[WN] Sweet Herb Laboratory : 28

Rain, a Cave, and the Truth 3

The day of our departure was clear. Under a sky so blue it felt like you could fall into it, the weather was just warm enough to make you sweat slightly.

Ashren-sama carried the blanket, pot, and lamp for me, but my backpack, which was about one-third the size of my body, was still bursting at the seams. I tied my hair into two pigtails below my ears so it would be easier to wear a hat. In addition to the canteen hanging from my neck, I put a non-bulky cloth one in my backpack just in case. Alright, preparations are perfect.

The escort knight was Mark-sama, and he was lightly carrying luggage that was more than what Ashren-sama and I had combined.

「Mark-sama, please take care of me.」

「Same here. Just treat me like thin air and don't worry about me.」

A refreshing smile with meaningful words. But this person should know that I'm just a freeloader.

「Stop saying unnecessary things and let's go.」

Ashren-sama, neither denying nor confirming, pointed at the carriage with his chin. The carriage was not the Marquis family's usual one; instead of a family crest, it had a well-worn look. In short, it was a bit shabby. But apparently, this makes it less likely to be targeted by bandits.

As I watched the familiar scenery of the Royal Capital flow by outside the window, the carriage entered a gravel road and the swaying grew larger. However, the seats were soft and there was little impact. Though it looks shabby, it was apparently made so the ride quality is no different from the Marquis family's carriage. Only the rich would go out of their way to build an elaborate carriage just to ward off bandits, it seems.

Ashren-sama sat next to me, and Mark-sama sat opposite us. Placing their swords close at hand, the two of them relaxed, crossed their long legs, and occasionally chatted. I occasionally joined their conversations, and the travel time became more enjoyable than I had expected.

Our journey proceeded so smoothly it was almost anti-climactic. Up until this point, that is.

The fourth day. Having reached the foot of the mountain in question and taken lodging at an inn, we gathered in Ashren-sama's room after dinner to confirm the mountain path we would climb tomorrow.

From Ashren-sama's room on the third floor, the mountain we were to climb tomorrow was faintly visible under the moonlight. Due to the rain that lasted until yesterday, its summit was hidden by clouds and couldn't be seen clearly, which only seemed to emphasize the mountain's size, making anxiety well up within me about whether we could reach it.

「Our destination is Liebel Village. This is the shortest route, but the footing is a bit poor, you see.」

Spreading a map on an old table at the edge of the room, Mark-sama crossed his arms with a sour face. On the table were two glasses containing amber-colored liquor and one teacup.

Ashren-sama, sitting next to me just like in the carriage, also glared at the map with furrowed brows. Many lines were drawn on the map, and it seems the narrower the gaps between the lines, the steeper the incline.

「What about the other routes?」

「The route I thought was optimal for both incline and distance is apparently buried by a landslide. The only other option is this one, but that would guarantee camping out.」

Mark-sama's finger drew an arc circling around the map. It looked like a path that climbed while taking a huge detour.

「I want to avoid camping out. Layla, I'd like to take the shortest route, but will you be alright?」

Even being asked if I'll be alright, I don't have the basis to answer "yes". Since I have never climbed a mountain, I don't know my own limits. When I honestly conveyed that to Ashren-sama, he held his head with a difficult expression, going, "True..."

「Well, if I carry Layla's luggage too, and you take her hand, Ashren, we should be able to manage somehow. We can swap roles if you prefer, though.」

「...It is better to avoid having your hands full, since you're the escort.」

「Even though you have skills on par with mine?」

Ashren-sama glared at Mark-sama, who was grinning broadly, then turned his gaze to me.

「What do you want to do?」

「I will do my best on the shortest route.」

「Understood. Let us do that, then.」

Alright, Ashren-sama and Mark-sama nodded at each other, then began confirming things like where to take breaks and spots to be careful at while looking at the map. I also tried to memorize the route as much as possible.

「Then, we will proceed with that plan tomorrow.」

Ashren-sama raised his glass, and Mark-sama clinked his own against it with a clink.

▲▽▲▽▲▽▲

The meeting finished, and following Layla, who left the room saying good night, I also left Ashren's room.

