CH 231

After leaving Marte, we advance in the opposite direction of the mountain we came from, and walk near the lake.

The mountain town Lacteus and the road to the Republic of Eldo are on the way, but we pass by them and keep moving.

Well, Sera, Rurika, and Chris stop for a bit in front of the road that connects to the mountain path, and stare into the distance. I’m sure they’re thinking about their home country.

Sera hasn’t been there in ten years, and Rurika and Chris in three. If we don’t find Eris here, should we stop by the Republic of Eldo?

That would be hard, because we need to return to Majolica if we get laurel tree fruit.

“Master, I can see it.”

We keep walking by the lake, until eventually we see the town of Folk in the distance. But our business today is with the forest before it.

We’d have to stop by anyway if we didn’t have the necessary equipment to camp, but that’s not an issue for our party, so we keep going towards the forest. If we went to Folk, it would take us five days to go and return.

The forest… Or rather, the overgrown trees, stretch all the way towards the mountainside, so there’s probably a lot of the food Hikari was talking about.

Apparently there aren’t a lot of monsters, but every year there are hunters that come here to hunt animals and get injured, so we still need to be careful.

Hikari intends to hunt them if they do appear, but we don’t know what kind of monsters lurk here, so I’d rather she didn’t push it.

“First we need to find where the medicinal herbs are growing, and where to set up camp.”

I’m thinking about using magic to build a cabin again, if we find a nice space for it.

We probably won’t need it, because we’re only staying here for two nights, but it’s a chance to increase my proficiency.

“Sora, there’s a nice space here.”

Rurika found a nice space relatively close to the forest, but we go a little deeper.

It would be ideal if we could stay near the mountain, and near where the medicinal herbs grow.

“Aren’t we picky?”

Rurika says, but I think that will make it easier for us.

I don’t have a problem walking, but it’s not the same for them. We have item bags, but not for everyone. Not that any of us is going to walk around the forest alone anyway, because that’s dangerous.

Exploring the forest doesn’t end up going as well as we planned, so we split into two groups.

I’m going to look for medicinal herbs and a camping site with Rurika and Mia, and Hikari, Sera, and Chris are going to explore the side closer to the mountain while looking for food like mushrooms.

Incidentally, Chris is with Hikari and Sera so she can use her spirit magic just in case we can’t find each other.

“Hn… This is a good spot, isn’t it?”

Says Rurika while looking around. There’s an empty space close to the spot where medicinal herbs grow. There are some weeds too, but they’re sparse.

“Then I’ll build the cabin here. And you two… Are you going to look for medicinal herbs or see if there’s anything edible around here?”

“I see. I think I’ll go look for medicinal herbs.”

“Then I’m going too. The others will probably gather the food.”

Says Mia, and Rurika agrees, so they go pick medicinal herbs.

I think it’s because Rurika feels like leaving Mia alone is dangerous, even if I’m nearby. After all… Rurika doesn’t really like picking medicinal herbs.

Anyway, I lay down some boards, and build the cabin on top. I think this one is actually more like a small house. Maybe I’ll even try to make bedrooms and a bathing area.

Once I get going, I start wanting to make more intricate stuff, but I contain myself and keep it simple. I want to go pick medicinal herbs too.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting used to building these houses, or because I’m getting used to picturing their layout, but it doesn’t take too long.

Depending on the manpower behind it, it would probably take dozens of days to build something like this by hand.

“Are you done already?”

Asks Mia, and Rurika also looks perplexed.

But what can I say? It’s not like there’s furniture to worry about either. Actually, should I buy stuff like beds and keep them in the Item Box?

When I ask them, they respond with awkward smiles.

I thought it was a pretty good idea.

“What are you two going to do? It’s still early, so I’m thinking about picking medicinal herbs too.”

“We’re going to rest a bit. Ah, and we can cook something if you leave the ingredients.”

Says Rurika, and Mia’s face tenses up a little.

She’s been learning, but she still isn’t confident, and thinks she’s not as good as other people.

But Mia, you’ve got a good foundation and you don’t do anything weird, so you’ll be fine.

I look towards Rurika, and she nods like she’s telling me to leave it to her.

“All right then.”

Time to pick medicinal herbs.

They’ve been picking too, but there’s plenty left for me. There are a lot of magic energy and vitality herbs, and since we’re pretty deep in the forest, I assume not a lot of people come here.

Eventually my lower back starts to hurt, so I start stretching, and pick up a reaction coming down from the mountain.

I look up, and see the sun is already setting and it’s getting dark.

Hikari and the others are coming here directly, so it doesn’t look like I have to go to them.

“Master, big catch!”

Is that a deer she’s taking out of the item bag? And that one looks like a hog.

It seems they’re done draining the blood too, so I store them in the Item Box.

“Aren’t we eating them today?”

“Rurika and Mia and cooking for us tonight.”

I take them to the house, and place a barrier before we go in.

That covers all bases, just in case Presence Detection fails to pick up something.

Well then, let’s enjoy their cooking.