In the morning, Edgar went to the Potion Research Lab. His guard behind him was holding a microscope. The microscope was light yellow, and its surface was smooth. The microscope was made up of a combination of clay, wood, and magnifying glass. Metal was difficult to mold, but clay was so easy for high-level earth magicians to mold. Clay could only be temporarily used until a qualified metal mold for a microscope is made.
Glass had been researched, but only a few qualified glasses were made. He turned them into magnifying glasses for a microscope and telescope. He arrived in the lab and talked with the chief, named Pelca.
"Your highness, most potions sold in the Baynard kingdom are made from the Maginev empire. If potions from the empire are sold out, mercenaries and adventurers will buy potions made from the Fran kingdom. The Maginev empire's potions are 2% more effective than our potions, and the Fran kingdom has cheaper prices." Pelca had hesitation on his face but gritted his teeth and made his request.
"Your highness, we don't have enough funds for research." Pelca's face blushing out of embarrassment. Their potion department was almost bankrupt if the military did not buy from them.
Edgar smiled. "Don't worry, I will give additional funds to your department, and I will never let it get out of business. The kingdom will be the biggest buyer. I am here to give you direction of research. Have you not thought of making potions that can suddenly increase strength in a short time or a permanent increase that can be used ordinary people? You should think of a new direction, like the short-term effect of potions on concentration, mana absorption, and the like."
His suggestion struck Pelca's mind with lightning.
Pelca was hit with enlightenment. It brought him to a whole new world of potion-making!
"Your highness, thank you for your enlightenment! I will make sure that the Potion department will bring glory to the Baynard kingdom!" Pelca deeply bowed to Edgar while speaking his feelings and thoughts.
"The potion that increases strength in a short or permanent manner must be kept secret. Any potion that could improve strength must be confidential. They will be the secret weapon of our army. Potions for improving concentration or mana absorption can be sold. You must strictly guard your research. There are spies of the empire and other kingdoms here. Don't let anyone you don't trust get involved in research."
"I swear I won't let them steal our hard work, your highness!"
"I have a secret tool that will help you in your research. It will even help you spy on the secrets of the world! Elena, bring that tool here."
Pelca's heart trembled when he heard that there was that kind of artifact. His heart was beating quickly.
"The artifact might have clairvoyance abilities!" Thought Pelca. He will use the artifact to spy on the Maginev empire and steal their technology!
Elena returned to the room while holding the microscope.
Pelca's impression of a magnificent artifact was crushed when he saw the microscope made of clay. He was hoping that it wasn't the artifact.
Edgar stretched his hand and used earth magic. He controlled the microscope and let it float away from Elena. He pulled the microscope toward them and let it land on the table in front of Pelca.
"Y-Your highness, is this the artifact?"
Edgar smiled at the facial expression of Pelca, then answered calmly, "Yes."
Pelcas' eyes turned big. He really couldn't believe it."B-But your highness, it is made up of clay! It does not even have magic runes!"
"It does not need rare magic materials and runes. It helps you see what a naked eye can't see. It magnifies your eyes by 100x. Come, I'll show you how to use it." Edgar put a specimen of a plant underneath the magnifying glass and taught Pelca and Elena how to use the microscope. They saw objects that could not be seen by their naked eyes, and their mouths were both wide open. How in the world is it possible? A question ran through both of their minds. Their first experience using a microscope and seeing the world of Microworld is so magical to them.
"Have you ever thought what composes everything that you see, like fire or earth?" Edgar suddenly asked while looking at their stupefied expression. He cast magic,then a flame floated in his left hand while a rock floated in his right hand.
There was a bit of mystery around him when both elements were floating in his hands after he asked the question.
Elena and Pelca are staring at the mysterious-looking Edgar. Elena could hear her loud heartbeat. Red hair, handsome face, mysterious air—the prince became a lot more handsome in her eyes.
"Is there only fire or earth element in fire magic and earth magic? Is there mana? What mana is made up of? Why does fire disappear when poured with water? Why does the earth become soft when mixed with water? How do potions produce those effects? What substance in the potion produces those effects? What composes the flesh of living beings? Why do some beings live longer than others?"
Edgar's series of questions cause an earthquake in the hearts of Pelca and Elena. They felt like they were standing in front of the door to Forbidden Ground, and the prince was inviting them to walk in. Pelca subconsciously swallowed his saliva to calm his nervous heart a little.
Edgar continued and said,"Everything around you is made up of matter. The study of matter is called chemistry. It is a key to the secrets of the world."