Chapter 567: Maybe… I’m Not Even Needed Anymore?

Including the Forest Spirit—who had appeared out of concern for us—we gathered beneath the towering cedarwood and discussed our course of action moving forward.

Thanks to the Forest Spirit’s assistance, the fertilizer we would be producing from now on would operate at maximum efficiency. With his power woven into its effects, we learned that the amount required to restore greenery to the blighted land would be far less than initially feared.

“If that is the case,” Sophia-sama said thoughtfully, “it should be possible to spread the fertilizer at the same time we use the Purification Powder.”

I had assumed that purification of the soil would need to come first, with restoration following later. But apparently that wouldn’t be necessary. If both processes could proceed simultaneously, it would spare us the inefficiency of revisiting the same land twice. The number of people sent to the site might increase, but the work itself could be completed in a single coordinated effort.

More importantly, it would significantly shorten the timeline.

“In areas where purification has already been completed,” Sophia-sama continued, “I would like to begin spreading fertilizer at once. If the residents witness greenery returning with their own eyes, it will surely ease their anxieties.”

“Understood,” I replied. “As soon as the fertilizer is finished, we’ll transport it to the site.”

“In that case,” Erwin-sama added, “we would like to accompany you. Would that be acceptable?”

It seemed they regretted not being present when we tested the Purification Powder last time. That departure had been sudden—circumstances had left little room for ceremony. Still, it appeared the two of them had not quite forgiven themselves for missing it.

“Very well,” I said. “Once preparations are complete, I will report to you again, Sophia-sama.”

“I shall look forward to it.”

With the general direction decided, the gathering dispersed. The Forest Spirit announced that he would travel ahead to the affected lands and work alongside the other spirits.

I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

In fact, if the spirits were cooperating so actively, I began to wonder whether I was even necessary anymore.

If I stepped back entirely, wouldn’t the greenery still return? Perhaps my involvement was redundant. Or was it only because of the fertilizer I had created that the plants could respond so dramatically?

That seemed absurd.

“Julius-sama, you are wearing a troubled expression again,” Fabienne observed gently.

“Fabienne… the world is full of things I don’t understand.”

“That may be true, but… what exactly is troubling you?”

She leaned closer, peering into my face with worried eyes. I imagined I must be mirroring that same expression—lost in doubt.

This wouldn’t do.

I raised both hands and gave my cheeks a sharp slap.

Fabienne blinked rapidly in surprise.

“I’m alright now. Thank you, Fabienne. We’ll simply do what we can.”

“I’m not entirely sure what changed,” she said with a soft smile, “but I’m glad you seem better.”

Her smile settled my heart.

…Although, come to think of it, if I had remained brooding a little longer, she might have pampered me again.

Perhaps I had missed an opportunity.

The thought almost made my shoulders sag, but I quickly forced a cheerful expression. No more unnecessary worry for her.

What had begun as a brief visit to check on the cedarwood had turned into a lengthy discussion with Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama.

By the time we realized it, it was nearly lunchtime.

“For now,” I said, “let’s return to the gardeners’ hut and briefly explain the direction we’ve agreed upon. The details can come later. They might be worried about how long we’ve been gone.”

When we returned, we informed the gardeners about our discussion and the Forest Spirit’s cooperation.

A wave of murmurs and cheers filled the hut.

But what surprised me more than the reaction was the sight awaiting us outside.

The gardeners were lined up in orderly rows in front of the hut.

They had been waiting.

Apparently, they truly had been worried.

I was grateful—but seeing them all standing there like that felt… excessive. Was their faith in me rising to uncomfortable levels? I had no intention of founding a new religion.

“From this point onward,” I announced, “we will likely require your full cooperation. You will be balancing your duties at the royal castle with fertilizer production. There is no doubt it will be demanding work. If you are willing, I ask for your support.”

I bowed deeply.

At my side, Fabienne bowed as well. Nero and Lionel followed suit.

I’m sorry, everyone. I never meant to drag you into this so fully. I alone should be bowing.

“Please, raise your heads!” one of the gardeners exclaimed. “It is we who should be asking you. Please lend us your strength to save this kingdom!”

This time, it was the gardeners who bowed.

From an outside perspective, the scene must have looked absurd—both sides lowering their heads in mutual deference.

With their cooperation secured, we returned to the castle for lunch.

“If we’re going to be working at that hut more often,” I mused, “it might be best to arrange for meals there.”

“Then perhaps we could bring packed lunches?” Fabienne suggested.

“That could work. Although… we’d have to ask the cooks to prepare additional meals separately. I feel rather guilty about that.”

“They already seem especially busy in the mornings.”

She folded her arms thoughtfully, and I nodded.

Unlike lunch and dinner, breakfast occurred almost simultaneously for nearly everyone in the castle. The cooks must wake far earlier than we do to prepare for it. Requesting additional boxed meals on top of that felt inconsiderate.

If we couldn’t ask for packed lunches…

Then we could simply make them ourselves.

That would require a kitchen, of course. Borrowing the castle’s main kitchen was probably out of the question.

So what then?

We could cook at the hut.

Now that I thought about it, the gardeners seemed to eat their meals there already. Once we returned, I would ask them how they managed it. Depending on their answer, perhaps we could join them.

The real issue wasn’t practicality.

It was appearances.

I personally didn’t mind in the slightest—but that was because I had once been a commoner. Fabienne might feel differently. And Lionel… he might object to seeing me in such a position.

If we could resolve that concern, then perhaps everything would fall neatly into place.