It seemed the forest we were headed to was only about ten minutes outside the city walls.
“So there are others coming along too?”
I asked.
“This forest is a beginner’s training ground.”
“It’s especially popular with people who’ve only just registered as adventurers.”
Sure enough, we were joined mostly by children and women. Fina-san, walking with Sue and the three little ones, is already happily chatting with the others. Since there were about ten people in our group, I decided to help the women guards keep watch over the surroundings.
And with that, our herb-gathering began.
“Ah, this one’s a herb too! You can tell by the smell.”
Shiro announced proudly.
“Really? Oh, you’re right—it smells the same as the ones Ao picked earlier.”
“Aaah! Ao went and brought back a whole bunch again!”
Shiro pouted as Ao returned with armfuls of herbs, clearly frustrated at being outdone once more. Ao really is a natural when it came to gathering.
Meanwhile, Sue had taken it upon herself to show the beginner adventurers the proper way to harvest.
“Medicinal herbs have tiny hairs growing on the underside of their leaves. Make sure to pick only the leaves. If you leave the roots intact, the plant will regrow and you can harvest it again later.”
She explained carefully.
“““Yes, ma’am!”””
The newcomers chorused their reply, eager and bright-eyed.
Fran and Horn were also listening closely to Sue’s explanations, using the opportunity to review what they’d already learned. Sue really had gotten good at teaching others.
As for me, I dealt with the occasional wild animal that wandered too close.
“Hah!”
“Well struck.”
One of the women guards praised.
“Thank you. But honestly, I only know magic. You ladies are much more impressive since you can fight with swords too.”
She had complimented my wind magic, but the truth was, magic was all I could manage. I could barely wield a dagger—my clumsy, self-taught style amounted to little more than stabbing straight ahead.
As I was thinking that, the guard made me an unexpected offer.
“In that case, would you care to train in swordsmanship with us?”
“…Is that really alright?”
“Of course. We’re already teaching Fina-sama the use of a rapier. You’re welcome to join us during those lessons.”
“I’d be grateful. Please allow me to learn from you.”
And so, I gladly accepted her proposal. Learning directly from a professional would surely help me improve much faster. I would dedicate myself and absorb every lesson.
“But… the sheer amount of herbs you’ve gathered is astounding.”
“I’ve never seen this many collected before.”
“Well, herbs all have a distinct scent, so it’s easy for Shiro and Fran to sniff them out. And besides, our slime Ao is practically a professional when it comes to gathering herbs.”
In just an hour since we’d started, we’d already amassed an impressive pile. The novice adventurers who had come along with us were also smiling happily as their baskets are full.
It seemed like a good point for a break, so I began preparing lunch.
“What do you all want to eat?”
“““Curry!”””
Of course. I should have expected nothing less—Shiro and the others always asked for curry. Fortunately, I had some already cooked ones stored in my item box. All I had to do was warm it up.
“S-so this is the famous curry that’s become popular in the eastern frontier?”
“To think I’d get the chance to eat it here in the north!”
Just to be safe, one of the female guards tasted the food first—and was instantly shocked by the flavor.
“It’s delicious! A little spicy, but really tasty!”
“Shun-san’s cooking is always good.”
“Yeah, everything he makes is amazing.”
““Yummy yummy!””
Even Fina-san, who’s tasting curry for the very first time, looked completely delighted. The adventurers who had come along with us are also eating with relish.
There’s nothing quite like watching people happily enjoy the food you’ve made—it’s a great feeling.
Before long, several slimes wriggled out of the forest, each one begging for a share. Everyone gave them little portions of curry, and they happily slurped it up. I guess the aroma of curry had lured them in.
And so, our herb-gathering expedition in the northern frontier came to a safe and satisfying end.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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