Kirio Drugstore
Okay, lunch is ready.
Today we're having a simmered soup and freshly baked bread.
Thanks for always cooking, Mina. Let's eat.
Mina, this is good.
I'm glad. Our lunch break isn't long, so eat quickly.
You should take a break, too.
I will, once I've finished washing the teacups we use for guests.
Master, someone's staring at me.
Yeah, they sure are.
Wow, she really is a beast, just like Dad said!
She's a beast girl!
Her tail is so fluffy.
Her ears twitch, too. I wanna touch them.
Ms. Noela!
Woof...
Wait, aren't these Mr. Alf's kids?
Master, they're touching me.
Sorry, guys. This beast girl doesn't like being touched.
You can pet this instead.
What? That thing?
Just a tail?
But it's fluffy.
So this is what you were working on last night, Mr. Reiji.
You can make handicrafts in addition to medicines. Impressive.
I like this better!
Me, too!
My Noela substitute plan failed.
I'll have to make a full-body substitute next.
Let me take a crack at it.
Everyone, would you like something to eat?
That looks yummy!
I'm saved.
Thanks, Mina.
I need to give Mina a break now and then. All right.
Drugstore
In Another World
Today's Prescription: Part 1 Dishwashing Detergent Scrubba-dub-dub
Mr. Reiji, this new medicine is amazing.
I hardly scrubbed at all, but the plates are magically clean.
It just takes a scrubba-dub-dub.
You said it's called "detergent"?
That's great. Sounds like it was worth making.
With this detergent, I think I might even enjoy washing dishes.
I'll do the dishes, though.
What? You will?
You don't need to cook today, either.
I'm always relying on you to do everything.
You need to rest sometimes.
Then who will cook?
Hold on.
Noela, let's go.
Oh, right.
I'll need this.
Rabbit Tavern
Excuse me.
I'm here for the boxed lunches I ordered. I'm from Kirio Drugstore.
Ah, you mean the apothecary on the edge of town.
Rena
I'll wrap them right now. One moment, please.
Woof!
Thanks for the help.
You're the one helping me.
Huh? Did I do something for you?
You made that.
Botanical Deodorant
No matter how much I cleaned, the smell wouldn't go away.
But your botanical deodorant was immediately effective.
Oh, you bought that? If you'd like, you can try using this.
Is this a new medicine?
It makes washing dishes much easier.
It's still a prototype, though.
You have medicine for that, too? I'll use it right away.
Thank you.
Hey, you.
Are you the guy who made the super potion that's popular in town right now?
Huh?
Doz
You got a minute?
Moz
Got a minute?
What? Y-You want to talk to me?
I sense a fight. I'll protect you, Master.
Doz, Moz, cut it out.
But Captain...
I'm tellin' ya to cut it out.
Annabelle
Yes, ma'am.
Woof, woof. I won!
Noela, that's not what happened. Who are they?
The Red Cat Brigade.
Red Cat Brigade
Red Cat Brigade?
Cats?
They're a mercenary company hired by the lord to protect this town.
That woman is their captain.
She's the captain of a mercenary company?
Sorry about that, apothecary.
Oh, don't worry about it. A-Anyway, let's go, Noela.
Woof.
See you later.
I can't take it anymore!
Can't take it anymore!
Hey, you two!
Wait, am I being followed?
Hey, stop!
Stop!
O-Okay!
Hey, apothecary!
Apothecary!
I mean, Sir Apothecary, I'm beggin' ya.
I-I'm beggin' ya.
Huh?
Could you deliver five of yer super potions to our barracks each day for half price?
C-Could you?
What do you think yer doin'?!
But Captain, you can't survive without them potions.
Th-That's not true.
Everybody knows.
We know.
We know you secretly drink the potions we have stashed every night.
There's always at least two missin', sometimes all five when it's real bad.
We count 'em every mornin'.
It's not me.
There's no point in hidin' it.
