Category: Hagure Seirei Ino Shinsatsu Kiroku

To revive the sacred tree, I need Astina-denka’s help.

As of yesterday, the assessment from Astina-denka did not change much. When Presha-san told her that I was present at the interrogation and that I pulled out the information thru magic –what was her reaction at that time?

“Her Highness always has a deep thought… she won’t show her thoughts, so I can only imagine it. Even if she heard that someone from the royalty is involved in Zirconia, she didn’t look angry or sad. Regarding Grass-sensei, she only said, “I’ll talk about his contributions again later”.”

Now I hear a very important story –I thought Her Highness did not expect much from me, but it is good to say that her evaluation of me is higher from the beginning…

“It’s not that Her Highness keeps her distance from magicians so she did not put them in her Knight Order, but it’s because there are only combat type among the court magicians that’s why she did not chose a direct subordinate. In that respect, I don’t think there is a strong repulsion to Grass-sensei’s magic.”

I put my head out of the window as I talk with Presha-san and Dite-san, who are riding side by side. Her Highness who leads the Knights as a general, repels combat magicians who have the power to influence the outcome of the war – why is that so?

What I can think of is it’s because she doesn’t have a good impression of the combat magicians she has met. Or, she can’t easily rely on a combat magician who is in direct contact with the royal family — perhaps she alienates herself from the second Queen’s interests.

“…Astina-denka has an old friendly relation with Headmaster Millenia. When she was in the royal capital, she spoke to the Headmaster, who is a court magician at that time. I don’t think she dislikes all combat magicians, but…”

Lendl-san, who sits next to me, tells me so. My stepsister didn’t tell me how long she was with the royal family, speaking of which, did she not speak of it because I’m not reliable enough? ―My stepsister, who is loyal to the royal family, won’t talk about Her Highness easily.This is translated by Yume Neiji

I can only guess, but in any case, I must get the chance to have an audience with Her Highness through Raquel-san.

As she’s the fortress’ Commander, it is unlikely that I can meet Astina-denka today. Still, I have to tell Her Highness about the sacred tree as soon as possible―

 “That is……”This is translated by YumeNeiji

“Uh….. Smoke is rising from the fortress… N-No way!, Is it really an enemy attack?”

Damn it!… They just attacked yesterday and they’re coming again today!

In the morning, the sky near the fortress was still clear with a bit of cloud cover but now, black smoke rises, the sound of metal hitting, the sound of some weapon being released, and the voice of fighting…

“Presha!! Uh…wait a minute! Once you enter the castle, you have to get the instructions from the superior!”

“I can’t do such thing now!… everyone is already fighting…!”

 “W-wai…..uh, that child really is a reckless one…”

The battle is fierce on the western wall of the fortress facing the border. Presha-san runs away from Dite-san’s grasp and race to the battlefield with a single horse.

That is also to prevent the enemy cavalry from approaching us. A cavalry platoon trying to make a detour to the south and to the eastern gate discovers Presha-san approaching, they hold their spears.

Our carriage also slows down –if we proceed on the road in sight, we would be spotted by enemy soldiers.

“If they got repelled when crossing the river in the darkness, they find another location and push their way in with their number… We knights are not completely able to monitor the river either. Will it be Southwest?, Northeast? or possibly both. If they have cannons or catapults, we have to destroy them as soon as possible.”

Even if they look down from a bird’s eye view, it is not possible to grasp such composition of enemy troops.

―But in my case, this plain, the whole area around the fortress –from here on, even the places that cannot be seen are filled with grass.

“My name is Presha Hortensia! You Zirconian knights, if you’re prepared to die, come! Haaaaaaa!!!”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

Presha-san lives up to her name –Hortensia, that is an honorable family name among the kingdom knights.

The name had reached the Zirconian Army –without any hesitation, three cavalry rush towards Presha-san, who is running with a spear. Among them, one cavalryman leads and runs up while swinging his axe spear. That bloodthirstiness was too strong that it penetrates Presha-san and reach us.

“Zirconia Knight’s 8th Attack Squadron, Darius O’Connell! I’ll take that head of yours!”

Presha-san and her opponent clash with each other –I couldn’t see the movement of Presha-san’s spear at all. The opponent knight suddenly stops his movement and holds the axe spear in horseback, he continuous to run holding that position –all of a sudden he falls from the horse, the horse neighed and run away from the spot.

“…That’s Presha, the best spearman in my army. Please look closely at the battle.”

Dite-san did not hold her bow, but watch Presha-san as she flash the spear on her hand and slash the rest of the cavalry.

“Haaaaaa…!”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

The second cavalryman has the tip of his spear cut off and is knocked down, the third cavalryman withdraws but Presha-san chases him with her horse, he fell as his chest was pierced. Turning the spear like a windmill, Presha-san scout the enemy cavalry coming from the west with only one shot, and stopped their movement.

“Those who want to die, come! I’ll line up your heads before my fortress!”

This is the youngest attack captain –Presha Hortensia.

“How dare you! Doing whatever you like!… Anyone, get that woman’s head!”

 “B-but… three of the fierce men in my squad have already…”

“You’ll just shamelessly withdraw like this?! If you don’t want me to kill you myself, go!”

 “uh….Uaaaaaaaahhhh!”

On a battlefield, recklessness leads to ruin. With Presha-san’s strength, several enemy cavalries where reduced in number each time they clash with Presha-san.

 “Mo-Monster… ugh, a monster… you’re a monster wearing a woman’s skin …!”

“…How nice, monster huh. That’s what I need to be for the likes of you! The more you’re terrified, someday, no one will stand before me!”

“―Like humans will lose to a monster!… Gaaaaahhhh… kuu!”

It is probably his last tenacity. The enemy captain, who is trying to escape, suddenly attacks Presha-san –however, there is no excuse for noticing his monotonous movements, Presha-san win the fight in an instant.

The enemy’s 8^th Squadron is defeated. Without any spurt of blood, Presha-san is on her horse unharmed.

“………”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

But Presha-san doesn’t try to come back here –I run towards her without knowing why.

“Uh…Grass-sensei, what…uh…”

Presha-san who is on the horse, lay face down, the spear in her arm hangs down. I go around and look up at her face. Presha-san opened her eyes with surprise –such strong person didn’t notice until I got here.

“…G-Grass-sensei?…”This is translated by YumeNeiji

“….Presha-san isn’t a monster. Thank you very much for helping us.”

I express my gratitude to the knight who has killed hundreds of people on the battlefield. It is humorous, but she didn’t laugh –her expression softens and power returns to her eyes.

“Thank you…Grass-sensei. But it’s not over yet. I have to go help everyone.”

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“―Sensei, Sensei!”

“Get ahold of yourself Grass-sensei!”

“U-uh…”

When I came to my senses, my right hand is touching the trunk of the giant tree in front of me. The miasma that filled the whole area is getting extremely faint so Presha-san and Dite-san can come to me.

“I-I’m glad… You didn’t move the whole time you’re holding the tree…”

“…G-Grass-sensei, did you stop this miasma?”

“No… This sacred tree has stopped it. The erosion of the land will stop for a while. The plants that transformed into plant monsters will not attack people.”