As Layla was about to say good night to me while reaching for the doorknob of the room two doors down, I suggested we talk downstairs for a bit. She nodded, albeit looking bewildered.

I have no ulterior motives. I just felt frustrated seeing Layla completely unaware of the fact that she was making that Ashren show such a sweet expression. Ashren is my best friend. If that misogynist has fallen in love, that's where I should provide cover fire. I am absolutely not enjoying this situation. Though I am having a hard time hiding my grinning smile.

Small tables were lined up at the back of the first floor, and the counter where we had checked in now had liquor lined up that wasn't there before. It was like a small tavern for the inn's guests.

I took two glasses of fruit water and headed to a nearby table. In front of the small table meant only for drinking liquor were long-legged chairs. The short-statured Layla sat there with a little difficulty. It seemed this was her first time in a place like this, and she looked around with deep interest.

The handed-over summer tangerine fruit water was in a tall, slender glass usually meant for liquor. When she held it, the ice inside made a small clink sound. Having an icehouse in the basement seems to be the selling point of this inn.

「So, what is the matter?」

A slightly wary face she doesn't show to Ashren. I purposely shrugged my shoulders.

「Don't be so on guard. I was just curious about what kind of person the young lady that misogynistic Ashren is keeping close at hand is like.」

Just when I thought Layla's round eyes had gone even rounder, she put strength into her brow this time.

「I believe you already know this, but I am not Ashren-sama's lover.」

「I know. But rumors don't die easily, do they.」

「That is true. However, it's just getting hit with cold glares from time to time, so there's no actual harm.」

Are people like Flora shielding her well? No, that's not it. Looking at Ashren's face as he walks beside Layla, everyone must have realized they have no choice but to give up. As for Layla, perhaps because she's a researcher to the core, she seems uninterested in romance and acts unbothered, thinking it can't be helped even if she finds it troublesome. That's when a thought occurred to me. If I recall correctly, Layla should have had a fiancé. I wonder how things were with that guy.

「Come to think of it, you had a fiancé, right, Layla? Ah, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to talk about it.」

「No, it's not that I particularly don't want to talk about it, but...」

She looked at the fruit water in her hand for a moment, then took a sip.

「Perhaps it's more accurate to say that there is nothing to talk about.」

「Not that you can't talk about it, but...」

「Yes. Even when I try to remember, he never did anything fiancée-like for me. I don't even know Carter-sama's favorite food or colors, you see.」

After saying that, she smiled a little sadly, saying it's a tie since it's the same for him.

On that face, there is sorrow, but no lingering attachments. It just seems she was simply sad.

「Then how much do you know about Ashren?」

「About Ashren-sama?」

She tilted her head in bewilderment, but immediately raised her face.

「Despite his beautiful face, he's quite two-faced, isn't he? It's like he always has a hidden trump card he doesn't show to people. But, he is kind. Being by his side, I can tell he is always caring for me.」

That face laughing brightly as if remembering something looks incredibly happy. I see, so her denseness is not just towards others, but towards herself as well.

「Have you ever conveyed that to Ashren?」

「Of course not.」

Yeah, I figured. If he had heard that, he would have been much more forceful.

「I see, I understand very well.」

「Understand what?」

「No, nothing. Let's head back after drinking this. If Ashren finds us, he'll half-kill me.」

「Fufu, surely that wouldn't happen.」

Her face, smiling without a care in the world, is plumper and her complexion is better than when I first saw her. Yeah, this won't end with just being half-killed. This is really bad.

「I heard a good story.」

Thanks, I said, and as I raised my glass, beyond it. Beyond my distorted vision. I saw Ashren radiating a cold bloodlust standing behind Layla, who was tilting her head. Oh crap!

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[WN] Sweet Herb Laboratory : 27

Rain, a Cave, and the Truth 2

Just the fact that I can go on field research has me restless with excitement. To think something I couldn't do no matter how much I wished for it in the Jilgista Kingdom would be permitted so easily. Moreover, even though there is a high possibility it will end in a wasted trip.

When I told Flora that I was so excited I had started packing my bags more than a week before departure, she was surprised with an "Eh?", and then, furrowing her brows and crossing her arms, she told me she would check my luggage.

