Following Rulus-sensei’s diagnosis and subsequent negotiations, it was decided that Ilisha, a crudely made Homunculus, would have her memories transplanted into the vessel of Sasha No. 3, who is connected to her origins.
Of course, the price for this was exorbitant, but I felt I had no choice. After all, Ilisha was already one of our comrades. At this point, I had forgotten all about the “Lady Education Showdown” with Nicola Osuf, the “young master of the slave traders,” and my sister Miuuki. I simply wished to help Ilisha, whom Alicia and Liliana doted on.
Meanwhile, Sophie, who was merely human, was in such a dilapidated state that there was nothing to be done. However, Sophie, who had been transformed into a graceful beautiful girl by an artifact from the Ancient Magical Civilization Era, was like a treasure trove to Rulus-sensei.
It was discovered that Rulus-sensei had secretly obtained Sophie’s “egg cells” and was creating vintage Homunculi. However, they were still in the fetal stage, and her memories could not be transferred to them yet.
As Rulus-sensei and I discussed ways to help Sophie with her social standing and save her life, Anya, who had returned to the examination room at some point, made a proposal. Anya suggested that Sophie’s memories be transplanted into a vintage Homunculus created from the egg cells of Meika Marie = Maika Yuma Ivear, who was Sophie’s great-aunt and bore a resemblance to her. Furthermore, there were three vintage Homunculi of different types.
“Then, Raymond-dono, let us look at Maika’s body and decide which vintage Homunculus to use.”
An agreement was reached, and it was decided that we would actually visit and decide which of the vintage Homunculi’s bodies Sophie’s memories would be transplanted into.
“Understood, Rulus-sensei. By the way, the two who accompanied me are also related to Sophie, so may I bring them along?”
Ly and Liliana, who were sitting next to me and had listened to the entire exchange, also seemed eager to accompany us, their eyes sparkling, so I decided to ask for Rulus-sensei’s permission.
“The ‘Doll Seller’ is a secret place, and I would prefer not to show it to outsiders if possible… However, I desperately want to obtain Sophie-sama’s body, which has become a beautiful girl through an artifact from the Ancient Magical Civilization Era. Therefore, I will grant special permission, but I expect you not to speak of what you see and hear here.”
“Of course, Rulus-sensei.”
“I have no objections either.”
Rulus-sensei, who had been hesitant at first, seemed weak to the temptation of Sophie’s body and soon granted permission. Ly and Liliana immediately thanked him with broad smiles, but since they were wearing masks modeled after Valkyries, Rulus-sensei didn’t seem to notice. Of course, if Ly and Liliana’s true identities were revealed and they were discovered to be incredibly beautiful girls, they would likely be asked to “provide their egg cells.”
“Then, everyone, let us proceed to the ‘Doll Seller’.”
Anya, seeing that an agreement had been reached, stood up and announced that they would be heading to the “Doll Seller.”
The unfamiliar term “Doll Seller” was a coined word inspired by “wine cellar,” which is used to store and age wine and other beverages. Thus, I was guided to the “Doll Seller,” where culture tanks housing the bodies of unawakened vintage Homunculi were kept, accompanied by Ly and Liliana, who were distant relatives of Sophie.
The five of us—Rulus-sensei, Anya, myself, Ly, and Liliana—headed there. Meanwhile, Sophie, whose consciousness had been taken, was covered with a sheet and left lying on the examination table, as it would be sad to leave her naked. I had not explained anything about her body to Sophie, and I intended to keep it that way until the very end. This was because Sophie had been transformed into a “Human Dog” and subjected to torture until her mind broke. Although those painful memories were sealed with “mind-altering magic,” her current state was based on a precarious balance.
We left the examination room on the first floor of the mansion, passed by the reception room where the rest of the party members were waiting, turned down a corridor, and arrived at a sturdy metal door at the very end.
“The important facilities in this mansion are located in the basement beyond this point.”
*Clang* *Creak*
Rulus-sensei took a key from his jacket pocket, inserted it into the keyhole of the metal door, and turned it. The sound of the door unlocking was followed by a heavy, grinding sound as the door opened. The passage beyond led downwards, just as Rulus-sensei had said.
“As it is a basement, the footing may be a bit slippery. Be careful and follow me.”