“I-Is that true…? That would be good. But…holding it off for a little while is not a fundamental solution…”

“That’s…. For that, we need to go back to the fortress, there are some things I have to ask for Knight Captain Raquel’s help. If this sacred tree gathers power once more, the withered land can restore its vitality. For that purpose, we need the cooperation of Astina-denka.”

When the name of Her Highness was mentioned, the two captains have a tense expression. That alone shows their deep respect for Astina-denka.

“T-that… Does it have something to do with the fact that this is a garden that was under the control of the royal family?”

“Ye-eh?… how did you know, Dite-san?”

“It’s an analogy from the information we have obtained so far. This giant tree that rises in the deepest part of this garden… I thought that it was the symbol of this garden. Then Grass-sensei touched this giant tree… I know that you had a conversation with it.”

“It is as what you speak. This sacred tree, Yuserish, was once worshiped as a god. However, due to some circumstances, the entire garden was abandoned…. Then she lost most of her divine power.”Support me by reading at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

We look up overhead –it used to be a magnificent branch, but it has cracked barks and black moss that erodes the trunk.

“Grass-sama, please take a look, a leaf…”

“Uh-… this is …”

Lendl-san told me to take a look and I witnessed the moment he picked up a fallen leaf.

―The sacred tree has withered and there are no other leaves. The leaf in his hand is small but it has a fresh green color.

She is able to regain a little power not only in the vision but also in the reality. I have to believe even more strongly when this sacred tree returns. Believe that thoughts will heal this sacred tree even a little.

 “…this tree is alive. No… it responded to Grass-sama’s wishes.”

“No, it’s not enough that I alone believe in her. I also want you guys to believe as much as you can… This tree will definitely revive. I hope this garden can be restored to its previous appearance.”Translated by YumeNeiji

“Then I’ll offer my prayer. I’ve only been praying to the god of battle so I don’t know if I’m doing it the right way…”

“Rather than being polite, it’s more important not to lie to your heart. That’s what faith is.”

Dite-san puts her hands together and prays. Presha-san imitates it –all of us did. The sacred tree did not answer. However I believe that if we always remember what we prayed now, it would help sustain this tree.

　◆ ◇ ◆

The erosion of the gray land not only stopped, but it can also be said as it “retreated”, albeit a little. As the man, who was abandoning his house to move to another land, sees us return, he run up and bowed.

“To everyone, how can I express my gratitude…. the gray soil that was formerly expanding is now returning to its original state. The crops that were still safe suddenly look lively…”

As the miasma flowing out of the forest stopped, it immediately have positive effect to the crops. When I got off the carriage, he holds my hand and thanks me many times.

“If the gray soil stays that way, the crops will grow safely until harvest. We will not have to leave this house.”

“Once you harvest it, even a little, can you sell them to the fortress? You see, we are short on food…”Support me by reading at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

“Thinking to sell is just absurd, I will not charge when I deliver the harvested crops. Thanks to the members of the Knights brigade, we can live without fear of Zirconia. People who manage this land always tell that to us farmers.”

The people who manage the farmland are probably the powerful families who are self-governing the area and are now under the patronage of the kingdom. If I can get in touch with them even once, I may be able to ask what they are making on the farmland around here and discuss if they could also plant new herbs.

But first and foremost, we first need to revive the sacred tree. I have to increase the number of people who believe in the sacred tree even if it’s one person or two people.

“There is one thing I would like to ask of you to restore this gray soil to its original shape.”

“Yes, if it’s something I can do… by all means you have the support of my family, no, all my relatives.”

“Thank you. It’s not a heavy burden, I only want you to pray to that forest. If the god in that place can regain her lost power, this area will flourish once more… so, could you please pray with us?”Support me by reading at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

“In that place…t-there really is a god? W-we thought we shouldn’t be approaching that place. To think that’s because we are affected by god’s wrath… We live here long enough but we didn’t know anything. I’m really embarrassed…”

“It’s still not too late. Everything will be back to normal… No!, this land around here will be healthier than ever for sure.”

Presha-san and Dite-san are already praying towards the forest. The man brought in a family of ten and they all prayed with us.

The fertility festival cannot be held immediately. However if it’s Astina-denka, she can inform all of the Western Territories – asking them to pray for a fruitful harvest to the sacred tree.

If we do so, the sacred tree Yuserish will surely regain her original form. If we have the god who once led the kingdom to victory, even in the current situation which we do not know when Zirconia will attack us, will definitely change.

―No, it needs to change. Rather than losing our hearts in the battle, if we use the power for the country, Presha-san and Dite-san will not have to worry about killing people.

“… From now on, let’s pray in the morning and evening so that we won’t forget. Grass-sensei, mine and Presha’s team will follow your instructions as much as possible.”

“Un, Me too. It would be best if I could convince Raquel-ane… She hates magic, I wonder what I can do about it….. Ah!-, speaking of magic, Lendl-san, what on earth did you do when you caught up behind Sensei?”

“Like Grass-sama, I gave my magical powers. I also have knowledge in magic.”

Lendl-san shared his magical power so I was able to take the final step to the sacred tree.

―I wonder if that’s really true. Although magical powers can be shared among magicians, it is said to be very inefficient. The magical powers of magicians are not the same, and the magical powers of others can hardly be used unless they are blood relatives.

Unless Lendl-san’s nature of magical power is close to mine…. No. Did he use magic to stop the miasma?…

 “Hmm, that’s what I expected. Hey, that magic crystal, can I have it next time?”

“Doing that to score points for Grass-sensei, you’re surprisingly daring.”

“I-It’s not like that!… I’m grateful to Grass-sensei. So that much… W-Wait! That face didn’t believe me at all!”

“Fufu… Since Grass-sensei came, unexpectedly there’s so much competition, me too and you too.”

Presha-san’s magical power can certainly be used if it accumulates in a magical crystal. However, if one uses the opposite magical power too much, there will be problems that I can’t say out loud.

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The sacred tree that brought victory to the kingdom was alienated, before this garden was abandoned, various human intentions were probably involved.

However, the magicians who have contracted with elemental spirits should not have made a course of not evaluating all the spirits other than their contracted spirits.

Currently, combat magicians make a major contribution to the army –those who gained their present power by separating the spirit of the sacred tree from the royal family. Amongst them, there are those who distort the values ​​of spirits.

Even if I complained about it, there’s no immediate reinstatement for us who contracted with the “flop” spirits. Accusation itself means rebellion against the nation –because court magicians are deeply involved in both military and political aspects of this country.

 “… When you where worshipped as god, did the royalties come here?”

「During the fertility festival, for celebrating the fruits of the crops, a shrine maiden with the King’s bloodline visits, together with the people, they sing and dance. 」

“A shrine maiden with the King’s bloodline huh… You were able to gather faith when that person was there. That’s what it is.”

