Chapter 562: Should I… Probably Apologize?

I wanted to test it immediately. Since it was a slow-release type, it shouldn’t cause something dramatic like—the tree suddenly grew enormous overnight! At least, that was the theory.

That reminded me.

“Lionel, there were saplings lined up beside the storage shed, weren’t there?”

“Yes, I do recall seeing several saplings there. Surely… you are not planning to test it on those?”

“That ‘surely’ is exactly what I’m thinking. Is that a problem?”

“…I hesitate to give an opinion on that. It would be best to consult one of the gardeners.”

A perfectly reasonable answer.

Even if Lionel gave his approval, it wouldn’t really solve anything. But if we asked the gardeners directly, it would reveal that I had already conducted an experiment.

Well… that might not be so bad.

We would eventually need to involve the gardeners anyway. Perhaps beginning collaborative work now would only strengthen our cooperation.

“All right, then. Let’s go ask a gardener. We might even find a better testing ground.”

We left the compounding room and headed toward the break room on the first floor. When I glanced outside, I noticed how low the sun had dipped.

I hadn’t realized at all.

Time slipped away so quickly when I was focused. If possible, I wanted to begin the experiment today.

When we reached the break room, several gardeners were already there. It seemed they had finished their work and were gradually returning. The timing could not have been better.

“Julius-sama, are you finished with your work for the day?”

“Yes, we’ve finished. And so, I would like to test the newly completed fertilizer. Is there somewhere suitable for that? Ideally, I’d like to try it on a sapling.”

The previously lively break room fell completely silent.

…Did I do something again?

This time, even Fabienne tilted her head in confusion.

“Julius-sama… you have already completed it?”

“Well, yes. More or less. Though it hasn’t been tested yet, so perhaps it isn’t truly complete.”

Ah.

It seemed finishing a new fertilizer in less than half a day might have been the problem.

I had assumed fertilizer was simply a matter of mixing ingredients together, something that could be done quickly. Was that incorrect?

Judging by the expression on Fabienne’s face—one that clearly said we may have misjudged this—it probably was.

The fact that Fabienne herself hadn’t noticed earlier meant she was steadily becoming accustomed to my pace.

In other words, she was beginning to share the trait of not realizing when something outrageous had just occurred.

…Perhaps I should apologize to her later.

“I do know of a place suitable for testing,” one gardener offered. “It is a bit removed from here, but we have an area where we experiment with growing various saplings. It might be ideal.”

As he made the suggestion, he turned to the others for agreement. Some folded their arms thoughtfully. Others watched with shining, expectant eyes.

No one voiced opposition.

It seemed the testing ground could be used.

“In that case, I would be grateful to conduct the test there. Of course, if any issue arises, I will take full responsibility. None of you will be held accountable, so please rest assured.”

“But…”

“It will be fine. I merely combined various fertilizers already in use here. There is almost no chance of anything problematic occurring.”

The gardener who had suggested the location looked apologetic, his face tightening with concern.

He truly needn’t worry.

I had accumulated a fair number of favors within the Kingdom of Raven. It would take something truly catastrophic—like withering every plant in the royal courtyard—to drive me out.

“I apologize for disturbing your rest, but could you guide us there now?”　

The sun was nearing the horizon. If possible, I wanted to apply the fertilizer before nightfall.

Several gardeners stood immediately. It appeared they were willing to guide us.

Nero carried the completed Rapid Growth, and we set off.

The quantity we had produced was not large—light enough for me to carry in one hand. Fabienne could probably manage it with both hands.

Given the limited amount, it would be best to test it on a single sapling.

Ideally, I would also determine the appropriate dosage. But first, the question was whether the tree would grow at all. Once we confirmed that, we could refine the amount to scatter.

Lost in such thoughts, we arrived at a plot where numerous saplings had been planted. It was tucked away in a spot less visible from the courtyard, yet it enjoyed ample sunlight.

“This is our sapling testing area. Once they grow larger here, we transplant them to the inner courtyard or to the royal family’s villas.”

“The work of a gardener is more varied than I imagined. When relocating grown trees, do you use magic?”

“Of course. Many who work here can use earth magic or water magic.”

“I see.”

That was excellent news.

With their help, producing Rapid Growth in greater quantities would become far easier. If we could also enlist someone capable of fire magic, that would be ideal. Perhaps Lady Sophia could arrange assistance from court magicians.

We walked through the testing grounds.

There were more varieties than I expected. Some were destined to become timber; others bore fruit. There were even species that appeared foreign—trees rarely seen in this region.

“Since the new fertilizer is meant for trees used as lumber, we should test it on one of those saplings. How about this one?”

“This one… appears rather unhealthy.”

“Exactly. That’s why it’s perfect for testing.”

Among the planted saplings was one noticeably weaker than the others. Its growth lagged behind; its leaves were sparse and dull.

Left as it was, it might eventually be discarded.

That would be unfortunate.

Better that it serve as our test subject.

“This sapling’s roots were damaged during transplantation. As you can see, the leaves are sparse. At this rate, it will likely wither. Is that still acceptable?”

“Of course. In fact, it is ideal for testing. Let us begin.”

I scattered Rapid Growth around the base of the sapling.

To any observer, it appeared to be nothing more than fertilizer rich in Trevi fruit.

The disguise was flawless.

All that remained was to water it.

Now then—

Grow.