On her day off, Flora went out of her way to come to the separate estate of the Naturi Marquis Family. When she spread out all the luggage I had packed into my backpack on the floor, she let out a huge sigh. Then, rummaging through the large bag she had brought, she took something out from inside.

「Layla, take this and this as well. And, you don't need this.」

A raincoat and a hat were added, and my umbrella was tossed aside into the corner. Then, she picked up a casually spread out one-piece dress with an exasperated look.

「You can't climb a mountain in clothes like this. If we are going through mountain passes where bandits might appear, it's safer to make your appearance more masculine.」

「I see. I hadn't even thought of that. But, what should I do? I don't own any clothes I can use to cross-dress.」

「There's a shop in the Royal Capital that handles women's trousers. They also handle female knight uniforms and women's work clothes, so you'll find some if you go there.」

Since some time ago, Flora and I had started speaking in a familiar tone. This reliable older sister always looks out for me.

When I asked for the location, it was a little ways into an alley from a main street I had been to before. To think there was a place like that.

Going to buy maps or going to the library. My range of action is certainly expanding. By now, I am even more familiar with the Kanista Kingdom than the royal capital of the Jilgista Kingdom, where I only commuted back and forth between my workplace and home.

「Hmm, but since you've never been on field research before, you probably don't know what is necessary, Layla. Oh right, if you'd like, why don't we go buy them together right now?」

「Is that okay? Am I not being a bother?」

「I wanted a new bag anyway, so the timing is perfect.」

It is reassuring to have Flora with me. Well then, with that decided, we set out into the town.

The Kanista Royal Capital is a small town. We could go by carriage, but the weather was nice so we decided to walk.

Leaving the Naturi Marquis Estate and walking down the main street, after turning down narrow roads a few times, we found our target shop. It had an astringent brown roof and walls painted blue. Cuteness, there was none. I somehow liked that.

When the door chime rang with a slightly muffled cling-clang, a stout woman in her forties came out from the back. She seemed to be the owner of this shop.

「Welcome, Flora. What are you looking for today?」

「It's been a while, Seri. This is Layla, who recently joined the laboratory. She's going on field research for the first time, so I want you to pick out a complete set of necessary items for her.」

「Then, is she the rumored...? I've heard stories from my husband.」

Rumored, she says. As I made a suspicious face, Flora told me that Seri's husband is enlisted in the knight order. Looking at Seri, who was looking at me and chuckling fufu with a knowing smile, I could easily imagine what kind of rumors they were.

「I'll take your measurements for now, so step over here. Oh my, you are a petite young lady. It seems you won't be able to carry a lot of luggage, so shall we keep it to the minimum?」

「No, please prepare everything she needs. Ashren-sama should probably carry the heavy things for her.」

「Right, then I'll put together a complete set.」

I had no choice but to smile wryly as she patted my shoulder pon. I could deny it, but I did promise to be a bug repellent while freeloading.

Seri took out several pieces of clothing from the wall shelves and lined them up on the desk one after another.

「I've picked out clothes in your size, so could you choose from these? I'll go get the other necessary items.」

Saying that, she briskly disappeared into the back of the shop.

「Flora, about how many outfits do you think I need?」

「Let's see. It's summer, so maybe one to wear and two for a change of clothes? If you stay at an inn you can do laundry, and things dry quickly in this season. Also, short-sleeved shirts are fine, but you'll need a long-sleeved jacket to serve as both sunburn protection and bug repellent.」

Saying "yes, yes," the clothes she handed me were khaki and beige colors I don't usually wear. Since they also serve as male disguise, pinks and oranges are rejected. For the trousers, considering we'd be walking through grass, we chose ones with a length that completely covered the ankles.

「The colors lack charm, but please bear with it. But you know, the clothes here have a little embroidery on the sleeves and collars.」

「Ah, you're right. Vines and flowers, and is this one a bird?」

Embroidery drawn in red, yellow, and vivid green seems to be a feature of this shop. That little one-point detail is apparently popular with young ladies. Also, she told me that they are all made of materials that are hard to wrinkle and dry easily.

「Flora, I brought a whole set.」

Seri plopped a handful of this and that onto the desk opposite us.

