Chapter 336 – Towards the Count's Territory

“So this is the Harvesta… I saw them in the back field too, but they really are docile, aren’t they?”

Michelle stared intently at the Harvesta placed on the desk, then cautiously extended her palm as if reaching out. The Harvesta slowly turned its head but made no attempt to bite. The distance between them felt like they were confirming neither had any intention of attacking.

After gently stroking the Harvesta’s head, Michelle tickled its neck—or rather, stem—with her index finger, much like one would stroke a cat’s throat.

The Harvesta, which had been looking slightly downward, tilted its head upward as if exposing its throat. Michelle looked delighted. Hmm. She seems like someone who could get along well with the Noble Leafs too.

“Excuse me.”

At that moment, a servant brought in a dish made from monster pumpkin—pumpkin soup.

“This is a dish made from giant pumpkins grown alongside the Harvesta. Please try it first.”

After this explanation, Michelle’s eyes widened, then she broke into a smile.

“Then, I’ll have some.”

It had been well-received during our home tasting sessions and yesterday’s banquet… but what would Michelle think? She scooped some with a spoon and brought it to her mouth. She savored it carefully with one, then two bites, and gradually her expression brightened.

“It’s delicious. I also saw the crops growing in the back field, but this… is amazing.”

“It’s been proven that they grow large and taste good. Some people said Evil Weed might not be appropriate, so there’s talk of renaming it to Noble Leaf.”

“That’s a good name.”

“Thank you. However, there are still several experimental items we need to test.”

“Is it about whether the soil’s power might be depleted…?”

Impressive. She truly lives up to her reputation as someone researching how to apply magic to agriculture.

Using Earth Magic or Wood Magic recklessly to increase short-term harvests is easy, but that only rapidly depletes the nutrients in the soil. If done carelessly, future harvests will gradually decline. That’s why I’ve heard magicians specializing in this field research various methods to prevent magical side effects.

Therefore, we need to continue observing whether Noble Leaf might cause similar issues.

“That’s right. We want to observe not just with pumpkins, but also what happens when planted alongside wheat, our main focus. After assessing the impact, if there seem to be no problems, we’d like to promote it as a farming method.”

“That’s why Theodore-sama and I were discussing the possibility of conducting experiments and observations in the Barony of Silun.”

To gain the farmers’ understanding, showing them the farming method in practice would be best. The Barony of Silun, being a grain-producing region, is perfect for this.

“I see… So that’s how it is.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask about the magic you specialize in, Michelle-san.”

“I can use Water and Earth Magic to some extent. Given my profession, you could say… I can create Golems to help with farm work.”

Ashley and I exchanged glances and nodded. She’s probably the best candidate we could hope for.

“If you’re willing, we’d very much like to ask for your cooperation in the experiments.”

“Really!?”

Michelle’s expression brightened, and she half-rose from her seat. Yeah. Michelle’s motivation seems high too.

“Yes. We look forward to working with you.”

We shook hands with Michelle, each in turn. With the decision to enlist Michelle’s help… we proceeded to discuss specific details like employment conditions for her participation in the experiments and how to change the properties from Evil Weed to Noble Leaf.

“Growing from seed state using Water Magic in pots… selecting beneficial and harmful insects… Taking those planted in the field, potting them, and returning them to a warm place to entrust them with seeds… Hmm. I see…”

Michelle was taking notes on what appeared to be a notepad-like stack of papers. Probably for record-keeping.

“I’d like to research the Harvesta’s subsequent generations too. Monsters have their properties fixed by the magical environment during their childhood. They can become more ferocious or more docile, for instance.”

“Is that… like Sirens or Lamias?”

“Yes. There are inherently aggressive species, but Noble Leaf seems different. They appear intelligent enough to consider building symbiotic relationships with humans… so it’s possible changes could occur through learning alone.”

The former Evil Weed, now Noble Leaf, isn’t inherently a ferocious species.

Therefore, it’s conceivable that subsequent generations of Harvesta could learn through observation of their surroundings that maintaining a symbiotic relationship with humans is beneficial, and thus refrain from attacking… even without being raised with Water Magic.