That's why we're negotiatin' with the apothecary
to sell us potions cheap fer you!
Doz is right!
What belongs to the Red Cat Brigade is mine, and what's mine is mine, too!
Quit yer whining!
I see nonsensical logic exists in this world, too.
Then what belongs to my master is mine, and what's mine is mine, too.
You don't need to remember that.
Captain, the Red Cat Brigade is currently facin' serious money problems.
Whose fault do you think that is?
It's because we don't get paid enough.
No, it's your fault!
S-So... you wanted five potions delivered daily, right?
Huh?
Oh, you don't need to pay for them.
You mean they're free?! Yer a god!
Huh?! No, I'm just an apothecary...
I-If you insist, I suppose we'd be willin' to accept 'em.
Sorry she's not more honest, god of medicine.
Our captain is actually real happy.
She's happy.
I told you, I'm not a god.
I am honest, and I ain't happy.
You sure you're willin' to give 'em away fer free?
In that case, I do have one request.
Whatever you wish, medicine god.
Whatever you wish.
Rabbit Tavern Kitchen
You want us to use this detergent to wash dishes?
Yes.
If you enjoy using it, tell everyone in Kalta about it.
The sales will cover the cost of your potions.
Got—
Got it. I shall wash these dishes as you command.
No, I shall wash them!
No, me!
Cut it out, you two! I'm gonna handle this one!
Go right ahead.
What is this?
Captain, please use this.
O-Oh, thanks.
L-Like this?
Yes. Try lathering it up.
What is this?!
That's how it works. It's fine.
You're right. Incredible.
It's so bubbly and fluffy. Right, Captain?
Y-Yeah.
M-Makin' the captain wash dishes kinda feels like a guilty pleasure.
Yeah. It's kinda excitin'.
Captain, you can stop washing that one.
It's already clean.
Don't make me laugh.
There's no way this dish got clean in such a short—
It did?! It's actually clean?!
What a great reaction.
Did the captain use magic?
I didn't do nothin'.
Which means it was the work of the medicine god!
I-I told you, I'm not a god. That's just how this medicine works.
I can't believe how easy it makes washing dishes.
My hands don't even wrinkle.
Huh... I might be able handle this.
What? Have the captain's housekeepin' abilities been awakened?
The medicine god's new medicine is somethin' to be feared!
Please stop that, seriously.
Kirio Drugstore
Really? That's what happened?
Yeah, so we have to deliver five potions to the Red Cat Brigade every day from now on.
Noela, could you handle the deliveries?
Woof. You can count on me.
Ms. Noela, don't drink them on your way there.
What belongs to my master is mine, and what's mine is mine, too.
What does that mean?
Oh, that's just...
She learned a phrase she didn't need to know from that captain.
Mr. Reiji and Ms. Noela, I got plenty of rest today.
Thank you.
Woof.
I'm glad to hear that.
But please let me cook.
I had nothing to do while I waited.
It actually made me more weary.
Huh? Is that how that works?
Yes. Since it doesn't take as long to wash the dishes now, I've got plenty of time.
All thanks to your Scrubba-dub-dub dishwashing detergent.
Dishwashing Detergent Scrubba-dub-dub
"Scrubba-dub-dub"?
I named it.
Red Cat Brigade Barracks
I can't wait any longer!
Here, Noela. This potion's for you.
Master's potions are delicious.
Don't drink the ones you're delivering.
Woof. I'll be back soon.
See you later, Ms. Noela.
We're counting on you, Noela.
What is it? Oh.
Good morning, Captain. We were just on our way to you.
H-Hey. I just happened to be passin' by.
It's awfully early in the morning for that.
As long as I'm here, I thought I'd pick up my delivery.
Woof.
Thanks.
Captain, you must really like those.
One of my girls loves them, too.
Master's potions are delicious! Delicious!
My name's A-Anna—
Anna?
My name's Annabelle.
Ms. Annabelle. My name is Reiji.
