Chapter 570: In Step Together

Once the break came to an end, we immediately began producing the new fertilizer—Rapid Growth.

The work was divided carefully among everyone. Having one person handle the entire process from start to finish would only slow things down. This time, we were pressed for time, so we would pursue maximum efficiency.

Efficiency is power!

“First, could everyone tell me what kinds of magic you’re able to use?”

From there, I began assigning roles: those responsible for preparing water, those responsible for heating it, and so on. Anyone capable of using fire magic was placed in charge of heating duties without exception. The key lay in how much we could reduce fuel consumption here.

Of course, we could heat water using firewood or magical devices. But that would cost money. The land that required restoration was vast—so vast that even with the assistance of the Forest Spirit, careless spending would quickly snowball into a staggering expense.

And that expense would weigh heavily upon the treasury of the Raven Kingdom.

Naturally, I joined the heating team myself. It’s not boasting to say that I have considerable confidence in both my control over fire magic and the volume of mana at my disposal. I was grateful I had taken the time to hone those skills.

Those with physical strength were assigned the role of transporting the fertilizer. It was demanding work—but vital.

Once the roles were set, we split up and began instruction at each station. Fabienne already knew the method for creating Rapid Growth inside and out. If the two of us divided the teaching between us, it wouldn’t take long.

The gardeners truly gave it their all.

More than anything, their determination—to save the kingdom from crisis with their own hands—was blazing. That passion was contagious. Before I realized it, we too were working with growing fervor, sleeves rolled up, voices raised over steam and splashing water.

By the time I paused to take stock, a respectable quantity of Rapid Growth had been completed.

“Julius-sama, it is about time we return to the castle. If we delay any further, it may cause concern.”

“It’s already that late?”

At Lionel’s words, I glanced around—and only then noticed how low the sun had sunk. The sky was tinged with amber and violet. Time had slipped past unnoticed.

Fabienne seemed to realize it at the same moment, her eyes darting about in mild surprise.

I had wanted to conduct tests—measure the fertilizer’s performance and determine the appropriate application amounts—but that would have to wait until tomorrow.

Which meant it wouldn’t be ready in time for the purification work on the tainted land, likely to begin the next day.

In that case, we should prepare thoroughly and aim for the second wave of purification efforts. It would be far better to move carefully and join in fully prepared than to rush ahead and end up saying, “We failed.”

I called for the gardeners to stop their work and announced that we would continue tomorrow. A few wore faintly dissatisfied expressions, but they obeyed without complaint.

Please don’t look like that. I suspect you’ll soon be making Rapid Growth until you’re sick of it.

…I must be careful not to turn this into a black workplace. Plenty of breaks. Plenty.

“Tomorrow, if you could assist us after finishing your usual gardening duties, we would be grateful. In the meantime, we will continue working here, so there is no need to rush.”

“Of course. We will certainly come to help.”

The others echoed similar sentiments.

I only hoped they would prioritize safety. That alone was enough for me.

After securely storing the completed fertilizer in the compounding room—this was important, after all—we returned to the castle.

This was precious material. It mustn’t be misused.

If a second giant cedar tree were to be born… this time, my name might truly be etched into the history of the Raven Kingdom.

Back at the castle, the evening passed in a flurry of activity—bathing, dinner, and then crafting additional automatic magic stone pulverizers. I squeezed in moments of respite whenever possible, and at every opportunity, I shamelessly sought affection from Fabienne.

Flop.

Yes, I may have indulged a little.

The following morning, just as we were finishing breakfast, a message arrived from Giovanni-sama and his group. As promised, they wished to visit and observe our work.

Naturally, the answer was yes.

Which meant we likely wouldn’t be heading to the mountain of tainted earth today. Perhaps they intended to synchronize their efforts with the fertilizer team.

Truly considerate of them.

“Could you deliver a message to Giovanni-sama—and also purchase a few items for me?”

“Of course. Please give your instructions.”

To the servant who had delivered the message, I conveyed that we would be ready to receive them at any time. I also requested ingredients for today’s lunch.

That should settle the midday meal.

I ordered a little extra so that everyone could partake. If there were leftovers, the gardeners could take them home for dinner. It was coming out of my own pocket, so there was no issue.

“Next, we need to install the additional automatic magic stone pulverizers. I’d like to tell you to stay here, Fabienne, but since Lionel is our only guard…”

“I will accompany you. I would feel awkward requesting additional protection solely for myself.”

If we asked, we would certainly receive it. But the servants and knights already looked terribly busy. I had no desire to increase their burden.

Sophia-sama would likely say, “Don’t concern yourself with such things.”

But I would concern myself anyway.

We headed to the indoor training grounds and installed the new automatic magic stone pulverizers. This should significantly reduce the burden on the magic stone crushing team and free up manpower.

Or so I thought.

Instead, the newly freed knights insisted on helping with fertilizer production.

I was grateful—but was that truly all right? What about their regular duties?

I agreed on the condition that they would return to their original posts if things elsewhere grew too hectic.

With that settled, I led the knights toward the seedling testing grounds we had visited the other day. Giovanni-sama and the others might already be there. And in any case, the knights should see the current state with their own eyes.

“Wh-what is that?”

“When did such a massive tree appear…? Could it be that fertilizer Julius-sama created caused this?”

“Ah—well, yes. I may have applied slightly too much fertilizer. And with the assistance of the Forest Spirit… it grew to this size.”

I tried to laugh it off, scratching my cheek.

But it was too late.

The knights had already entered reverence mode.

Please stop bowing.

And absolutely no kneeling.

You’re drawing far too much attention.