People’s faith does not gather because it’s a giant tree. Rather, faith gathered because the royal family led the festival to worship the giant tree. She could then exercise her power as a god.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

「… A shrine maiden is chosen from the maiden who have the king’s bloodline. When passing oracle to the people, there are times god descend on the shrine maiden’s body. By contracting with the shrine maiden, I was able to use my divine art. People called it a “miracle”. 」

 “A miracle… then the shrine maiden was the one treated like a real god …”

「…The last shrine maiden I had a contract with was called a “Saint”, but the contract was unilaterally abandoned, I and my familiars were abandoned.」

Abandoned –the being called god, was aware of her circumstances.

I thought god as an extremely transcendental being. I freely imagined that grace and punishment of people should be done according to the will of god.

If a spirit gets divinity and is called god, then we magicians are close to god and can have a deep relationship with them.

「My life is already exhausted. Once called god, if I lose faith, I would also lose the meaning of my existence. If I try to resist my disappearance, I will undermine this world. By being alive, the earth will wither endlessly.」

If the remaining life runs out quickly, the erosion of the dead earth will stop. If she is keeping us away for that reason —the spirit of the sacred tree still hates people but she didn’t want to destroy everything.

In order to cure her, we need to regain the faith of the people as soon as possible –but I definitely need more time.

How can I have that time? Me, the people around me, the knights –given these people believes her, Will she regain her strength?

“…that royal shrine maiden. The third princess I serve is called the “Sword Princess”, a little different to the shrine maiden. But she has the king’s bloodline.”

「… Are the ones of Lezenia’s bloodline here…? 」

Lezenia –the name of the royal family that governs this country. When I said the name, there’s an emotional color that dwelled in her eyes for the first time.

The spirit of the sacred tree and the shrine maiden had a close relationship. I don’t know if I can get Astina-denka to listen–but that’s the only way.

 “I’ll plead for Her Highness the princess, to come to this place. And I will call people to increase those who believe in you even a little and those who wish for you to return back to normal. What I can do for now is just a first aid that won’t help you much… I also think that it’s awful to ask you to endure.”

「Daughter of the royal family…… She won’t come to me, the royal family has abandoned me. 」This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

“It’s possible that Astina-denka may not have been told about this place yet. Or she knew but didn’t come here, I won’t know unless I ask her.”

All I can do is just keep telling her to believe me –Raquel-san may be reluctant to tell Her Highness in some cases. Still, I have to ask. If we can save the sacred tree, everything will change – especially the order of the knights and the lives of the people who live here.

「……why……」

“E-eh……?”

「…Why are you trying to save me so much? Why can you believe that I, who’s no longer needed by anyone is still worthy….? 」

That is― the place where I am now, this forest, is my starting point as a Spirit Magician and the place I was aiming for. Here is the illusion of the former sanctuary that the sacred tree shows to me. When I return to my senses, the withered giant tree may be in front of me.

 “I… I felt like I was being called to this place all the time. I wanted to get here while I’m alive but I’ve already found it.”

「….A person who communicates with the spirits of plants. It also means communicating with me. If you could hear my voice, I must apologize. 」

“There’s no need to apologize. I’ve always like plants. If I can heal you from now on, that will make me happy.”

「……I’m not the kind of existence that deserve that much. But… 」

She offered me a drop of water that had slipped down the leaves of a giant tree that had accumulated in her hand.

I thought if it is okay, but since it was recommended, I put it in my mouth –then.

 “T-this is…”

“I can only produce this much now…. The drop of the sacred tree can be produced by the power gained from the earth, faith…. and the prosperity of my familiar. Human, I thank you for your thoughts. The heart that wants to heal me is also faith.”

―Wanting to heal her to the extent that I feel that it’s presumptuous of me.

The transparent drops that had accumulated a little in her palm gave me energetic energy.

“I…… I really want you to recover your energy. That way, many people will be helped from their sickness.”

「It’s not all-purpose, right now, I’m just an existence doing harm to people. I can’t restore the withered soil… but I can stop my familiar. Those born in this forest are put to sleep for now. 」This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

“Thank you very much. I think that the people who grow the fields around here can feel relieved.”

「Considering that my familiar has hit humans so far… I don’t think I can gain faith. At that time, I… 」

“Don’t tell me you want to die. But… if, there’s no other way than that, I would do as you wish.”

I can’t end it like this– But just forcing my hopes on her will make her suffer. I wish that it will work, I know too well that people’s hearts cannot be changed so easily. But, even if I alone believed, it certainly did became her power. I experienced it with this body, I can’t hesitate.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

 “…..One more thing …… can I ask now?”

“…My name is “Yuserish”. I can answer that much.” (TLYN: ユーセリシス, I’m debating whether to use Yuserish/ Euserish. You may comment the best English name for this. ^-^)

I can see a scale of the power of the sacred tree that was giving oracle to the king. She read my question ahead.Please read at my site.

The sun-dwelling forest covered with white light –I have to leave it for now but I’ll make sure to come back. Not in an illusion, but in reality. I’ll make sure to return it to its former appearance–the sacred tree, this forest where she and her familiars live.

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From here on, I’ll use Grass Weed instead of Glass Weed. This is to be consistent with the Manga version. I just noticed that they have changed the name when I checked for the latest chapter (Found the changes when I tried to compare the English name for the sacred tree, it was not yet uploaded though 😂). There’s a comment on CH6 where he did have a point on it, @Soul, though it’s late thanks for the comment.

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In the rushing torrent of torture, I try to move forward.

The magic crystals’ energy was already exhausted, I have to use my own magical power to prevent the miasma. Then the miasma becomes even darker that my consciousness can be reaped –gradually, I can’t see anything.

But if I give up here…… this big tree will die and the surrounding land will wither.

This giant tree –I don’t even know what kind of tree it is. The continent where I was born was still full of such unknown plants. I want to find and study as many plants as possible for medicinal purposes so that some diseases that could not be cured would disappear.

―It’s the same with this giant tree.

I want to heal this big tree. I would like to take a look at the lush paradise that once expanded around this big tree.

I remember the elder who was quietly waiting for death in the courtyard of the Academy, he responded to my call and wanted treatment. There is no disease that cannot be cured. If despair is a deadly disease, a single hope will be the power to change everything.

“―I..… I will definitely cure you! I promise….. So listen to me! I’ll use my whole life to cure you …!”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com). Please read at my site.

The miasma showed confusion. The raging anger and the power that keep me away ease, and I could now move forward one step at a time. 

―Still, my field of view remained veiled with darkness. When I lean forward, someone’s arm hug me from behind.

“Grass-sama……ugh, If you move forward… I-I will also make a way to go a little further… Ugh… e-even if I change to this body…!”

I can hear Lendl-san’s voice. He just met me, he doesn’t have to bet his life for mine. Still, I felt very reassured by the arms that supported me from behind.

I am now able to advance forward without falling. Soon, my extended hand touches the trunk of the giant tree –the moment I lost all my magic, my consciousness was cut off from reality.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com). Please read at my site.

◆ ◇ ◆

I lost consciousness without even knowing if I touched the giant tree.

When I opened my eyes, I was lying face down on the ground, with green grass in front of me. I thought that it was just a dream when I walk on the gray soil. I think the sight of green grass covering the ground is so relaxing.

When I raise my body, I think that it is not a real landscape, and the same forest plaza as the vision of that day is spreading in front of me.　