I-I see. From now on, I'll come get them every morning.
See ya later, Reiji.
Ms. Annabelle is so nice to come all the way here to pick them up.
Nice?
Yeah, maybe she is.
Today's Prescription: Part 2 Beast-Be-Gone
I can't believe there are so few herbs left.
Noela, what do you think of this situation?
It's not good.
You're right. It's our fault for picking all the herbs we wanted.
We need to do something about this.
Tougirisou Seeds
Tougirisou seeds.
Produces yellow flowers. The leaves and stems can be used to make medicines.
That's it!
Noela, could you gather these?
Seeds? Got it. I'll gather them.
I'll gather all the seeds, woof!
What's next?
Please, Mr. Zeral!
Woof.
Please, raise your heads.
You did a lot for us, Mr. Reiji.
Feel free to use the Alonzo family's fields.
Absolutely.
Thank you! How much should I pay you each month to use them?
I can't accept money from you after what you did for us.
In exchange, I hope you'll advise me if anything comes up in the future.
I'd be happy to give you all the advice you need.
I knew I could count on the Alonzo family's fields!
The soil is so fertile!
Soil Fertility Maximum
Noela, let's plant some seeds.
Woof! Planting time!
All done!
Mr. Reiji, are you finished?
Yes. I'll be back tomorrow to check on them.
I see.
Huh? Is something the matter?
Is Ms. Feris behaving strangely again?!
It's not that. There's actually something I forgot to tell you earlier.
Kirio Drugstore
The crops are being ravaged?
Yeah. They've been suffering damage all over the place recently.
I don't know if it's wild dogs or wolves or what.
Why did you look at me, Master?
Then if you grow your herbs there, it's possible that they'll be ravaged.
Even if they build fences around their fields, they still get inside.
Then what shall we do?
It's okay. I have an idea.
I'll help!
No, it's better if you don't come today.
Woof?
Utsubo Flower
Utsubo flower.
A flower that produces an unpleasant smell only monsters and beasts can detect.
What's wrong, Ms. Noela?
Master stinks.
What?! Mr. Reiji, you need to bathe properly!
Ms. Noela's nose is very sensitive!
Several Days Later
Mr. Reiji, what did you do?
That dog collapsed over there.
I applied this to the fences.
Beast Repellent
Beast repellent.
A medicine that produces a smell offensive to beasts and monsters.
This beast repell—
It'll never sell with a name like that.
I came up with a better one.
I call it...
"Beast-Be-Gone."
Beast Repellent
Beast-Be-Gone
Actually, it's called "Beast-Be-Gone."
It's a medicine that produces a smell offensive to beasts and monsters.
Impressive, Mr. Reiji. It only took you one day to make this.
There.
It really does keep beasts away!
Mr. Reiji, this is the kind of simple barrier that only wizards can create!
You've created a barrier!
Personal space! Also, all I made was a medicine...
I knew you could do it, friend!
Personal space!
Noela!
Kirio Drugstore
Master stinky!
Mr. Reiji, did you skip your bath again?
I took one! Right, Noela?
Later, "Beast-Be-Gone" became
incredibly popular among farmers troubled by pesky beasts.
But while I was making this medicine, Noela refused to come near me.
This kind of hurts my feelings.
You stink!
Today's Prescription: Part 3 Capshin Fluid
Woof, woof.
Good morning, Captain— I mean, Ms. Annabelle.
Good morning, R-Reiji.
You're here for your usual?
Actually, could you make it ten today?
I'll pay fer the extras.
Y-Yeah, sure. Noela?
Woof!
You really do love your potions.
Thanks.
Woof.
Thank you.
Delicious, delicious!
It ain't me who's been drinkin' 'em recently.
In any case, thanks for everythin'.
Excuse us... Oh, Captain.
Captain.
Doz, Moz, what are you doin' here?
Nothin'.
You didn't come here to discuss anythin' fishy with Reiji, did you?