「Raincoat and hat, rope and matches. Then if you have a pot you can cook, and here are plates, spoons, and forks. A dagger just in case. Will you be camping out?」

「The raincoat and hat are fine. Also, I don't think Ashren-sama will let her camp out.」

「Is that so. But you should take at least one blanket. It gets cold at night, you see. This one is thin but warm.」

I was watching absentmindedly from a little ways away as Flora and Seri selected this and that. Can I really carry a backpack filled with that much stuff? I instinctively touched my own arm.

「I suppose this is about it for now. Seri, please get us a backpack that can fit all this.」

「In that case, how about this? It might be a little small, but this is probably the limit for the young lady, and Ashren-sama will carry whatever doesn't fit anyway, right?」

I nodded kokuri with awkward movements. I haven't gotten Ashren-sama's permission, but there's no way I can carry all of it.

「I need to train.」

It might be too late to start now, but it's better than not doing it. Flora narrowed her eyes gently as she looked at me, who was firmly solidifying my resolve.

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[WN] Sweet Herb Laboratory : 26

Rain, a Cave, and the Truth 1

The early summer sunlight is dazzling. Perhaps because it is further south than the Jilgista Kingdom, I feel like summer is arriving earlier than usual.

I am still living in the separate estate of the Naturi Marquis Family. I found a good property a while ago and thought about moving, but I was stopped by everyone in the Marquis family.

Meanwhile, the property I had my eye on was rented out, and the talk of moving fell through. For that reason, I am heading to the laboratory in the same carriage as Ashren-sama today as well.

When I open the window, a slightly warm breeze strokes my cheek, softly fluttering my brown hair. The property I liked was along the road from the Naturi Marquis Estate to the castle. It was the second floor of a three-story building on a main street in a relatively safe area. Unable to completely give up on it, I stare at it every time we pass by, however.

「Ashren-sama, even though they said that property has been rented, there is no sign of anyone living there, is there.」

The windows are tightly shut, and I have never seen them opened. I would think it'd be hot in this weather.

「...Is that so? They are probably just still sleeping.」

「There aren't even curtains on the windows.」

「Hmm, true... For example, maybe it was rented for secret meetings.」

I see. So that's how it is. But in that case, I think a back alley would be more suitable. Besides, for that use, curtains would be essential. When I turned my gaze, which had been watching it with wonder, toward Ashren-sama, for some reason his eyes were wandering slightly.

When I opened the laboratory door, Tick, who was tending to the aquarium by the window, turned around.

「Good morning, Ashren-sama, Layla-san. You two are commuting together closely again today.」

「...Good morning, Tick.」

Even when I glanced at Ashren-sama, he showed absolutely no sign of minding it. He calmly sat in his chair and crossed his legs as if it were a well-known fact. This two-faced man has zero intention of clearing up the misunderstanding anymore. ...I need to find a new room quickly.

Algae was growing thickly inside the aquarium placed by the window. It was what we brought back from the basement of that old castle. Upon investigation, it was the algae that was breaking down the components that caused stomachaches. It doesn't have a use for now, but if you put it in a water-filled aquarium with limestone and leave it by the window, it breeds to an amusing degree.

Thinking in that case, we decided to cultivate it until it filled up four aquariums for the time being. I want to check if it breaks down things other than limestone, and we can check its reproductive capability at the same time. Tick was appointed in charge of breeding it. It wasn't by a show of hands, but a unanimous appointment.

Ahead of where that aquarium reflected the sunlight, Flora was having a staring contest with a document with a difficult expression.

「Good morning, Flora, what's wrong with that difficult face?」

When I peeked over the shoulder of Flora, whose mouth was turned down in an inverted V-shape, at her hands, what she was looking at were the materials regarding the pesticide I last made in the Jilgista Kingdom.

「Is there something bothering you?」

「Ah, no. It's not like that, but...」

She mumbled, making her mouth ripple as if it were hard to say. I also had a feeling of could it be.

「Was that material alone insufficient, I wonder?」

「No, that's not it. ...It's just, I don't mean to pick a fight with your research, Layla, but I just thought this might need more verification.」

Flora lowered her eyebrows and chose her words hesitantly. As for me, I nodded deeply, thinking as expected.

