles are okay. Measuring tools are good."

He wrote down his comments on the parchment.

Then he turned his focus to the fire safety in the attic. This was a major concern in North Borough. He checked the furnace, ventilation, and chimneys. Ventilation was very important, and the attic required proper airflow.

The inspector turned to Adam, then asked with narrowed eyes. "Where do the failed brews go?"

"The sewers, of course!"

The inspector’s eyes narrowed further.

"...Just kidding." The corner of Adam’s lips twitched.

Then he said seriously, "Failed brews are separated based on their contents. Harmless mixtures will be neutralized and disposed of normally. Anything containing magical reagents, toxins, or unstable components will be sealed, labeled, and sent for Guild-approved disposal."

"Good." The inspector nodded in satisfaction. "You’d be surprised how many Herbalists think the nearest drain is an acceptable answer. I nearly revoked your license there, Magus Constantine. Perhaps, you should try to jest a little less."

"Yes, sir..." Adam forced a smile.

The inspector then went on to check the structural safety of the attic. He checked the floor strength, weight of equipment, and chemical storage, all the while complaining that an attic was no place for a Herbalist to work out of.

After an hour of inspection and several questions, the inspection was finally over.

"Clean, organized, adequate ventilation, and proper storage. Overall evaluation... adequate."

Adam secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"The first inspection is free," said the lanky man as he packed his things.

He walked up to Adam, then said flatly, "An inspection will be held twice a year. Those won’t be free. Oh, and we won’t be informing you of our arrival. So, make sure to maintain standards, yes?"

The man offered a nod, then descended the stairs.

"Happy brewing, Magus Constantine."

Adam rested his hands on his hips, his gaze sweeping over the attic.

Just a week ago, this space was empty and filled with dust and cobwebs. But now, it was a proper brewing station. Not the best. But definitely workable.

He had spent eighty gold pieces to transform the attic.

A smile formed on his face. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

He climbed down the ladder and arrived on the third floor. He had also turned the spacious, empty floor into an actual home.

Adam invested another forty gold coins, buying a mattress, blankets, pillows, rugs and curtains, bookshelves, lamps and candles, storage chests, and other miscellaneous items.

Valerian comfortably lay on the bed, purring adorably. When Adam’s gaze landed on the little guy, he truly felt at home.

Investing money into this place was totally worth it, he mused.

I’m going to be living here for the foreseeable future, after all.

With the remaining money that he had — around forty gold pieces — he invested it all into buying raw materials.

After everything was finished, Adam emptied his coin pouch onto the table.

Nothing.

His lips curled into a wide smile.

Over two hundred gold coins had disappeared faster than he had expected. In their place stood a furnished bedroom, a licensed workshop, and...

He walked over to his wardrobe. After a few hand seals, he unlocked the hidden safe and took out a small chest. After deactivating another safety mechanism, he opened the chest.

Inside were rows of neatly arranged potions waiting to be sold. Ten to be precise.

Adam may be broke. Again.

But he wasn’t poor.

With the amount he had invested in buying raw materials, he had made Minor Healing Potions whose total price was more than enough to recoup his investment.

He sealed the chest, then turned toward the bed.

"Val, I’m heading to Trade Borough. Do you want to come?"

"Myu..." The little guy adjusted his sleeping posture, then pulled the blanket over him.

"Suit yourself." Adam turned to leave. "Just don’t leave the house, okay? I’ll see you in a bit."

A minute passed.

Valerian slowly lowered the blanket and peeked at the staircase on the other side of the room, only to see...

"I mean it."

Adam stood right by the bed, squinting his eyes.

"MYU!!" Valerian yelped in surprise. "Didn’t you leave already?"

"I’m leaving now," Adam said. "But please don’t leave the house. It’s not safe outside."

"...Fine." Valerian made a face. "I guess I’ll go play with Dorothy."

Adam rolled his eyes. "Stop bullying the poor dog."

With that said, he finally left.

Valerian lay on the bed for a little while longer, staring at the ceiling in boredom.

He couldn’t leave the house. And if he did, he was restricted to Adam’s spirit sea.

As time passed, he slowly began to feel... caged.

He had believed the Greater Universe would be full of wonders.

Unfortunately for him, it didn’t feel all that great.

Share