Chapter 552 – Michelle's Visit to the Boundary City

Checking whether there were any broken parts in the greenhouse’s double-paned glass, whether the opening and closing mechanisms were functioning properly, whether the temperature and humidity control devices were working correctly, and then verifying the functionality of the water conduits for the greenhouse… With that, the inspection of the greenhouse area would be complete.

Michelle seemed to be handling the equipment with care—everything from the glass panels to the interior and exterior, even up to the ceiling, was thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained. Well, if she could use Levitation, cleaning high places would be no trouble for her.

Once the inspection was finished, I would return to the Silun Baron’s household and then head to Termwills from there… But just then, a magician casually appeared.

He was an elderly magician with a monocle and white hair and beard—exactly the image you’d expect—but his face looked familiar.

“This is… It’s been a long time. Thank you for your help back then.”

“Oh! It has been a while indeed. I’ve heard rumors of your active work. It seems Michelle is in your care.”

When I greeted him, the old magician broke into a smile and returned the greeting. He was Michelle’s grandfather, who ran a magic tool shop in the Barony of Silun.

When I was heading to Termwills, I had bought a staff from him. Though it was meant for practice, it was well-made and of good quality, giving a glimpse of his solid skills as a magician.

“This is our first time properly introducing ourselves, I believe. I am Fritz.”

“Then, let me reintroduce myself as well. I am Theodore Gartner.”

We exchanged greetings from both sides, and I introduced everyone else too.

“Hmm… If you are the Ambassador, then that makes sense. Your magic staff… It seems you’ve acquired quite an impressive one, from the looks of it.”

After the introductions and once everyone had exchanged greetings, Fritz’s eyes widened in surprise. He seemed even more astonished when he saw Ouroboros.

“This was bestowed upon me as a reward from His Majesty Melvin.”

“I see… So it’s a royal treasure. That explains it.”

Fritz appeared satisfied upon hearing its origin.

“The magic staff I bought from you back then—I still use it for practice.”

“Oh! Well, it wasn’t anything particularly remarkable, so it’s a bit embarrassing to hear.”

“Not at all. It’s been very helpful in many ways.”

It came in handy when I fought Linette, and it’s convenient for controlling the power of my strikes during direct training with my companions. I truly value it.

Nowadays, it’s literally for practice and training purposes. Next, Fritz politely greeted Ashley as well, but soon he spoke up as if he had remembered something.

“…Ah, that’s right—you were heading to Termwills, weren’t you? It wouldn’t be right for an old man like me to keep you waiting.”

“Not at all. I apologize for being in such a hurry.”

Ashley responded with an apologetic look.

Hmm… Since we’re going to Termwills via Teleportation Magic, the arrival time isn’t a concern, but it’s true that we don’t have much time to spare since we have plans to meet Marl and the others at the botanical garden. In response to Ashley’s words, Fritz laughed and said it was no trouble at all.

“Sorry, Grandpa. I’m counting on you while I’m away.”

“Don’t worry about it. The shop is more like a hobby anyway. Those Noble Leaf folks, was it? They seem to know the ideal temperature and humidity, so watching over things isn’t much trouble. I’ll even handle the measurements you usually do.”

Hmm… It seems Michelle asked him to look after things while she’s away in Termwills. Even with Noble Leaf’s support and the adjustment functions of the magic tools, Michelle must be uneasy about being absent—or perhaps she dislikes gaps in her observations.

From what I’ve seen in the documents, she seems quite immersed in her research. Hmm… I think having a familiar would give Michelle more freedom in her activities.

The full moon is approaching, so maybe I should discuss it with her. As the one who proposed the experiment, I want to provide full support and backup.

And so, after a brief reunion and exchange of greetings with Fritz, we decided to return to Termwills from the Silun Baron’s household.

When we returned to the Baron’s household, Beryne from the Adventurer Guild’s Silun Barony branch was also there. Since we had all moved to the Barony of Silun, I thought we might get to see Beryne again, so I had Kennel reach out to her. She replied that she would come if she could find time between her duties, and it seemed she had managed to make it.

“It’s been a while. Sorry to trouble you during your busy schedule.”

I exchanged greetings with Beryne upon our reunion.

“Hehe. Not at all. I suppose I just barely made it in time.”

Beryne said this with a smile. Grace and Ashley also greeted Beryne politely.