Little birds sing, I could hear the leaves rustle on the trees, and the sunlight pours in generously from the sky. The giant tree standing in front of me –the leaves grow thickly and morning dew spills from them, leaving a trail of light in the clear air.

There’s a person who catches those drops with both hands.

She has a hair that looks as light as a thread, while having an appearance of a person, she is a young lady with a beauty that transcended people.

“…You’re… No, YOU are…”

As I observe her, I am able to understand it. The higher-ranking existence of plant spirits –an existence revered as god of plants. The young lady in front of me is the incarnation of the sacred tree!

「…I have the power to communicate with my family. Why did you approach the tree without fearing death? I called you here to ask that question. 」

The voice I heard from the giant tree seemed to be neither male nor female. However, the incarnation of the sacred tree in front of me, although she sounds weak, gives me a clear feminine sound.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com). Please read at my site.

Perhaps she’s not obsessed with hiding her skin, but when she’s exposed to light, the sheer silk she wears grows more transparent, revealing the contours of her body…

“I… I knew you were still alive and thought you’ll be able to regain your vitality. If faith is lost, all I have to do is make people worship the sacred tree once again. I don’t know why the kingdom abandoned you in this garden…. The only thing I can say is that, the times are different now and then. Many people, including us, need the blessings you bring.”

「…Long time ago, I used to be worshiped as a god. The king’s bloodline received my oracle to win the battle against the surrounding country and expanded their rule. However, there are those who control spirits different from Myself and tried to erase my existence. They were afraid that I would acquire more power as a god than I already have. 」

I have always been wondering why but the moment I heard it, I realized that there is a reason for the customs I had to follow.

The divine spirit of the sacred tree made great contribution to the kingdom. Yet there were those who disliked her influence increasing –those elemental spirit users who disliked the power of the plant spirit.

And then, the spirit users of the earth, water, fire and wind become known and other than those, the rest came to be treated as flop spirits. Me, Leslie, and Sven –all the students who couldn’t contract with Elemental Spirits are “not to be appreciated as Elemental Magicians”.

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What happened at this place –the soil is dry, the stone floor weathered and was washed away. And more than that, there’s a decayed signboard entwined with vines. When I approached and confirmed it, my guess turned into conviction.

“…This place was once under the control of the kingdom. I can’t read everything, but it has the kingdom’s coat of arms and the name of the king at that time.”

“This name is about ten years ago… If it were the reign of King Kludio, it would be nearly a hundred years ago.”

The area containing this garden, though not completely ruled by the kingdom, should have been the territory of this country for 100 years.

Did the powerful families become more influential than the kingdom and the management of the garden fell into their hands? Or did the kingdom abandon its own control? At present, there is no certainty.

 “If the kingdom ceased to manage this place, why didn’t they ask the people nearby?”

“That….I can only guess from the situation but for some reason, I think this forest has stopped letting people in. Places with a strong spiritual power often reject people. Unless it is a magician who can detect the influence of the spirit, one would “somehow” think I don’t want to approach it. It ends up like that.”

Prohibiting people from entering due to the influence of the spirit is a magic that can be applied. However, if the spirits rejects humans due to anger or because humans have bad intention, those spirits should never be left alone at all cost.

The spirits of the natural world bring various benefits to humans, but sometimes they suffer. Elemental spirits are said to have a particularly strong influence, and the wrath of elemental spirits may appear as a natural disaster. The spirits of the spirit world will return to the spirit world if the summoning is released, so there is little effect on this world.

……The phenomenon that appears in this garden is also due to the incident that happened to the spirits. There is something that affects the entire plant in the garden. Being one level higher… But if it’s ahead, can we approach it and be safe?

I can’t make a reckless choice in this situation especially since I have some companions –but just as Presha-san said themselves, there’s no choice of retreat to them.

“Glass-sensei, you don’t have to be worried about us. No matter what happens beyond this, I won’t regret going on.”

“A garden that the royal family had let go…..Touching such a mystery is something you cannot experience while in a fortress. I’m not playing, but to be honest, I’m thrilled.”

There’s a road leading to the back of the garden, with sparse stone floors. There, a new plant monster obstructs the road – seeing it, Presha-san, stands up in a fighting stance, while Dite-san holds her bow. I felt reassured that they came with me.

◆ ◇ ◆

“―Haaaaa!”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

“There…..!”

Presha-san’s spear pierced, Dite-san’s arrow shoot through the raging plant. Even monsters much powerful than goblin won’t stand a chance against these two if they knew their weaknesses.

The closer we get to the back, the stronger they attack us, the monsters don’t want us to come closer. But only the nettles listened to my words and never attacked us.

Plants of the same species share consciousness as fellows. The attacking plant just repeats the phrase “Punish humans who have abandoned the sanctuary”.

However, when it realized that it couldn’t stop us, the voice gradually weakens. As we were approaching a long downhill, the miasma increasingly darken.

―And, it was only when we came so close that I could finally see the existence of  “it”.

I could not see it from outside the garden because it was down a long slope, but there was a giant tree there. No, it is because there are parts like trunks and branches that it can be recognized as a tree. There are no leaves, and the surface has decayed and turned gray.

With the giant tree as the center, wind blows then the miasma hurl toward us. A voice saying “Punishment for humans” echoed in my head, the giant tree vibrates and gray sand rolls up.

 “Uh…Se-Sensei…… With this, one more step is…”

“―Glass-sensei, don’t! You alone…!”

Both Presha-san and Dite-san have stopped moving forward. I could hear their voices stopping me, but I couldn’t stop. The ones who are ahead are weak and calling for help –it wasn’t as easy as it seems.

Despair, lamentation, they even directed their anger to all humans. There was only one reason why they had no choice but to do so.

“I understand your feeling of hating humans who have left this place…Still, I want to ask for it though it’s unreasonable, pardon us! Give us one more opportunity, we will never betray you again! We won’t forget and throw you away …!”

(―It’s not a betrayal.)This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

(―I always thought that human beings would give me their faith.)

(―My pride kept away people’s hearts. A god who cannot get faith will only decay and be forgotten.)

“Your familiar isn’t convinced with that… they turned against us. I think you’ll regret it too! If the land around you perishes like this, it will really be forgotten… I can still stop it now! We can help you!”

I didn’t mean to tell a makeshift lie. But if the decaying giant tree claims to be a “god”, it is no longer a spirit, but a higher ranking entity – a Divine Spirit.

If it lose its faith and is dying and letting the land die, then I’ll offer my faith. If it’s not enough, I’ll encourage many to believe.

Despite that, the refusal increases, while miasma grows endlessly. Stones are mixed in the hurled gray soil and grazes my cheeks – pain runs thru my cheeks, I can see that blood is flowing.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

(―It’s too late. Even I cannot stop my own body from decaying. If my roots that support this land wither, the soil will rot and my familiar will become a demon. Originally, those who were cut off by you were also innocent flowers. )

(―I’ll sacrifice and perish with them. Human, just give up this land again―)

The voice echoes in my head.

To give it up and have no hope… if that is what the god wants, maybe there really is nothing left for humans to do. Still, I can’t give up. A little more and I’ll be able to reach that giant tree –while preventing the thick miasma to blow up, the magical energy stored in the magical crystals were about to be exhausted.

