Chapter 631: The Benefits of Growing Plants

We used the spray bottle to coat everyone’s flower crowns with preservation solution. According to my Appraisal skill, each one had been treated properly.

As for the duration, I would make no comment.

I was already worried about what our distant descendants would think.

“That should do it. Unless the crown is physically broken, it should remain in its present condition.”

“Then I must prepare a display case,” Mother said. “It’s a treasure Max made for me.”

“Mother, I want to display mine too! It’s a treasure Brother Julius made for me.”

“Kyuu!”

Perhaps copying Mother, Rosalia and Mira wanted display cases as well. Sister-in-law Daniela undoubtedly did too.

While the salon grew lively with that discussion, we decided to leave for the clover field. If we stayed any longer, we would run out of time.

“Lady Fabienne, you want a display case too, don’t you?”

“Naturally, but…”

“I’ll arrange for one to be delivered to the Ambert estate later. Please wait until then.”

“Thank you.”

Lady Fabienne smiled. Excellent. It would have been wrong to leave her out.

When we reached the clover field, the seedlings and Rapid Growth No. 2 were already waiting.

Everything was thoroughly prepared. All we had to do was plant the seedlings and propagate them through cuttings as we went.

First, however, we would treat the field with Rapid Growth No. 2. We had enough to cover almost half the area.

“Let’s spread Rapid Growth No. 2 across the field together. With three people, it shouldn’t take long.”

“Then let us begin at once,” Lady Fabienne said.

“Leave it to me,” Nero added.

The three of us divided the work. Since we laboured steadily without talking, we finished relatively quickly. Next came planting the seedlings.

We had collected eighteen clumps in total. I had wanted roughly twenty, but taking any more would have been unreasonable.

Nevertheless, every plant was sturdy, since we had selected them with great care. They should withstand having a few cuttings taken. I hoped to increase their number threefold.

I directed Lady Fabienne and Nero as we planted.

In truth, it might have been best for me to handle everything with my Transplanting skill. But if I did, the other two would never develop. We would probably undertake many projects together in the future, so I wanted them to acquire Transplanting as well—although luck played a large part in learning any skill.

“This is how you plant a clover seedling.”

“You possess extensive knowledge of plant cultivation too, Lord Julius.”

“Some ingredients growing in monster territory are of excellent quality, but cultivating them in a garden allows us to harvest a consistent quality. I believe it’s an essential skill for a magic pharmacist.”

“I grow flowers and other plants in my garden as a hobby, but I still have much to learn.”

I knew the Ambert estate’s garden contained not only flowers, but also plants used as magic-potion ingredients. They grew ingredients of respectable quality, although there weren’t many different varieties.

Now that their garden had a mana-rich area, they would surely be able to cultivate a wider range. That would expand the variety of magic potions Lady Fabienne could make and contribute to her growth.

“Next, we’ll plant the cacao fruit. We’ll put it a short distance from the clover field so it has room to grow into a magnificent tree. Oh, no. I forgot to make plant nutrient and bring it.”

“Did you want it to grow that quickly?”

“Lady Fabienne, you’ll soon become captivated by cacao fruit too.”

“I shall look forward to it…?”

That sounded like a question, Lady Fabienne. Did she doubt me that much? Admittedly, cacao fruit didn’t look especially appetising. Even I had to concede that.

But with proper processing, it became chocolate. Once everyone saw that final form, they would surely fall under chocolate’s spell. I already looked forward to that day.

I removed the seeds from a cacao fruit and planted them in soil tilled with magic. I also placed a small piece of wood as a marker so I wouldn’t forget the location.

Good. Tomorrow, I would remember the plant nutrient.

We continued working as I taught Lady Fabienne and Nero various techniques, but neither appeared to acquire a skill. The conditions for obtaining skills truly were mysterious. Just as Lady Fabienne had acquired Appraisal without realising it, we could only hope Transplanting would awaken in time.

“All that remains is watering, and then today’s work will be complete. Thank you for helping.”

“It was most instructive,” Lady Fabienne said. “Clover is also charming, so I think I shall plant some in our garden.”

“I learnt a great deal,” Nero added. “I look forward to the day when clover covers this entire field.”

Both seemed to have gained something from the experience. Everyone was growing little by little. Hopefully, their efforts would sprout in time.

Finally, I watered the plants with magic. I intended to visit every day for a while, so watering them shouldn’t be a problem.

Eventually, however, we would need to install the sprinkler Rosalia had made. Perhaps I should plead with her to make another.

No. That request might come back to haunt me.

Still considering the matter, I returned to the mansion.