Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 24: The Location of the Medicinal Herbs
As we traveled along the main road, we passed several carriages. Likely due to caution against bandits lurking about, they all had escorts — Lady Ordina’s group was also accompanied by guards. It meant that their forces were skilled enough that they could repel Count Vandel’s troops easily if necessary.
“Lady Ashrina, you knew quite a lot about this village of Tecera. I assume you had your eye on it, thinking that there might be medicinal herbs here that could cure my father’s illness?”
“Y-yes. It’s as you say, Lady Phyllis. I guess it was pretty obvious, when I suddenly asked something like that.”
“No, I had a feeling myself, so I asked a healer about this village. But the herbs that were effective against my father’s illness were sold elsewhere, not in Tecera. The seller never revealed their source and disappeared afterward.”
“When you showed me the map, I noticed there was a gorge near the village of Tecera. I’d heard that there’s a place somewhere in the City Alliance where medicinal herbs that cure all kinds of ailments grow. There was only one place that fit that description.”
“…I never imagined such a medicinal herb would exist within Glasbel’s territory. It’s probably not something that’s easy to obtain, which is why there’s only a very small amount available.”
“Both of you, we’re about to arrive at the village… but something feels off.”
Indeed, as Reis-san said, a settlement that looked like Tecera came into view, but there were few signs of people.
When we inquired at the horse stable, a middle-aged man came out, looking apologetic as soon as he saw us.
“I’m sorry, but there aren’t many people in this village right now. There are inns open, but you’d best avoid staying here.”
“Did something happen? Please, if you can, tell us what’s going on.”
When lady Phyllis asked, the man looked at her for a moment — then his expression changed to one of surprise.
“Ah, you are… the young lady of the Chanoir family…!”
“We came here for a reason this time. It’s not because we received any orders from the lord.”
“No, no, I never thought someone noble would come to such a remote place… Are you friends of the young lady?”
“My friend… or rather, she’s my…”
“Um, well… I’m currently being taken care of by Lady Phyllis, so I’m basically just a freeloader.”
“I see… I see?”
It would have been best if we could just naturally say we were “friends,” but both of us hesitated — and since we had only just met, the man looked at us with suspicion.
Anyway, I’d like to explain the current situation in the village. My daughter is at the inn, so it would be best if you first had something to eat there.
“Thank you. As I’m talking to you now, I remembered — you once came to the Fortleen assembly hall with your daughter, didn’t you?”
“Oh! You remember? We had planned to request aid once the villagers had evacuated, but some refused to leave the village, and I couldn’t force them to move…”
Watching their exchange, I began to realize — this man is actually the village chief of Tecera.
We handed over our horses for safekeeping and headed straight for the inn. The village was quiet, but an enticing aroma wafted from the inn — my sense of smell had become heightened after my time in confinement.
◆◇◆
While having a late lunch, we asked the village chief’s daughter about the situation. She explained that she was acting as a stand-in because the innkeeper had left the village.
“About a week ago, a hunter found something in the gorge — A large feather… After investigating it, he discovered it belonged to a large magical beast…”
The very gorge we had planned to explore for medicinal herbs — and the dangerous magical beast. That beast was likely a powerful monster that appeared as an obstacle in exploration zones.
(This feather… still has residual lightning magic. In that case, the owner might be a Thunder Beast, like a Thunder Griffin.)
“Since then, there have been sudden, intense lightning strikes inside the gorge, and no one has been able to go in or out. If the beast attacks the village, It would be disastrous… We considered offering a bounty for the beast, but the villagers couldn’t gather enough money.”
“So, the villagers are evacuating?”
“Yes. My father, the village chief, was planning to request reinforcements from Fortleen. But since no one has seen the beast, just this feather isn’t enough for the army to come. Until we can deal with the monster, the villagers have decided to evacuate on their own…”
Lady Phyllis was at a loss for words — we came here because we believed there might be a clue to cure her father’s illness, but given this situation, her reaction is reasonable.
“I have one question. About the gorge — I’ve heard it’s a place where valuable medicinal herbs grow…”
“You’re quite knowledgeable. In the past, ‘Snow White Flowers’ were found in the canyon, and they were highly valued as ingredients for medicines. But it was already rare, so the number of these flowers decreased over time… and now, even when herbalists enter the canyon, they can’t find any at all. I think the last time they were seen was about ten years ago.”
(If it’s been ten years since it was last seen, it’s probably no longer possible to harvest it here… but I believe it still exists somewhere in the canyon. The place where the Snow White Flower blooms.)
“Thank you for telling us.”
“Goodness me… You’re planning to go into the gorge to look for Snow White Flowers? That’s dangerous, my Lady. You shouldn’t overlook such risks, or your father will be disappointed…”
“I apologize for causing you worry, but I believe this flower is exactly what we’re looking for. We cannot turn back now.”
“…You’ve come here prepared with such resolve. Okay. I won’t stop you. But if you feel it’s too dangerous, please do not hesitate to run away and avoid confronting the monster.”
Saying this, the village chief’s daughter handed us a scroll — it was a map of the gorge.
“I’ve heard the feather was found somewhere around here. You can avoid this area and go further in, but please be careful.”
I have a rough idea of what kind of monster we’re dealing with. In quests involving retrieving herbs, it’s generally best to avoid combat. However, if I’ve leveled sufficiently beyond what we’re expecting, I should be able to win.
(With both Phyllis and Reis-sans’ help, we’ll be in a much better position. If we encounter the beast, I’ll have the two of them go ahead, and I will stall for time… Even if we obtain the herbs, it’s meaningless unless everyone is safe.)
Looking at the two of them, they each nodded. Once we finish eating and preparations are complete, we’ll head into the gorge. Considering Duke Glasbel’s condition, we have no choice but to get the herbs and return as quickly as possible.