But Captain—
No buts! The apothecary's got nothin' to do with this!
Um, if there's anything I can do, I'd be happy to help.
Thank you. We knew you'd help us...
Medicine god!
Seriously, please stop calling me that!
Then allow us to call you "Brother," Brother Reiji!
Brother Reiji!
I guess it's better than being called a god.
Are you aware that many bandits have been comin' to Kalta recently?
I'll explain the situation.
People were injured protecting the town against bandits?
Yup. They're pretty tough.
So the captain's been givin' her potions to the injured.
Don't mention that.
But unless we get those bandits back, the lord will stop payin' us.
We'll have to find another job.
After all, we're just mercenaries.
So that's why you came to me.
Yeah. We came to you, Brother Reiji.
We were hopin' to pick yer brain.
I sense a fight. I'll protect you, Master.
Ms. Noela, why don't you come over here and help me make lunch?
Woof. Lunch, lunch.
Protect, huh? That beast girl is right.
We're supposed to be protectin' you.
We can't ask for yer help.
Don't say that.
We're able to live like this because of your brigade.
Let me help you at least a little.
The medicine god has descended!
I told you, I'm not a god.
Woof.
I can't stop crying.
Cutting onions makes you cry.
Tears? That's it!
Mr. Doz and Mr. Moz, could you bring me the highest proof liquor you can find?
Of course. We'll bring you whatever offerings you want, medicine god.
You're a drinker, too, huh?
You, too, huh?
I'm going to use it to make medicine.
Hurry, please.
As you wish.
Reiji, is there anythin' I can do?
Thank you. In that case...
Capshin Peppers
That's the stuff. Could I use those? I'll buy you more later.
That's fine by me. Is this for your medicine?
Yeah. Ms. Annabelle, could you come with me?
S-Sure.
I'll go with you!
It's better if you don't come again.
So this is how you make your medicines. I see.
It's hard to work with someone watching me.
Mr. Reiji, Mr. Doz has returned.
Got it. Show him in.
Okay.
This is the strongest stuff I could find.
Drinking a glass of this on a cold day...
...and then going to sleep is our greatest joy.
Yeah, I'm not going to drink this, so I don't need your anecdotes.
As you wish.
Capshin Fluid
Okay, it's done.
Brother Reiji, what...
...is this?
Wait, don't get too close!
My eyes! My eyes!
You two sure do love to overreact.
This water is nothin'.
It's just a mixture of liquor and capshin pepper.
And you call yerselves members of the Red Cat Brigade.
I can't believe warriors who fight on the front lines are writhing in agony over—
I wouldn't get too close to that.
What is this?!
My eyes! My eyes!
Ow, ow, ow!
I told you not to get close.
My eyes! My eyes!
Ow, ow! What is this?!
Crap, crap, crap!
Mina, Master's rolling on the floor. Everyone's rolling on the floor.
That's Mr. Reiji's job.
Come on, let's serve lunch.
Woof.
Thanks for the food. It was good.
I helped Mina cook.
That's right.
Captain, we should get going.
Get going.
I know.
Then I'll get your medicine.
Doz, you carry it.
Moz, you carry it.
Who, me? Brother Doz, you're older than me.
You should carry it.
As our leader, the captain should carry it.
Uh, but I...
Captain, didn't you say what belongs to the Red Cat Brigade is yours,
and what's yours is yours, too?
Well, actually, uh...
So you should carry it, Captain!
In the end, Mr. Doz and Mr. Moz took turns carrying the capshin fluid.
Kirio Drugstore
It goes without saying
that several days later, the bandits fled Kalta screaming.
Closing Time
Kirio Drugstore.
Thank you...
...for visiting...
...again today.
Woof.
Demon King.
I acquired this in the human town.
It's a new kind of medicine.
Oh? So this is the medicine everyone's been talking about.
This won't do.
This won't do at all.
Next Customer
The banquet will be ruined.
Illustration by: Crescent @crescent_D