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The closer it gets to the forest, the thicker the miasma that flows. There are flowers transformed into monsters that emit pollen like a dust storm but I can prevent it from coming near us. Pollen is also a plant substance and one of the substances I can interfere with.

However, if I am to use it inside this thick miasma, my magical power will surely be exhausted. If only there is a “magic crystal” that can accumulate magic power and release it as needed, it can compensate for the magic consumption.

Crystals are so expensive… It is not something that students can buy. I can’t buy them unless I save my salary as the military doctor for a long time, for now I can only manage to survive…

“…Glass-sama, are you using magic?”

“Ah? Ah, yeah. My magic is effective in preventing this miasma.”

“Is this sand like monster avoiding us because of Glass-sensei’s magic…?”

“Speaking of plant spirits…. Is this sand like thing also something of plants?”

Unlike the pollen of Arlaune, this pollen only attacks the human immune system. If you were covered with it, your tears will not stop. Normally, even if pollen is flying, it is not visible, but it is visible at this density. If you’re hypersensitive to pollen, you can’t stand it.

“…..Well then. I received it from the Headmaster, my magical power has finally accumulated to the point where it can be used. I’ll give it to you.”

“…Le-Lendl-san, that is…”

Lendl-san took out a magical crystal from his bag, I thought it would surely be appreciated at this time and here it is, presented to me.

The price of crystals varies greatly depending on the amount of magic that can be accumulated. This is for collecting the magical power of any magician for seven days –You can see how much you have collected depending on the color condition of the crystal, since about one-seventh of the total color has changed from black to purple, I think that it is a little more than about a day.

“This is…..did you perhaps fill it last night?”

 “I’m really sorry, if I had prepared it long ago, I could have filled it much more…”

“No, this is enough. It really helps.”

“As Sensei’s secretary, Lendl-san has magic knowledge too right?”

“It means that we have selected human resources who can assist us in both medical care and magic.”

The moment I receive the magical crystal, maintaining magic is no longer a pain. On the contrary, the speed of recovery was faster.

The magic power accumulated in the crystals is converted into a form called “pure magic power”, so any magician can use it, and in some cases, it can be used more efficiently than one’s own. I didn’t think it’s so powerful because it’s my first time using it –students who have contracted with Elemental Spirits can use it during mock battles though.

“As for magic power, my excess magic power is always accumulated in the crystal, so please leave it to me during the night.”

“Ah, it’s all right, no need to overdo things because magical power is important to everyone.”

 “Hey Sensei, do we also have magical powers?”

“Since you’re “same” to Captain Raquel, you hold more magical power. I also seem to have more than ordinary people, but I can’t compare to magicians like Glass-sensei.”

Generally, human’s life force and magical power have a ratio of 10 to 1, but in the case of a magician and a magical warrior, it becomes one to one. The difference is not filled by training.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

“If I knew how to do that, I could also share my magical power with Sensei.”

“We knights also have a role to play. We only need to properly escort Sensei.”

 “Yeah….that’s right. I only have to fulfil my role than desiring too much.”

Their role is to defeat the enemy. As if to respond to those words, there is an obstacle waiting ahead that could not be avoided.

Two giant flowers bloomed like the keeper of the forest. If not for its vivid poisonous looking color and huge size, it may be a very beautiful flower.

No…, wait…..this flower is… a flower I have never seen before.

I studied all the plants available at the school long ago. I looked up the distribution map in the pictorial book and did some field work to the extent that I could reach near the capital – Yet after three years of research, I could only find a few new species.

However, the forest that spreads in front of me –nettle plant that I used to know evolved on its own way. The flowers in front of me… I have never seen their shape.

After getting here, I’m convinced. This forest is a botanical garden that I don’t know about. When the plants transformed into monsters are restored, this forest will surely return to its former appearance. To do that, we have to meet the one that the nettle called “God”.

“It’s coming….. Sensei, tell us its weaknesses! We’ll only be aiming there!”

“It is said that beautiful flowers have thorns… but it doesn’t have fangs…!”

Even carnivorous plant has not evolved so much such that they have specialization of “predation” –the flowers split into two as if they open their mouths, and closely spaced tusks are visible. Dite-san was embarrassed by what she could only say, while Presha-san held her spear with no fear.

“Presha-san, please pierce the stem! There are no particular weaknesses in this kind of plant!”

“That’s right… I don’t think there would be such convenient thing frequently. Okay, leave it to me.”

“Presha…. I can leave it to you right?”

Presha-san nods without turning around. Aiming at her, the two flowers try to eat at the same time –but with an amazing technique, Presha-san fly in the air. Then, while falling, her spear is aimed at one of the flowers –tearing it with the blade attached to the tip of the trident, the flower was cut into two.

“―Seyaaa!”

With her spear that turned around, it cuts off the stem of the other flower –the spear is covered in faint light. Power that cannot be imagined from a petite body is produced by her magical power.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

 “Fuu…Ah, S-Sorry, I might have scared everyone at the time of the fight…”

“No one thinks it’s scary. We’re just impressed by your ability.”

“B-But… the original flowers are normal. If we cut them, it will be more and more hostile towards us…”

“I still don’t understand anything unless we go deeper. I tried to persuade it myself, but those plants seem to be monolithic.”

 “So it’s like that… then, I only have to defeat it when it comes to attack. I wish I could defeat all the monsters.”

The first monster was not compatible, depending on the other party, I think that Presha-san’s power is peerless. I could understand her ability to become an Offense Captain at a young age.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com).

 “…..Sensei, please look. There is a stone pillar like thing standing over there.”

“Stone pillar? Why would there be one in such a place…”

Two decayed stone pillars stand at the place pointed by Dite-san. The upper part has collapsed, but guessing the original shape, it seemed to be an arched gate.

“There’s a stone like tile buried under my feet. It seems that it leads to the back.”

Although it no longer bear its original appearance as it got deserted, I could still guess what this place was originally.

This is a garden. A garden that was once managed by humans, became abandoned and completely changed its appearance.

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The monsters that appeared to be numerous is a hermaphrodite plant that has transformed, the female plant acted as the command tower, attacking with the male plant. Everything was connected through the rhizome.

By attacking the command tower, its attack has also stopped. When it stops moving, although it has a poisonous color, it turns out to be an ordinary plant.

“So-Sorry, Glass-sensei…Somehow, the places where the monster entwined me were tingling….”

“Oh…there’s poison on the surface huh. I understand, please show me.”

“If only I wore protective gear that covers my whole body like Raquel-ane… Oww…I’m about to die of itchiness…”

First, I take a look at the arms of Presha-san who is now sitting down. Since her upper arm is not covered with armor, her skin was scratched when the under armor was torn.

When I touch the red and swollen area, there are two kinds of poisons in it, one causes itching and the other causes inflammation. Although itching seems plain, it is one of the pains that human beings cannot bear.

“It’s a little cool but this will add redness.”

This ointment was a mixture of oil and herbal ingredients, it was experimented using all herbs available to test its effect. I made dozens of dermatological drugs alone, but I found that by mixing ingredients of some herbs in proper proportions, it was possible to obtain better effects than using it alone.

