Chapter 144

The ingredients for the illegal anti-magic potion were easier to find than I had expected. Several restricted texts all named the same materials in common — which narrowed things down considerably.

I asked Elsa to look into the supply channels, and by the time her investigation was underway, the Swordsmanship Tournament was already one day away.

"Oyster ceviche, grilled eel, venison loin stew... perfect."

I surveyed the table with satisfaction — dishes chosen specifically for stamina and vitality — and Friedrich arrived just as I was murmuring to myself.

"I asked the head chef to take special care with tonight's dinner. Tomorrow's an important day. This is my way of being a good wife."

"If that's what you call it — you've already been more than generous in that regard."

"...Me?"

I tilted my head. Friedrich looked at me as though I had forgotten something obvious.

"You came to check…