「Actually, I also have some dissatisfaction with that research.」

「Eh, you too, Layla? But this is the pesticide that was rewarded in the Jilgista Kingdom, right?」

「That is true, but...」

Hmm, I put my hand to my chin and got stuck for words, while not just Flora, but everyone in the laboratory looked at me.

「Layla, what do you mean?」

Urged by Ashren-sama, although a bit bewildered, I decided to tell the truth. To be honest, I also had the feeling of wanting someone to listen.

「Actually, I was rushed to produce research results quickly, so the verification is insufficient. If it were up to me, I wanted to go to the site and investigate the water and land myself, but I couldn't even do that.」

That's why, within myself, I haven't been fully convinced about this pesticide. There's no mistake in its effect of suppressing the multiplication of bacteria caused by moisture, but I just can't sit right with whether moisture is actually the correct cause for the mass withering of the wheat in the first place.

When I explained the circumstances around that to Ashren-sama, he crossed his arms with a difficult face, going Hmm. The Director appeared from behind him and received the materials from Flora's hands.

「What do you want to do, Layla?」

「Actually, there is a place where the mass withering of wheat does not occur. I would definitely like to go there. Perhaps I might find out the true cause of the mass withering.」

「I see. But, that is the Jilgista Kingdom's territory, right? It's not something I can give permission for.」

「If that is the case, please look at this!」

I took out a map from the desk. It's a map of this country that I found while wandering around the town during spring break.

「The village where the mass withering of wheat doesn't occur is this place. It's near the summit of the mountain range that straddles the Jilgista Kingdom and the Kanista Kingdom.」

I pointed to a single spot on the map. It's a small village on the northern side of the mountain range, that is, on the Jilgista Kingdom side.

「On the southern side of this mountain range, that is, on the Kanista Kingdom side, there is also a village at the same altitude. It's a small village called Liebel Village, and they mainly make a living by growing fruit, but it seems they also grow some wheat.」

「Certainly, as far as looking at the map goes, there is a bit of flatland where it looks like wheat could be grown.」

Ashren-sama peered at the map. It was impressive how he quickly ran his eyes over it and measured the distance from the Royal Capital.

「That's right. However, they only grow enough for themselves to eat, so I don't know if there was a mass withering.」

If they had been paying the harvested wheat as a tax every year, there would be records left, but if they were eating it themselves, there's no way to investigate further. The harvest yield isn't recorded anywhere.

「So you want to go, but there's a high possibility it will end in a wasted trip.」

The Director looked at the map, going Hmph, hmph. That's right. I had looked into it after hearing from Ashren-sama that they sometimes go to the site, but there was a high possibility there would be no harvest even if I went, so I couldn't bring myself to say it.

「Isn't it fine? You should try going.」

「Is it really okay!?」

I reflexively asked back at the Director's words, stated so plainly. After all, from the Royal Capital, it takes four days by carriage to get to the foot of the mountain. From there, it would take a whole day just to climb the mountain to the village.

「Yes, the mass withering of wheat is becoming a problem in our country as well. If there are doubtful points, they should be investigated thoroughly. But, I can't let you go on this journey alone, Layla.」

「In that case, I will accompany her.」

Ashren-sama volunteered, acting as if it were only natural. It's true that it would be impossible for a woman to go alone, and I can feel secure with Ashren-sama.

「It seems you have no objections either, Layla. But, we also need another escort.」

「I will double as an escort.」

「Your sword skills are a point of pride even as your mother, but I think we should attach one knight after all. There are several mountain passes to cross before reaching the mountain range, so we have to consider the possibility of running into bandits and the like. Besides,」

「「Besides?」」

When Ashren-sama and I asked in unison, the Director lowered her eyebrows and let out a soft breath.

「I cannot let an unmarried Layla travel alone with a man. Even if that partner is you.」

「Ugh... That is. Understood. Then please assign one escort knight.」

The Director smiled broadly, said, 「I will go consult the Knight Commander,」 and left the laboratory.

Tick put his hand on Ashren-sama's shoulder and patted it pon-pon as if to comfort him.

「You really got nailed down hard there with that reminder, didn't you.」

I couldn't hear the words Tick whispered, but Ashren-sama's sulky face was a little red.

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