“How have things been in the forest since then?”

When Grace asked, Beryne nodded.

“Thanks to you, it’s calmed down. The types and numbers of monsters are gradually balancing out, and now, in preparation for the full onset of winter, we’re issuing requests focused on monsters that are easier to preserve as food.”

“Indeed. The reorganization of the guard troops is also progressing.”

“Yes. Ashley-sama is popular among adventurers, and Lord Elliot’s wedding is also well-regarded, so the Barony of Silun has a strong layer of adventurers. The guards seem quite motivated, perhaps inspired by that.”

I see. It seems both the Adventurer Guild and the reorganization of the regular soldiers are proceeding smoothly.

“If any monsters appear in that forest that you can’t handle, I’ll come rushing immediately.”

“That’s reassuring. I’ll keep it in mind. It looks like you’re about to depart?”

Beryne nodded, then tilted her head as she looked at our attire.

“That’s right. We’re planning to depart for Termwills now.”

“Personally… I had wanted to invite both Kennel and Beryne-san to Termwills as well.”

Ashley said this.

“Your kindness is appreciated, but if I were absent, reports on events in the Barony of Silun would be delayed. It would be rude to leave while things are still on my mind.”

“Same here. I have to teach various know-how to my expected successor, and there’s a lot of administrative work, so I can’t really leave the Guild right now.”

In response to Ashley’s words, Kennel and Beryne smiled somewhat regretfully.

“Then… let’s plan for another day.”

“Yes. Another time, for sure.”

With that, we made a promise with the two of them.

Then, seen off by Kennel and Beryne, we flew to Termwills via Claudia’s Teleportation Magic. When the light subsided, we emerged at the stone monument at the labyrinth entrance. Michelle was surprised by the teleportation magic and the place we appeared. As we ascended the spiral pathway leading to the Moon Temple, I explained various things along the way.

About the teleportation magic, the botanical garden and rice cultivation. The idea of potentially introducing rice cultivation in the Barony of Silun in the future, and so on.

“Southern plants, and underground paddy fields…!”

Michelle had seemed a bit bewildered by the teleportation magic, but as my explanation shifted to the botanical garden and rice cultivation, that bewilderment vanished, and her eyes suddenly sparkled.

…Yeah, I thought the botanical garden and rice cultivation would likely pique Michelle’s interest. Well, she must have a researcher’s disposition. Rosemary seemed to understand that nuance too, closing her eyes as if in agreement and nodding behind her feather fan.

“We’re growing southern fruits too. Looking forward to the harvest.”

When Sheila said this, Michelle appeared to be imagining various things about the botanical garden. Watching Michelle like that, Marlene smiled cheerfully.

“As for the paddy fields, I’ve prepared some documents, so you can check the details there. Accordingly, I’d like to investigate the temperature and weather in the Barony of Silun from early spring to late autumn…”

I wanted to check whether the Barony of Silun was suitable for rice cultivation and such. When I asked, Michelle showed a thoughtful expression for a moment before speaking.

“If it’s about temperature and weather… I have records for the past several years at home. I originally researched how to apply magic to agriculture, so I’ve been keeping a diary almost every day.”

“That’s… I’d say it’s impressive.”

That should be more than enough data.

“That’s right. Since it’s also a personal diary, I’m hesitant to show it as is… But I’ll compile the weather and temperature information myself and give it to you later.”

“Sorry for the trouble.”

“Not at all. I’m happy to be of help.”

Leaving the Moon Temple, we boarded the carriage we had waiting. Our destination was the botanical garden in the hot spring town. Floria and Forset are probably already prepared and waiting, and we’re supposed to meet Marl and the others at the botanical garden too.

Well then. While we’re moving by carriage, maybe I should bring up the topic of familiars.

“Changing the subject… It seems you’re quite tied up with the greenhouse. Don’t you think having support personnel like a familiar would reduce your burden in various ways?”

When I said this, Michelle’s eyes widened.

“A f-familiar? It’s true that it would be convenient, but… I’ve heard summoning requires rather elaborate ritual preparations…”

“That part won’t be a problem—I’ll handle it. Since I’m the one asking for various experiments, it’s a small price if it reduces your load. Having some leeway is important for doing good work, after all.”

When I replied with a smile, Michelle blinked in surprise.