Kays Translations

Chapter 416: Collecting in the Forest

That afternoon, we left House Mulan’s estate. The monsters’ unexplained movements remained concerning, but we had numerous knights with us and several members of our party could fight.

We entered the forest on foot after leaving the carriages nearby. Guided by the knights, we walked beneath a bright canopy. The area appeared well maintained: although there was no road, little undergrowth obstructed us. Mira trotted along happily.

“This forest seems perfect for forest bathing.”

“This forest was something of a tourist attraction. No one comes now because of the recent monster disturbances, but people used to stroll here.”

Caro spoke nostalgically. I hoped the forest would soon return to normal. If the Eastern Margrave’s forces defeated whatever had disrupted the monsters, perhaps this place could become a tourist attraction again.

I held Fabienne’s hand so she would not trip over roots. Ahead of us, Axel did the same for Caro. We apparently thought alike, while the rest of the party kept watch around us.

“From here on, the path will become more treacherous. Please watch your step.”

The knight indicated a darker stretch ahead. The deeper forest had evidently been left untouched by people. Even so, I sensed no monsters within it, just as the scouts had reported.

We proceeded cautiously until Axel and Caro stopped and pointed ahead.

“That signboard over there—could that be it?”

“It must be! Let’s go, Axel!”

“Wait, Caro! Running through the forest is dangerous!”

Caro dashed forwards and Axel hurried after her, with the knights following in alarm. Now that their relationship had been exposed, Caro no longer seemed interested in hiding it. Fabienne smiled wryly, while Ijidol stared in disbelief.

“That’s just like Axel.”

“He’s completely over the moon. Maybe he was always like this during their garden dates.”

Ijidol seemed to recall several such occasions and nodded slowly.

We followed them to a patch of medicinal herbs. Despite the conspicuous marker, no one had taken the plants; perhaps adventurers rarely came this far.

“Let’s gather the herbs at once. Nero, bring the bags and shovel.”

“I have them ready right here.”

Nero immediately brought the equipment. I carefully dug up the medicinal-herb seedlings, securing the minimum number we needed.

Fabienne watched with a serious expression, then quietly leaned closer as I worked.

“Julius-sama, could you teach me how to do that next time?”

“Of course. There are several steps, so it may be a little difficult at first.”

If Fabienne acquired a cultivation-related skill, she would be a tremendous help. Expanding the herb garden would take far less time, and more importantly, I would no longer have to do everything alone.

After collecting the medicinal herbs, we immediately headed for the next marked location, where detox grass grew.

“The reports were right. There don’t seem to be any monsters nearby. That is a relief.”

“Yes. This area appears clear.”

The next site also showed no signs of monsters. As Fabienne said, the ability to move safely was a tremendous relief.

At the detox-grass patch, I taught Fabienne while we gathered seedlings. Her experience tending plants in House Ambert’s garden made her quite skilful. With a little more practice, she might acquire the relevant skill.

“The final ingredient is mana grass, which grows still deeper in the forest. The danger increases from here, so please follow our instructions.”

House Mulan’s knight commander spoke firmly. Their willingness to escort us so far showed how urgently the region needed potion ingredients. Mana grass near the roads had already been harvested; even adventurers understood its value.

The depleted plants would need considerable time to recover naturally. Plant nutrient could accelerate that, but scattering it through the forest would cause an enormous commotion. I would not attempt it unless absolutely necessary.

As we neared the final site, my Search skill reacted. A group of monsters was moving in the distance. They were not approaching us yet, but what should we do?

I quietly reported the discovery to Lionel.

“Lionel, there are monsters over there. They’re still some distance away.”

“I will place everyone on alert. Julius-sama, please gather the mana grass quickly.”

“I’m counting on you.”

After confirming that Lionel had begun issuing orders, I continued. Soon we saw the marker and the mana grass growing nearby. The forest here was much darker than before. Perhaps unsettled by the surroundings, Fabienne clung tightly to my arm, while Caro did the same to Axel.

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