I spread the ointment on the reddish area and bandaged it. The places where she was wrapped around were on both upper arms and on the thighs above her knee pads. The wound is swollen like a line caused by a whip, I used magic power to activate the components of the drug to accelerate healing as much as possible.

“…That’s a lot of sweat…..Sensei, what a concentration, I am sweating my hands too as I see it.”

Dite-san and Lendl-san wipes my forehead from both sides. It’s embarrassing to make them this concerned about me, but it’s helpful that they wipe off my sweat so I didn’t say anything.

After checking her upper arm, thigh –her whole body, I then apply medicine to the small wounds. Since her neck was wrapped by the vines too, I did not forget to apply medicine on it especially on her nape.

“Presha-san, is there anywhere else that hurts?”

“Un, it’s fine now…..Thank you Sensei.”

Presha-san smiles as she gets up. The medicines I carry with me were not endless, and the current treatment used up all my skin medicines –I have to mix them up again when I have time.

“…I didn’t feel any malice during the treatment. Is Glass-sensei a saint?”

“Glass-sama doesn’t have any bad intentions. This is just a treatment.”

“Ah….I-I’m sorry Presha-san! I was only thinking about treatment. I might have made you feel embarrassed…”

 “I’m not embarrassed or something… It’s just that….it’s not something other people should touch casually. So I wondered if it’s okay, but Sensei just worked so hard, and I ended up thinking I’m just self-conscious.”

“In that case, it’s more like I’m the one who’s overly self-conscious, or too intrusive…..I-It’s not like that. I also thought that it was only an act of treatment.”

Although I also thought that it was an act of treatment, but when I recall the scene when I was applying the ointment, I think that it is a view where I can see objectively. Even if I’m aware of it, in case of urgent medical treatment, I’ll just steel my heart.

“Glass-sama, it’s time to move… we don’t know when monsters will come out.”

“…No, it’s fine. I don’t feel any signs of monsters getting closer.”

This is in the middle of the gray wilderness –but so far, there is no sign that monsters will come out. It was said that there were many monsters here. Although that plant monster was only one, it looked like multiple in number – that’s probably the reason they say there were many monsters.

“Eh… Se-sensei? What on earth are you doing? If you touch it, you will itch like I did!”

I approached the female plant monster that Presha-san stabbed and examined it. In the stem part –vascular bundles has developed abnormally which have transformed to allow tentacle-like movements. This is a plant I know of.

“The shape of this leaf… it’s that after all. This plant monster is a variation of a what is called as nettle. It transformed into a monster, but it was originally a plant. It is also sometimes used as herb.”

“As in medicinal herbs…? With such poisonous color… and there’s poison in it too right?”

“Depending on how you use it, it can be a poison or a drug. Nettle may have thorns on its stem in areas where it is often eaten by animals. The wounded or damaged part becomes a thorn.”

“…Because it moves like a living thing, no one really noticed it. Once it’s burned, it’s even more difficult to tell what it was.”

Even the wreckage that was left over would have been known to me as a plant. It’s a completely different tissue from animals. I touch the female plant that stopped moving. It still has a breath, but it has no intention of resistance –on the contrary, it weakly transmitted its consciousness.

…Give judgment to humans who have abandoned the sanctuary…. The story of the man from before… this means that some god is really enshrined there…

The key to stopping this gray soil erosion is really in that forest.

Being abandoned means that there was a relation with human in the past. What if the existence that has been worshiped was forgotten and they are now producing demons in anger and as punishment?

(The monsters don’t even come to you….The beings in that forest are already weak.)

 “…I’m sorry. If you can, don’t send your friends to us anymore, and we won’t have to fight.”

Even if I speak to it, there is no reply. However, the poisonous color of the plant change to green, which is probably its original color.

“It’s really… it was just normal grass…”

“…It’s as if you’re talking and conversing with plants. Glass-sensei, what are you really?…”

“I’m a plant spirit user. I’m glad I came here today… I think the reason I contracted a plant spirit was to come here.”

Due to hatred, the existence created monsters and eroded the land to gray to torment the people –I no longer have that idea. The beings in that forest are weak and were calling for help. Not only humans, but also the ones that dwell in plants –healing the spirits is also the role of a Spirit Doctor.

“There may still be plants that are hostile to us. Fire arrows are certainly effective, but don’t use them in battle if you can.”

“…I understand. If you think about the feelings of plants, it will be painful and hateful if it is burned.”

“It must have hurt when I stabbed it with a spear… I thought it was a vicious monster so I rushed out with all my might.”

“If we didn’t do that, we would all be detained. I think we couldn’t avoid the previous battle.”

If Presha-san and Dite-san weren’t there, I couldn’t make such conversation–I might even be captured and ended up without knowing anything.

However, if possible, I would like to avoid further battles. Whether we can do that or not, depends on how I interact with the plant monsters were about to encounter.

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“No way, it’s outrageous to approach that forest. No one should go over there. Sooner or later, we had to leave this land. That’s all…”

“……I’m sorry, I understand your feelings. But can you guys wait a little longer? I don’t know how fast the soil erodes but I think we still have few more days to spare. In that few days, I’ll stop it.”

“S-Stop it?…. Even the Knights can’t eradicate that monster. Recently, whenever a monster comes out, the gray land also expands rapidly. It seems to stop now but if monsters come out once or twice, the field I manage will be done for.”

Even in such situation, he still stayed here. To endure it once more and wait for a few more days, I know I’m asking for something impossible…

But, I know that the root of this erosion is in that forest which we can’t just lay our hands on. If we can somehow do something about that, it will definitely get better.

 “…Presha-san, Dite-san. After this, what goes ahead is…”

“Don’t tell us to go back just because it’s dangerous. Certainly, we are captains significant for fighting Zirconia. But I don’t know how far the damage will spread if we leave it here. If monsters start to appear around the fortress, that would be a catastrophe.”

“I can’t absolutely say that there’s no such possibility. If there is one valid clue, it should be that they are weak against fire. To avoid damaging the precious crops, we need to be careful…”

Dite-san continued to speak as if there was no option to go back.

 “I’m very sorry but, when your packing your luggage together to leave this place, do you have anything that can be burned? I want to use a fire arrow.”

“Ye-Yes… Are you really going to that forest? No matter how many Knights you have, it’s still too dangerous. Please don’t overdo it…”

“If I was totally left with no other option, I will consider retreating then. To give up without even approaching things is a Knights shame.”

In response to Dite-san’s answer, the man didn’t say anything more. He was not in the least happy to leave here. There are many other farmers who lived here for a long time now, not just this one. They were all similarly forced to leave the land they used to live in.

What’s going on in that forest…? No, it’s not an ordinary forest. In that forest, there are strange plant that grows even in gray land… Still, plants are plants.

If there is fuel to make a fire arrow, we can use the match that I use to disinfect needles. I asked if it was popular in the west, it was said that I could buy it if I went to the city –I’d like to ask Raquel-san’s permission to go to the city once this problem is solved.

 “Well then…everyone, are you ready? I don’t know when a monster will come out, so we’ll walk from here. It’s said that horses are also weak against that monster.”

