Chapter 410: Getting Permission to Go to the Forest

It was dinner time. The place where the servants of the Mulan Marquis family guided us was a large dining hall spacious enough for everyone to gather. Naturally, Axel and Isidore were there as well.

From what I gathered from today’s conversations, it seemed that Axel and Isidore had come here as part of Carol’s “friend group.” While they trained alongside knights and magicians at the royal castle, the reason why these two commoners were present here appeared to be due to that connection.

If anything, this meant that the Marquis of Mulan was aware of the relationship between Carol and Axel. If he was welcoming Axel despite knowing that, then that was simply how it was. The only ones who hadn’t realized it yet were the people involved. I started feeling a little sorry for Isidore, who had gotten caught up in this. Hang in there.

As the pleasant dinner began and the conversation settled, I brought up the matter of the herb garden. Upon hearing about it, the Marquis of Mulan seemed deeply troubled. As expected, the idea of everyone going together was a major concern.

“I have no issue with creating an herb garden in the yard, but is there no way around going to collect the herb seedlings? Even if the number of monsters has returned to previous levels, I wouldn’t want anything to happen.”

“Oh my, are you not aware? Julius here is a skilled fighter who can take down a wyvern. He could defeat a Forest Wolf with just a flick of his finger.”

That was an extreme exaggeration, but not entirely wrong. I wouldn’t even need to move from my spot to take them down. Not that I would do that, of course. If I did, Isidore would definitely badger me to explain what kind of magic I used.

I had told everyone about the wyvern incident before, but I hadn’t expected even the lady of the house to have heard about it. Could it be that she gathers all sorts of stories? Maybe she’s just lacking excitement in her life.

“Seeing as you’re not denying it, I suppose you really could take them down with just a flick of your finger.”

“Oh, come on, Axel. That’s not true.”

I denied it with a smile, but everyone still looked unconvinced. Why?

Well, at least I had played my part. If they said no, then that was that. I would just have to give up on going with everyone. Just as planned.

“Ah, Julius just smirked! That’s the face of someone planning to go alone!”

“What kind of face is that, Isidore?! I’m not making that face!”

“Isidore is absolutely right. That is the face of someone plotting something.”

“E-Even you, Fabienne?! That’s not true at all!”

Fabienne glanced at me with narrowed eyes, so I quickly averted my gaze. It’s fine. I haven’t been found out yet. When I glanced over at Nero, I saw that he, too, was looking at me with half-lidded eyes. Maybe it wasn’t fine after all.

The Marquis of Mulan let out a thoughtful groan.

“Even if Julius-sama is strong, I can’t allow him to go alone. It can’t be helped. I will permit this on the condition that knights from the Mulan family accompany you.”

“Thank you, Father!”

At Carol’s beaming smile, the Marquis of Mulan’s expression softened. It seemed that fathers were weak to their daughters no matter the family. My own family was the same when it came to Rosalia.

It looked like we would all be going to the forest together. I would need to make proper preparations. It would still take some time before we could obtain the seedlings. In the meantime, I should focus on getting the herb garden ready.

It seems that the knights will be making plans for the trip to the forest. With this, we will be able to proceed along a route where safety is ensured. Everyone’s safety will also be secured.

After that, I consulted with the lady and discussed where to establish the herb garden.

“I have a request for you, Julius-sama. Would you be willing to hear me out?”

“Of course. Please, go ahead.”

“Well, I am thinking of hiring a dedicated magical pharmacist. And I was wondering if you could provide some guidance to that person.”

I knew it. It seems my assessment was not wrong. With this, the herb garden will not go to waste. They will probably purchase the necessary equipment in due time as well. Since I will be in their care for a while, I have no objections to teaching.

“Of course, I don’t mind. I don’t know how much my abilities will be of use, but I will do my best.”

“Hahaha, what are you saying? I’ve heard from Axel and Isidore that you are an excellent magical pharmacist.”

I quickly glanced at Axel and Isidore. The two of them were both looking off into the distance. I’ll have to lecture them later. I need to interrogate them for at least an hour about how much they told. While I’m at it, I should also ask how far Axel and Carol have progressed.

Surely… they haven’t gotten ahead of us, right?

“What kind of person is this magical pharmacist?”

“He is my son. He is currently attending the academy in the royal capital and will be coming back here during the summer break.”

“Leon is a serious and quiet child, but he seems to struggle with making friends. I would be happy if you could get along with him.”

“Of course.”

From what I’ve heard, the Mulan Marquis family has two sons and two daughters. The eldest son is currently working as a diplomat. Hilda-sama seems to have gone to the eastern frontier margrave’s domain. She will probably marry into that family.

The second son, Leon-sama, is the same age as my older brother Cain and attends the academy in the royal capital. Carol seems to be traveling back and forth between the royal capital and the domain capital. And it appears that the ones who volunteered to escort her during these trips are none other than Axel and Isidore. Though, it seems Isidore was just dragged into it.

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