That aspect requires continued observation before we can say anything definitive. Since property changes occur generation by generation, we currently know that using Water Magic makes them docile, but that’s it.

When I shared these thoughts, Michelle nodded appreciatively.

“Indeed… Gradually changing conditions and making comparisons is important.”

“Considering the possibility of wild species mixing in during experiments, wouldn’t it be good to mark them somehow?”

Suggested Ashley. Definitely. It would be problematic if they got mixed up and became indistinguishable.

“Then, how about putting decorative markers on the individuals raised with Water Magic?”

“That might be a good idea.”

Ashley and Michelle continued their conversation in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Hmm. So like putting ribbons on them to distinguish them from wild species? Well… it probably wouldn’t look bad on them.

“But with winter coming, the experiments will halt, won’t they?”

“In that case, let’s build a greenhouse. Though it won’t suit wheat.”

Considering our next visit to the Barony of Silun using the stone monument, we should prepare materials and such in advance.

Greenhouses are fine from autumn to winter, but working in them during summer is tough. Maybe we should prepare magic tools that can generate weak cold air. I’ll consult Alfred about this later.

We reached an agreement that Termwills would bring Noble Leaf and its seeds to Michelle at a later date.

After that, we had lunch at the Silun Baron’s house, leisurely drank post-meal tea, and then prepared to depart. Father and Malcolm and the others are also boarding the Sirius, so we loaded luggage onto the Sirius. Since everyone is equipped with Levitation Magic Tools, the loading was completed easily.

Seraphina also has high magical power, so she used Levitation Magic Tools to float luggage larger than herself onto the airship, looking quite pleased with her accomplished task.

“Patricia’s house and the tomb, huh?”

“It’s a beautiful spot by the lakeside.”

Grace responded happily to Old Sigmund’s murmured words.

“That sounds delightful.”

“Lady Patricia’s mansion… I’m curious about it.”

Old Sigmund and Valentina nodded. Charlotte wore a serious expression, likely because it’s the former Sealing Shrine Maiden’s house.

“I’m looking forward to it too. From what Theo-kun says, it sounds like a house that might appear in a story or something.”

“I wonder what kind of house it is?”

When Alfred spoke, Princess Stephania reacted.

“A house made by hollowing out a giant tree created with Wood Magic. I like the smell of wood.”

“The bathroom is particularly wonderful. You can see the entire view.”

…These comments came from Sheila and Irmhild. Marlene was also nodding vigorously.

“Creating such a giant tree with Wood Magic is quite impressive.”

“Moreover, that tree is still alive, right? The leaves are lush too.”

“You can gather fruits in early autumn.”

I added supplementary explanations to Claudia and Rosemary’s remarks.

“That sounds delightful. As expected, things are never boring when Theodore is around.”

Princess Stephania looked happily at the excited group, while Princess Adriana crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and nodded.

Seeing everyone’s enthusiasm, Ashley also smiled gently, then turned to Elliot and Camilla to exchange words.

“Well then, Elliot brother, Camilla sister-in-law, we’ll come pick you up on our return.”

“Yeah. If anything happens, contact us via the Communication Device.”

Elliot smiled gently. Yeah. I hope the two of them can enjoy some peaceful time together as a couple in the Barony of Silun.

“Then, Ashley-sama. Please take care.”

“Yes, old man. We’re off.”

After exchanging words with everyone at the Silun Baron’s house, we boarded the Sirius. I sat in the pilot’s seat, held my hand over the crystal, and made it ascend.

Reflected on the crystal panel were Elliot and Camilla standing close together, along with Kennel and Donato and the others. They seemed to have stood there seeing us off until the Sirius became too small to see.

The town’s atmosphere… still seemed to carry last night’s celebratory mood.

People dressed in finery and windows decorated with flowers. Citizens and adventurers waving enthusiastically toward us. I could see Ashley, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana waving from the deck toward the barony’s people.

Well then—let’s head to Count Gartner’s house.