Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 416: Collecting in the Forest
In the afternoon, we departed from the Marquis of Mulan’s estate. While the movement of monsters was concerning, we had a fair number of knights with us, so it should be fine. Besides, we could fight as well.
Traveling through the forest was done on foot. After disembarking from the carriage nearby, we proceeded through the bright forest under the guidance of the knights. The forest in this area appeared to be well-maintained; though there were no roads, there was no undergrowth, making it easy to walk. Mira was also happily walking along.
“This forest seems perfect for forest bathing.”
“This area’s forest is actually somewhat of a tourist spot. Right now, there’s no one here due to the recent monster disturbances, but before that, I would occasionally see people walking around.”
Carol said this nostalgically. Hopefully, things would return to normal soon. If the monster that the eastern frontier lord was supposedly pursuing was defeated, then the monsters in this area should also disappear. If that happened, this forest would likely regain its status as a tourist attraction.
Holding Fabienne’s hand to prevent her from tripping over tree roots, we continued moving through the forest. Ahead of us, Axel was doing the same for Carol. It seemed we were thinking alike. The other members remained vigilant, keeping watch over the surroundings.
“From here on, the path will become more treacherous. Please watch your step.”
The direction the knight pointed to led into a slightly darker section of the forest. It seemed that the deeper we went, the darker it became. That likely meant this area was untouched by human hands. However, I could not sense any presence of monsters coming from within the forest. Just as in the prior investigation, there appeared to be no monsters in this area.
Proceeding with greater caution than before, it wasn’t long before Axel and the others stopped in their tracks. Then, they pointed ahead.
“That signboard over there—could that be it?”
“It must be! Let’s go, Axel!”
“Ah, wait, Carol! Running is dangerous!”
Carol dashed off, with Axel chasing after her. The knights, flustered, hurried after them. It seemed that after confessing to us, Carol had found closure. There were no signs of her trying to hide it anymore. Fabienne smiled wryly, while Isidore stood there in shock.
“That’s just like Axel.”
“He’s completely over the moon. Maybe he was always like this during their garden dates.”
“Now that you mention it, there were days when Axel was in an unusually good mood.”
It seemed Isidore had recalled something, as he nodded in understanding. We followed after them. As expected, medicinal herbs were growing on the ground. Despite the presence of such a large signboard, it seemed no one had taken them. Perhaps no adventurers had made it this far.
“Let’s collect the herbs right away. Nero, bring the bags and shovel.”
“I have them ready right here.”
Nero promptly brought them over. I smoothly began harvesting the medicinal herb seedlings. With this, we had secured the minimum amount we needed.
As I carefully gathered the seedlings, Fabienne, who had been watching with a serious expression, quietly leaned in closer.
“Julius-sama, could you teach me how to do it next time?”
“Of course, I don’t mind. There are a few steps involved, so it might be a bit tricky, though.”
If Fabienne could acquire skills related to plant cultivation, it would be a great help. Even if we needed to expand the herb garden in the future, it would drastically reduce the time required. More importantly, I wouldn’t have to work alone.
After collecting the medicinal herb seedlings, we immediately headed for the next location, where antidote grass was supposed to grow.
“As the reports suggested, it seems there aren’t any monsters around. That’s a bit of a relief.”
“Yeah, looks like there’s none in this area.”
There seemed to be no sign of monsters in the next area either. Just as Fabienne mentioned, being able to move safely was a huge relief.
We arrived at the place where the antidote herb grows. This time, while teaching Fabienne, we collected the seedlings. Since Fabienne had experience growing plants in her family’s garden, she was quite skilled. If we worked together a few more times, she would likely develop the necessary skills.
“The remaining ingredient is the magic grass. The location is even deeper into the forest than before. This means the danger will also increase, so please follow our instructions.”
The knight commander of the Mulan Marquis family said this. Even so, the fact that they were willing to take us there showed just how important securing ingredients for magic potions was. It seemed that the magic grass in this area had already been harvested. Even adventurers knew the rarity of magic grass.
It would take a considerable amount of time for the plants in this area to regenerate. If I were to spread plant nutrients throughout the forest, it might be a different story. But that would cause a huge commotion, so I wouldn’t do it unless absolutely necessary.
As we approached our next destination, my “Search” skill reacted. There was a group of monsters in the distance. They weren’t heading this way, but what should we do?
Just in case, I discreetly reported it to Lionel.
“Lionel, there are monsters over there. They’re still far away.”
“I will have everyone stay on alert. Julius-sama, please collect the magic grass quickly.”
“I’m counting on you.”
After confirming that Lionel had started moving, I proceeded ahead. Before long, a signboard came into view. Nearby, magic grass was growing. Compared to earlier, the surrounding forest had become much darker. Perhaps due to the unsettling scenery, Fabienne had been clinging tightly to my arm for a while now. Naturally, Carol was sticking to Axel in the same way.