“Then, I’ll keep it here. Knights, please be careful…”

The man prays for our safety. We walked more cautiously when we reached the point where the land was gray.

―The forest is still far away. However, as if to block our way, rumbling sound echoed out– It makes me think that it was the soil in front as it was moving up and down.

Something breaks through the soil and jumps out from several direction at the same time. It’s a nightmare-like sight that jumps out to the cloudy sky.

“Uh….It’s huge… if many more monsters like this appear at the same time….”

“Earthworm monster…? Either way, we have no choice but to kill it… Haaa!”

Presha-san boldly swings her spear and confronts the monsters that attack from the air with a snake-like movement. Certainly, with this color and creature-like movement, everyone would be mistaken and think that the enemy is an “animal”.

No… it’s not an earthworm, let alone a snake. It’s a plant that has transformed to attack people…!

“Kuu!… there’s no response at all!…uh-, Kyaaaa….!”

“–Presha-san!”

“Presha… uh-, Not good! It would hit that child…Uh-”

The plant monster that appeared under her feet caught her legs, and Presha-san hang in the air. –If this goes on, she could be thrown violently against the ground.

“Release…..this thing…..Dite-san-, shoot! I’ll be fine!”

“—Dite-sama, it’s dangerous!”

“Kuu…!”

One after another, plant monsters jump out of the ground –Lendl-san pushes Dite-san who barely escapes from being captured. At this time, Presha-san is entangled by the second and third plant monster, completely robbing her freedom.

As I thought, it’s a vine-like plant monster that has its own will… Then, it doesn’t make sense to attack that vine. There are other places to aim for. Even if the opponent is a monster, I can hear the “voice” if it is a plant.

Where does that voice come from?

I listened closely and concentrate. While doing that, the ground breaks one after another, rolling up the gray soil, and the plant monster attack us once more.

(―Punishment for those who have abandoned the sanctuary. In the name of the sacred tree, I shall pass my judgment.)

I could hear it… that’s the main body…!

“Dite-san, the monster is in the back! Aim around the roots of that!”

“Ugh-…..S-something is there, right? Uh-…..I believe you…!”

While avoiding the enemy’s attack, Dite-san places an arrow on the bow, draws it, and shoots around that place.

“―Release Presha, you monster!”

A running arrow shoots through a purple vine, which unlike others, is barely moving.

“It’s hold has loosen…!”

Presha-san, who has landed on the ground, runs away quickly. Indeed, at the speed of a carnivorous beast that catches its prey, Dite-san’s arrows struck, the arrows stick out of the body of the plant monster.

 “―Yaaaaaa!”

At the end, Presha-san jumps and sends out a spear so as to push it to the ground –then in my ears, I heard the sound of the plant monster’s death agony.

“…..Haa, haa… Amazing… I just did exactly as to what Glass-sensei said, we won…”

“Presha-san, that’s impressive…..b-but, please wait a little before you turn around!”

“E-eh……?”

While being suspended and restrained by the vines, it happened at that moment–Presha-san’s armor came off, and the armor underneath was also severely torn.

“…I’m really glad it didn’t catch me.”

“W-When you say such thing… if this goes on, Presha-sama’s heart will be left with a scar.”

“Urgh… I-I feel something weird….It’s rubs against the skin and it’s irritating, it feels terrible…”

In this case, the one who will treat her will of course be me –maybe because the plant monster’s surface was rough, Presha-san has scratches all over her body. The happiness we felt when we defeated the monster was now gone.

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A wheat field spreads from the fortress towards the south. The farm village, which was seriously damaged by the monsters, seems to be located further down the road through the fields.

Since the road was maintained to some extent, we used a carriage to travel around. Presha-san’s subordinate became the coachman, while the two captains are on their horses.

From the carriage’s window, I can see Dite-san who’s advancing alongside the carriage. As we approach our destination, she started explaining things without me asking anything.

 “The rural areas around here are self-governed by the powerful families who ruled the area. They were initially hostile to our kingdom, but after the Isle Rose fortress was built, they did not resist as much.”

“I guess when they look at the fortress, they feel that it’s not easy to challenge…”

 “There is also a point to that, but it’s more likely due to the threat of Zirconia army approaching beyond the waterway. A militia of farmers couldn’t resist a trained knight. Knowing that, they came under the patronage of the Kingdom’s army.”

It’s true that the knights continuously repel the Zirconia army feared by the powerful families. However, if food production is declining in this rural area, it is possible that the poverty-stricken powerful families would consider changing sides. –That’s what I think.

“When Astina-sama became the fortress’ commander, the people’s sentiments towards the Knights have improved. It’s probably because we’re not only protecting against Zirconia, but also protecting the territories from monsters and bandits. The food produced here is shipped to all Western territories. If the monsters that ruin the farmland are left alone…, their sentiments will gradually get worse.”

“That’s why I want to somehow do something about it… No, not somehow… if it’s not done, the entire knights will be exhausted. Poor grain and vegetable production also affects livestock. If it’s difficult to eat a lot of meat, I hope we can at least eat beans.”

“The bean field has also been damaged. It was producing fine before but now…”

Dite-san gaze ahead as if she noticed something.

“Wh-what’s that… previously… it shouldn’t have been this bad…”

“Everyone, look! The color of the land over there has changed…!”

 The ground is gray colored… It is completely different from the original color of the soil.

Looking outside the window, I’m lost for words at the sight before me. There is a border in front of the wheat field, and the land on the other side is gray.

Perhaps the horse also felt the abnormality, as our progress slowed down. Then, from a private house ahead, a person came out riding a horse. He is probably managing the fields around here.

“Oh, are you members of the Knights? I’m glad you came, but this land is now useless. Before the harvest, everything dies.”

“Such… why is this happening? Wasn’t there just a monster?”

The man gets confused at Presha-san’s question. He pointed the gray land spreading behind –then to the forest beyond it.

“At first, only monsters appeared. It was weak to flames, and there was a temporary treatment if it was burned out… The Knights also cooperated with us several times. However, A few months ago, the land around that forest became gray and the crops stopped growing properly.”

“Oh… if we defeat the monster, will things return back to its original state? If the crops won’t grow back, it doesn’t make sense to defeat the monster…”

Raquel-san must have received some report and would have understood to some extent. This is unexplained land pollution –No, this is “erosion”.

I got off the carriage and listened to the voices of the plants around. It’s not as clear as the voice of the elder. The crops around here have not turned gray but they have been weakened.

…The wind… comes from the forest… What is this sensation…

“…Glass-sensei?”

“Glass-sama, is there something wrong?”

―A gray forest can be seen from afar. As I watched it, I feel like I was watching something different from the actual scenery right in front of me.

In the middle of the forest where the sun shines, something basking in the light looked at me – a young lady. The young lady’s lips moved. However, I can’t hear her voice – obviously, since it’s an illusion.

It was the scenery I saw when I contracted with my spirit. But it quickly fades to gray.

“Are you… there? I… am I seeing the illusion of that place?…”

“Se-sensei! Get a hold of yourself! Illusion? What are you talking about?”

“Ah, I-I’m sorry. I’m just worried about that forest. Is there something in that forest?”

