The Birth of the Militia Potion
Over the next few days, Karl entrusted the task of accompanying and introducing Carnford to Carnford to Old Morrell, who then took Edgar on a tour and inspection.
From farmland irrigation to artisan neighborhoods, from newly built residential areas to military training grounds, the exhibition comprehensively showcases Carnford's current state and potential.
This both fulfilled Edgar's needs for investigation and served as a demonstration of confidence.
Meanwhile, Karl himself devoted himself to another, more secretive and important matter—the development of "Militia Potion".
The long-forgotten chemical experimental apparatus, discovered in Lord Marcus's secret chamber, had been secretly moved to a relatively secluded and enclosed corner of the newly built attic on the third floor of the castle.
The space here is well-lit, spacious, and quiet, far removed from the daily hustle and bustle, making it ideal for conducting experiments that require focus and secrecy.
He had privately inquired whether Old Morrell had any knowledge of pharmacy or chemistry, but Old Morrell admitted that he knew nothing about them, and that his expertise lay in architecture, mechanics, and master planning.
The other craftsmen in the territory were mostly blacksmiths, carpenters, and stonemasons; there seemed to be no one who was proficient in this particular skill.
It seems he can only rely on himself. Although he is not a chemistry expert, he has at least received a complete modern basic education and has personally conducted many chemistry experiments in middle school.
He was far superior to most of the so-called "alchemists" of his time in terms of basic operations such as distillation, extraction, filtration, and heat control, as well as in terms of safety awareness.
At least, he knows how to control variables, record data, and pay attention to safety.
So, taking advantage of this relatively peaceful period, Karl would go alone into the attic laboratory whenever he had free time, and begin to explore and experiment, referring to the recipes and instructions on the parchment scrolls.
He first had people search for the key ingredients according to the formula.
Frostneedle Grass, Icy Plains Thistle Root, Rock Lichen, Pine Tear Resin, and Snowberry are all common in the Northern Territory.
As for the low-alcohol beer, it was just enough to be taken from the supplies Edgar brought.
Once all the materials were prepared, the experiment officially began.
Karl followed the steps on the parchment scroll meticulously.
The process on paper seemed simple, but in practice it was fraught with difficulties. Karl finally succeeded after several failures.
As the last drop of clear liquid, which appeared a deep, bright red in the sunlight, fell into the receiving bottle, an extremely light, indescribable aroma, a blend of herbal fragrance and a hint of sweetness, filled the air.
It's done!
Karl suppressed his excitement and carefully diluted the red liquid with melted snow.
With the addition of snow water, the red color of the medicine became slightly lighter, but more translucent, like a ruby, and the fragrance became softer.
He strictly followed the instructions on the parchment scroll, pouring the finished product into five opaque glass bottles and sealing them tightly with corks.
Militia Potion... This is what Lord Marcus would rather die than abandon.
Karl picked up a bottle of potion and examined it closely in the sunlight. Its color and texture looked... at least somewhat plausible.
However, the parchment scroll only describes the preparation method, and only vaguely records the medicinal effects. "It can invigorate the spirit, relieve fatigue, and accelerate the healing of minor injuries."
What are the specific effects? Are there any side effects? What is the dosage? These all need to be verified through practice.
One last step remains... clinical trials.
Karl looked at the red potion in his hand, his expression turning serious.
Karl stood in the attic, deep in thought, staring at the five bottles of crystal-clear red potion.
Conducting human experiments alone carries enormous risks and uncertainties; he needs a reliable participant who is capable of handling the potential consequences.
Ultimately, he made his decision.
It's better to lay it all out now than to discover it when it's being mass-produced in the future.
Ultimately, based on the formula description, this "Militia Potion" is more like a stimulant and basic treatment agent that enhances the effects.
For the well-established Schmidt Family, this may not be a groundbreaking secret, but its successful preparation undoubtedly proves Carnford's value and potential, and may become a bargaining chip to attract more investment.
He carried a bottle of medicine and found Edgar checking the supply list with Morr in the newly built warehouse district of the inner city.
"Mr. Edgar, may I speak with you in private?" Karl gestured.
Edgar keenly noticed the seriousness in Karl's expression, nodded, gave Morr a few instructions, and then followed Karl to a relatively quiet corner.
"Mr. Edgar," Karl took a deep breath and took the bottle of red potion from his pocket, "I recently discovered a recipe for a potion called ' Militia Potion ' and some experimental equipment while sorting through the documents left behind by the former Lord."
"After several attempts... I seem to have succeeded in preparing it. According to the records, this potion can boost morale, relieve fatigue, and accelerate the healing of minor injuries. I think this should be helpful to the soldiers and militia of the territory."
He paused, his tone tinged with a hint of candid helplessness. "But I can't be sure about its effectiveness and safety. I think you should know about this, and I hope... I can hear your advice."
Edgar took the medicine bottle without immediately showing surprise.
He first carefully observed the color and clarity of the medicine, then uncorked it, brought the bottle close to his mouth, and gently sniffed it, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Instead of directly commenting on the medicine, he suddenly turned his head and beckoned to a young assistant who was taking inventory of tools not far away. "Mark, come here for a moment."
The assistant, Mark, immediately trotted over and bowed respectfully. "Mr. Edgar, what can I do for you?"
Edgar handed him the medicine bottle, his tone as casual as if he were instructing him on a trivial matter. "Drink this."
Mark didn't even hesitate for a moment. He took the bottle, tilted his head back, and drank the small cupful of red liquid in one gulp. The whole process was swift and decisive, as if he had just drunk a cup of water.
Karl watched in stunned silence. They were just going to make someone drink it like that? What if I got the recipe wrong and someone died?
However, a few minutes later, instead of showing any signs of pain, the assistant Mark's face flushed with a healthy rosy hue.
He blinked, stretched his arms, and said to Edgar with some surprise, "Sir, this potion... tastes a bit strange, but after drinking it, I feel warm all over, like... like I'm not so tired anymore, and my spirits are much better!"
The fatigue he felt from moving the supplies seemed to have vanished completely.