Chapter 626: Clover Seedlings, Acquired!

The third Julius recital held that evening ended successfully, with peaceful smiles on everyone’s faces. I chose a gentle, sleep-inducing melody for the finale, and Mira, curled up on Lady Fabienne’s lap, was already half asleep by the end.

“Oh, I wish I had brought my gramophone.”

“You can have it copy the songs from Rosalia’s next time. One of the gramophone’s main selling points is how easily it can record new music.”

“That makes me appreciate even more what an extraordinary invention your gramophone is, Lord Julius. It can record any song one likes and even receive songs from other gramophones.”

Lady Fabienne rested a hand against her cheek as she spoke, her eyes slightly unfocused. Her expression was somewhere between exasperation and enchantment. She certainly liked the gramophone, although its capabilities might have left her dumbfounded.

“Do you think we might be overwhelmed with orders? If that seems likely, we may have to ask other magic-tool workshops to help with production.”

“That’s entirely possible.”

The Heine Trading Company’s income would decrease, but we would be able to meet the sudden surge in demand. That decision belonged to Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela. I would keep quiet.

After talking with Lady Fabienne for a while, we went to bed in preparation for tomorrow. By now, the entire family and everyone working at the House Heine estate were probably enjoying a comfortable sleep.

At least, I hoped they were.

The following morning, we departed for a nearby monster territory. We rode in Brother Alex’s newest carriage, pulled by excellent horses trained through racing.

Consequently, we arrived much sooner than expected. From this point onwards, however, we would have to walk.

“Is everyone ready?” Father asked.

Each person confirmed that they were. Today, I wore the katana I had received before at my waist. It represented my firm intention not to use magic.

I had caused an incident with magic only recently. I wouldn’t repeat the same mistake.

Besides, Lionel and numerous other guards accompanied us. The katana was merely for self-defence, and I probably wouldn’t have to draw it.

Although this was a monster-infested forest, it was the least dangerous territory of its kind. At worst, we would probably encounter goblins or perhaps forest wolves.

Neither would pose a threat to the knights unless they appeared in a vast horde. Every knight was encased in full plate armour. Thank you for your hard work.

“Oh, I’ve found some already. Nero, please prepare a sack.”

“Certainly.”

We found the clover we wanted almost as soon as we entered the forest. Using my Transplanting skill, I removed an entire clump.

That made one. If possible, I wanted roughly a hundred.

Would someone scold me for taking that many?

“You’re remarkably skilful, Julius,” Father said.

“The gardeners taught me.”

I answered his admiring comment with a smile. Naturally, it was a lie.

If a noble child possessed extensive knowledge of plant cultivation from birth, that would create its own enormous problem. This was what people called a kind lie. It was most certainly not for self-preservation.

Certainly not.

“Lord Julius, would you teach me too?” Lady Fabienne asked.

“I would also like to learn,” Nero added.

“I don’t mind, but you’ll get dirty, and it may not be very interesting.”

I gave them fair warning, but their resolve appeared firm. In that case, I was happy to teach them.

We continued collecting clover seedlings while I instructed them both.

Meanwhile, everyone else seemed to enjoy the forest air. The air in monster territory did taste pleasant. Was it because of the mana it contained?

Rosalia had seldom entered such a forest. She hid behind Father while gazing around with sparkling eyes.

As for Mira, they were exploring in every direction, delighted to have somewhere they could run freely.

I could sense no monsters nearby, but I still worried. If anything happened, their big brother would protect them.

This forest contained a field of flowers that had become a small local attraction. We planned to go there today.

“Julius, you’re collecting a great many clover seedlings,” Brother Alex observed.

“We’re creating an entire clover field. Seeds would have worked too, but obtaining them seems difficult, so I intend to collect seeds from the plants we grow ourselves.”

The knights carried the clover seedlings we harvested, but each load occupied another pair of hands. Brother Alex seemed concerned about that.

A magic bag would have been useful at a time like this. Storage magic would have worked too. Even I understood that revealing something like that would be a terrible idea, however.

“Kyuu! Kyuu!”

“Hmm? Monsters are approaching. Lionel.”

“Yes, my lord! We shall deal with them immediately!”

Mira reacted to something. My Search skill also detected three monsters moving slowly. They were probably goblins. I alerted Lionel as a precaution, although he appeared to have noticed them already.

Perhaps to avoid frightening Rosalia, the knights darted towards the monsters without a fuss. The knights of House Heine really were excellent. Mira remained on guard near Rosalia, spreading all four limbs and taking an attacking stance.

I had never actually seen Mira fight. How did they do it? Surely they didn’t bite things with that adorable little mouth.

Growing concerned, I gently pulled the vigilant Mira into my arms.

You don’t need to fight yet, Mira.