Chapter 504: The Scourge of Wild Beasts

By the time we arrived at the village chief’s home and allowed ourselves a short rest, evening had already descended, and the hour for supper was upon us. In this region, it seemed, farm families customarily dined earlier than I was used to.

At first, it struck me as a little premature, yet I quickly realized the reason: nightfall came swiftly, and with it the desire to conserve resources. Candle wax, lamp oil, even the consumption of magic stones—all were costly, and so the villagers made a habit of retiring to bed earlier, stretching their supplies through the long months.

Dinner, to my slight surprise, was heavy on meat dishes. The platters spread before us bore the rich aroma of roasted cuts and hearty stews. It was possible, of course, that such a feast was prepared in honor of our arrival, a warm gesture of welcome. Yet another thought gnawed quietly at the back of my mind—was the abundance of meat evidence that wild creatures roamed here in significant numbers, hunted to feed the village? That possibility unsettled me.

I voiced the thought aloud. 

“Are there many wild animals in these parts?”

The village chief, a man with weathered features and a voice touched with the fatigue of long years, nodded solemnly.

“Yes, that’s correct. You see the forest nearby? The creatures that dwell within have taken a liking to our fields. They often come prowling after the vegetables we’ve worked so hard to cultivate.”

“Well, the vegetables here do look delicious,” I remarked, half in jest, half in earnest.

At that, the chief’s face softened, and he bowed slightly with humility.

“Ah, you honor us with your words. Thank you.”

His politeness could not conceal the truth I was beginning to see clearly. Despite the fences around the fields, the beasts still found their way through. The problem of crop damage was far from trivial.

When I pressed him further on the extent of the damage, the answer shocked me. It was far greater than I had anticipated. Most notably, the fields that had been treated with the universal plant nutrient solution—our prized agricultural innovation—were the most heavily targeted.

Later, when we withdrew to the rooms prepared for us, the conversation among my companions naturally turned to the issue of these destructive intrusions. Just yesterday, at the previous farming village, no such complaints had surfaced. Likely they too had suffered losses from rats or smaller creatures, but had managed them privately, deeming it unworthy of mention.

Rosalia folded her hands together with the expression of one who had arrived at a quiet understanding.

“It seems the animals also wish to enjoy delicious vegetables.”

I almost chuckled. Until not long ago, she herself had never cared much for greens. But after tasting the rich, sweet produce during our travels, her opinion had changed entirely. If this journey had accomplished nothing else, at least it had broadened her appreciation for the gifts of the soil.

“Indeed,” I said, humoring her thought. “And what’s more, they seem to know exactly where the best fields are. Perhaps they can tell by scent?”

“Kyuu.”

Mira, perched comfortably on the bed, gave a little sound of agreement. I couldn’t help but smile. That confirmed it.

Fabienne, ever the realist, raised her fan slightly and spoke with calm composure.

“If that is so, then as the use of this nutrient solution spreads, the damage will only worsen.”

She was right. Unless something was done, the situation would grow dire. Before it spiraled out of control, I needed to act. A thought crystallized in my mind—yes, I would brew a repellent potion to ward off the beasts.

Conveniently, a forest stood not far from the village. Surely it held the ingredients I required.

Turning to Nero, I spoke decisively.

“Nero, tomorrow I’d like to inspect the fields and then venture into the forest.”

“The forest, sir?” he asked, brows furrowing slightly.

“Yes. There are materials I need.”

Fabienne tilted her head, eyes bright with curiosity.

“You mean to craft something, don’t you?”

“As sharp as ever, Fabienne,” I replied with a smile. “That’s exactly right. I’ll explain in detail tomorrow.”

Her lips curved faintly upward.

“I shall look forward to it.”

That evening, mindful of conserving fuel, we extinguished the lamps early. Weariness from travel pressed down on us, and one by one my companions drifted into slumber—Fabienne, Rosalia, even Mira atop my chest.

I alone lay awake, caught in the odd intimacy of our shared bedding. Rosalia and Mira’s closeness I could manage, but Fabienne… her face was mere inches from mine, her breath warm, her lips parted in the rhythm of sleep. For someone so elegant, she slept with enviable ease. I couldn’t help but wonder—was she blessed with nerves of steel, or was I simply too easily unsettled?

By morning, fatigue weighed faintly on my body, yet it hindered me little. What startled me instead was Fabienne’s crimson cheeks as she gazed silently into my face upon waking. I quickly diverted my attention, pretending not to notice the intensity of her stare.

After breakfast, I sought out Lionel and recounted the situation.

“Entering the forest should be no issue,” he assured me. “No monsters lurk there. Still, we mustn’t linger long. Our schedule is pressing.”

“I understand,” I answered. “I won’t need much time.”

Our departure from this village was set for tomorrow morning. It would take a full day’s travel to reach the next destination, the last of our planned visits. That gave us today in its entirety. More than enough to concoct what was needed.

The village chief himself guided us around the fields. Farmers greeted us warmly, their faces open and cheerful. Perhaps they felt reassured, knowing that the House of Count Heine cared deeply for agriculture, and that our presence here signaled real concern for their livelihoods. If so, I was glad.

The crops themselves were much like those of the previous village, though I noticed a greater variety of root vegetables. Naturally—roots kept well in storage. By contrast, the last village had specialized in leafy greens.

At the edge of the settlement, near the looming forest, the truth of the problem revealed itself. Despite the double fencing, damage was evident. Certain sections of the barrier were broken, as though by the force of large beasts.

“This is dreadful,” Fabienne murmured, her eyes narrowing.

“Yes,” Rosalia added softly. “The poor vegetables have been eaten.”

One farmer explained with a troubled expression,

“Even when we plant the nutrient-treated crops far from the forest, the animals still come. They know, somehow. Bears, wild boars… dangerous creatures. We cannot chase them off without risking our lives.”

Fabienne’s gaze softened.

“We must help them, mustn’t we?”

“Of course,” I said firmly. “And to do that, we’ll need to enter the forest. Fabienne, Rosalia—you should wait at the chief’s house.”

But both shook their heads, their eyes flashing with determination.

“I shall go,” Fabienne insisted.

“As will I,” Rosalia echoed.

Faced with their unyielding stares, I relented. With Lionel present, I felt confident enough to keep them safe. As for myself, I had no intention of yielding ground to wild beasts.

The forest welcomed us with its damp air and earthy scents. It wasn’t long before I found what I sought.

“There it is—powder-spore mushrooms. If we mix their spores with crushed chili peppers and black pepper, then coat the fences with it, the animals will learn to avoid the area. They’re clever—once they sense danger, they won’t risk it again. And look—habanero mushrooms. So potent they burn like fire. Spread along the fence, they’ll never dare break it.”

Fabienne arched a delicate brow.

“This is less a potion than… a trap.”

“Perhaps,” I admitted with a small laugh. “But a useful one.”

Yes, this was something the farmers themselves could prepare. With careful instruction, they would be able to reproduce it safely and protect their own fields.

“Once we return,” I resolved aloud, “I’ll teach everyone how to make these repellents. That way, the damage can be reduced to the bare minimum. Fewer beasts will risk approaching. It’s a practical solution.”

Fabienne’s eyes softened with approval.

“That would be best. After all, we want them to grow as many delicious crops as possible.”