“Even though it’s a basement, I can faintly see the passage.”
“A selectively bred luminous moss is planted on the ceiling and walls of the passage. Also, the basement is fully equipped with magic tool lighting.”
After Rulus-sensei’s caution as we descended the stairs to the basement, we cautiously began to walk, and it wasn’t completely dark. When I pointed this out, Anya informed me that luminous moss had been planted.
“It’s amazing that the luminous moss has been improved.”
“It certainly feels brighter than the underground dungeons we explore on adventures. It’s easy since we don’t have to worry about monsters appearing.”
“I don’t have any combat skills, so I often end up staying behind at the base mansion, but I think it’s brighter than the underground dungeon at the Portland Castle Ruins. I have no problem with it either.”
Such measures are often seen in underground dungeons, but in this situation, I merely faked surprise at the improved variety of luminous moss. However, Ly and Liliana, who were accompanying me, dismissed it as no problem, leaving me feeling out of place.
“First, I will briefly explain the first basement level. This is where my workshop as an alchemist, the treatment room for the bodies that serve as materials, and the magic tool used to retrieve memories from the deceased and transplant them into Homunculi are located. The ‘Doll Seller’ is on the second basement level, further down.”
We headed for the stairs leading to the second basement level while Rulus-sensei explained the general layout of the first basement level. I was surprised that such a vast underground space existed beneath the mansion. The first basement level was divided into several small rooms. The doors to each of these small rooms appeared to be locked, and it was impossible to glimpse their interiors. Still, a unique atmosphere, indicative of a master alchemist’s workshop, emanated into the corridor, embodying the saying, “A gentleman avoids dangerous places.” However, Ly and Liliana did not seem to feel this strange sense of pressure. Perhaps Ly, who was still young, and Liliana lacked experience. In my case, although I was the same age as them in my current life, I had the experience of my past life as Lester the Cleric.
The second basement level, however, had pillars supporting the ceiling that stood like a forest, but there were no partitions, making it a large hall. With only the dim lighting of the luminous moss, it was difficult to grasp the entirety of the space. Nevertheless, in this place called the “Doll Seller,” a vast number of cylindrical objects were arranged in an orderly fashion.
“W-What?! You’re saying all of these are culture tanks containing Homunculi!”
“I-It’s amazing!”
“Ly, I agree with you…”
Led by Anya, we began to walk through the passageway of the “Doll Seller.” The cylindrical objects placed on either side of the passageway were made of a transparent, mysterious substance, allowing us to see inside. And within them were unawakened vintage Homunculi. In other words, the cylindrical objects were culture tanks for vintage Homunculi. The vintage Homunculi, suspended in a liquid that could be considered amniotic fluid, occasionally stirred, confirming that they were alive. Furthermore, tubes and cables extended from the culture tanks and were connected to adjacent boxes. These boxes were lined with various switches and buttons. It was likely that this culture apparatus was a magic tool from the Ancient Magical Civilization Era. The experimental devices commonly used by alchemists to create Homunculi were presumably much more primitive. However, since I am not an alchemist, I am unsure of the details, but even mobilizing the knowledge from the Inquisitor Division, which was handled by my past self, Cardinal Lester, I could only describe it as unusual.
“There are magic tool lights installed on the ceiling of this ‘Doll Seller’ as well… but when they are lit, they have a negative effect on unawakened vintage Homunculi as light stimulation, so please bear with the dim lighting from the luminous moss. Also, please speak in low voices. We need to be considerate of their peaceful slumber.”
“Understood, Anya-san.”
“I understand.”
“I have no problem with that either.”
“Then, first, we will head to ‘Sasha No. 3’. Anya, please guide us.”
“Rulus-sensei, I understand.”
After receiving further instructions from Anya regarding the “Doll Seller,” we quietly walked down the corridor where culture tanks were arranged in neat rows on either side. The sight of each culture tank filled with what appeared to be amniotic fluid, with unawakened vintage Homunculi suspended within, was magnificent. Furthermore, all the vintage Homunculi were female; there seemed to be no male vintage Homunculi present. Here too, Rulus-sensei’s obsession as an “ultimate beautiful girl seeker” was evident.
Thank you for reading.
Episode 32-7 “Karma: The Path of Three Choices!?” is scheduled for release at 0:00 on May 11th.