When I asked a farmer, he also shook his head.

“It seems that there is a place somewhere in that forest that enshrined some kind of god in the generation of our ancestors. No one dared to approach it… Since I was born, I never went inside. There are even rumors that you will be cursed if you go…”

“Curse… is it? If you say that, don’t you think it would be more horrible if the land has withered?”

Everyone can imagine that the cause of the monsters was in that forest. The phenomenon in which this land turns gray spreads from that forest.

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After breakfast, Raquel-san gathered the leaders of each unit and had a morning meeting on the first floor of the fortress, I also went to see the situation.

“The 1st Attack Team will be patrolling around the fortress today. The 2nd team will be trained under my guidance. The 3rd team will be on standby today. Don’t allow anyone who wants to go out of the fortress, unless it’s an important requirement. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a day off. I’ll give an appropriate rating to anyone who has done a good job looking for what they can do.”

「「「I  understand, Knight Captain!! 」」」

It seems that in this knighthood, putting hands on the chest and looking up to the sky is a way of expressing respect for a superior person.

Raquel-san continues to send orders to the other units. There are three attackers and two archers. Presha-san is the captain of the 3rd Corps, so it seems that she is on standby today.

After all 15 captains dispersed, we went back to Raquel-san’s office without speaking to each other.

“Knight-Captain Raquel. Glass Weed reporting.”

Raquel-san slowly turned around –looking at the long slits of her eyes, I still feel nervous.

“There is no need to use military words when coming here.”

“But… because I’m a military doctor not just an ordinary doctor, I also want to fulfil my mission with the feeling that I am also a soldier.”

“I received reports from Dite and Katie. You worked well in last night’s enemy attack… You’ve just arrived, so familiarize yourself here first. I have no instructions at this time.”

Yesterday, she asked me report to her and wait for her instructions, but now she says there’s nothing –I’m not angry at her though. It may be because she heard about last night and cares for me.

“It takes time to be able to interrogate the prisoners… As far as I know, it seems that your magic can make the enemy speak completely, rather than interrogating. That girl Arlaune, did she have that power?”

“Yes… I didn’t expect it to be used that way either. I’ll continue to use Arlaune’s power when it’s needed.”

“I wouldn’t blame you for that, rather, thank you for your contribution. Not unless you abuse the hypnotic magic.”

“Knight Captain Raquel, does Glass-sama look like he would do that?”

It can’t be helped that I would be doubted like that, but as Lendl-san says, I will never do that.

“You are right…. When you treated the ranch owner, you were just enthusiastic and straightforward. That was probably why last night, Katie and Dite had a good impression when they talked about you. That mannish Presha seems to have a respect not far from admiring you too.”

“So, why do you still doubt Glass-sama…?”

“That’s… because he did too much. Grasping the human heart at such a speed, is impossible even for soldiers educated as a commander candidate. Objectively speaking, it’s abnormal.”

Certainly, until now, I was able to make good use of my spirit magic, everything came in mesh.

But I didn’t survive alone. It was because of the power of the Knights, and because Lendl-san was also there.

“I’m here for the Knights… No. I used to come here as a court magician to serve Astina-denka. My contracted spirit is something that even the Magic Academy can’t admit. But I wanted to use it for people. I thought I could do it if I became a doctor.”

Raquel-san listened silently to my speech. If I avert my eyes, she won’t believe me –there’s nothing to hide, so I won’t look away.

Raquel-san then took a deep breath. Then she moved her line of sight behind me.

“Presha, what are you doing here? The third corps was supposed to be on standby.”

“Eh… Ra-Raquel-ane. The way I speak maybe wrong but, it’s unusual for Raquel-ane to doubt Glass-sensei. If everyone worked hard, you would appreciate us properly and you always look at us fairly…”

Apparently Presha-san was worried about us –she keeps complaining to Raquel-san while blushing when she glance at me.

“I trust Glass-sensei, not just because I want him to continue to help me. With Sensei here, the Knights will be better…”

“…Hmmm…maybe”

“……Eh?”

Raquel-san affirms Presha-san’s words and I thought I misheard it, before I confirm it to her, I had something to suggest.

 “Knight Captain Raquel, if you don’t have any specific instructions today, can I suggest one for myself?”

“Glass-sensei, what do you want to do?”

“This fortress is now in a serious food shortage. It’s easy to see by looking at the contents of meals for dinner and breakfast. If the diet becomes chronically monotonous, various problems will occur.”

“I did receive requests from a nearby farmer to exterminate monsters…  However, those demons cannot be easily eradicated. And once they appear, the field becomes useless. It’s too strong that it can’t be beaten easily.”

Zirconia is not the only enemy. There’s one more tremendous threat –a powerful monster that devours the field which afflicts the Knights.

―However, I may be able to take measures against the fields becoming useless. Field crops are also plants, and there is a close relationship between plants and soil.

“Knight Captain Raquel, Please I ask of you, let me visit the fields attacked by the monsters.”

“That cannot be allowed. I won’t negligently risk the new military doctor…”

“Then I’ll go with Sensei! I’m on standby, so I’m not really prohibited from moving to solve problems in the territory.”

“What are you saying, you also have your subordinates. For their captain to go alone…”

“Well then, I’ll accompany them too. Only Captains and above can look after Presha… I was on the defensive last night, so I was also given a standby order.”

Dite-san also voiced that she will accompany me –it’s certainly reassuring if the two captains are coming together. To tell the truth, there’s also that pleasant feeling.

Dite-san faced towards me, and then she made a cute wink.

“Knight Captain Raquel, it’s quite painful to me that you and Astina-denka are eating the same meal as the junior soldiers, without any dietary restrictions on other executives. Don’t think that I did not notice it. Please don’t take such kind consideration.”

“W-Wha… is that true? When the fruits came out, I shared it with everyone in the squad… Raquel-ane, you even told me that food is the source of our body, but you don’t care for yourself!”

 “… The supply of food from the center is delayed, but it will eventually be resolved. Until then, I will be doing that so we can save food in the fortress.”

Then, for a heavy cavalry like Raquel-san, her body cannot be maintained. It’s not just about nutrition, she has burdened her body and her care isn’t enough.

“There is only a small stockpile of medicines too, in that case, we must solve the problem of food shortages… I swear I won’t mischievously take a risk. Please let me go and investigate.”

I bowed my head. Lendl-san imitated next to me.

“…I understand…, although it’s difficult to solve, leaving it alone would affect the significance of the Knight’s existence. We can be knights only by protecting people.”

“Raquel-ane…”

“As expected of a Knight Captain… In the end, you still listen to me right? That’s what I like about you.”

Raquel-san closed her eyes and sighs at Dite-san’s words. That action seemed to be also directed at me.

“Go back by sunset. If you judged that it’s dangerous, don’t touch the monster. Promise me that.”

「「「Yes! 」」」

We answered uniformly. Presha-san and Dite-san looked at each other and start laughing.

In this investigation, I would like to get a clue for us to solve the food shortages. Food is a problem that is directly related to the morale of the Knights as well as our nutritional status.

―In any case, we have to recover food productivity in our territory.

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