The Neighborhood High School Girl, Miss Isezaki, Is the Great Saintess Returned from Another World~ And I, Suddenly Awakened as Her Exclusive Mana Supply Uncle, Travel Between Earth and Another World with Time-Space Magic~ - 203: The Green Garden

203: The Green Garden

As we headed towards the large tree where a lot of medicinal herbs were supposed to grow, Maristel suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her gaze was fixed on a mound of earth.

“…Isn’t that the remains of the golem Matsunaga destroyed?”

“Yes, that’s right. They appeared in greater numbers than expected, so it was quite a hassle.”

“I see… Well, I have something to take care of over here, so you go on ahead~♪”

With that, Maristel dashed towards the mound of dirt without waiting for a response. Watching her cheerful back, we proceeded as she instructed towards the large tree.

We entered the shade of the large tree together. As soon as we stepped inside, a pleasant breeze brushed against our cheeks.

It was so cool and calming, and it felt like the fatigue from earlier was melting away. Maybe this is what they call a power spot.

“I see… The flow of magical energy around here is very pure. Perhaps the large tree and the waterfall influence each other,” 

Isezaki-san said, looking around with admiration. Apparently, from a fantasy perspective, it was a very good place.

“Does that mean medicinal herbs grow more easily in places like this?”

“Yes. Look, Master, over here. Most of the plants growing around are well-known medicinal herbs, magical herbs, and spirit herbs.”

“Wow…”

I lowered my gaze to the ground and carefully scanned the area. The lush greenery under the tree was filled with a riot of colorful flowers, all standing tall and vibrant. Maybe it’s because of Isezaki-san’s explanation, but they all seemed like rare herbs.

“Hm… Isezaki-san, what’s this black one…?”

Among them was a plant with unusual black fruit. The fruit was completely black, with no color variations, and seemed particularly extraordinary compared to the others. I instinctively felt it was something that might be exchanged for an equivalent amount of gold.

“That’s a Dogyunza. It’s… well, it’s just a common weed,” 

Isezaki-san answered, averting her eyes and sounding somewhat hesitant. I felt embarrassed for asking with a pretentious attitude. What’s with the ‘hm…’?

“Oh, I see… Then, which medicinal herbs are needed for making potions?!”

To diffuse the awkward atmosphere, I decided to return to the original topic. Isezaki-san, perhaps feeling the same way, clapped her hands and quickly answered.

“That would be… the white-flowered plant growing over there… It’s called the Healer’s Herb. If you collect those, you should be able to make high-quality potions!”

“Got it, then I’ll start right away!”

“Yes! I’ll help!”

We crouched down and quickly began picking the Healer’s Herbs. Let’s see, it’s better not to take the roots, right…

◇◇◇

After a while of silently collecting herbs, with most of the Healer’s Herbs gathered and stored in the 【Storage】, we heard a voice from behind.

“Oh my~~. Serenza herbs, Jomarama herbs, and over here we have Kogorita mushrooms and Bodanya moss? There are indeed a lot of good items here. It’s no wonder, considering a malevolent monster user was guarding this place.”

Turning around, we saw Maristel standing behind us. She was holding a large bag she had pulled from somewhere, and her hands were dirty with soil.

“Maristel-san, what’s in that bag…?”

“Oh, this? I took some of the earth and magical symbols from the golem for research later. Even though I’m very clever, I don’t neglect the pursuit of knowledge.”

“Really?”

I had the impression that Maristel was only involved in creating undead and other lewd activities, but it seems she’s quite the scholar—Maristel frowned.

“Hmm… It feels like you’ve associated me with some unfair image again, Matsunaga.”

“N-No, that’s not it…”

“Hmph… Well, whatever. By the way, have you gathered all the medicinal herbs you needed? Since the monsters have been dealt with, I can come back here anytime, so why don’t we call it a day? I’m really tired from this unfamiliar physical labor.”

“Master. With that amount, it should be enough for now. I don’t think there will be any problem returning.”

“I see. Well, let’s head back then. Maristel-san, thank you for today. First, let’s start by descending the mountain. From here, we can see the fortress, so how about we use 【Levitation】 to get down quickly? We can call it a day once we get there.”

“Wait, are you serious? You plan to go back today? It’s already getting dark, you know? You should wait until tomorrow. Traveling by carriage at night is dangerous, even for you!”

It was indeed getting close to evening. But we have 【Dimensional Teleport】…

At that moment, Isezaki-san tugged at my sleeve and whispered away from Maristel.

“Sir, it’s not good for her to find out about 【Dimensional Teleport】. Even though you have the 【Sacred Oath】, which should prevent any major issues, it would still cause unnecessary trouble.”

“Yeah, you’re right…”

Considering how much I was relied upon today, it’s better if she doesn’t find out.

“Alright then. I’ll decide to stay at Captain Hige’s base for tonight.”

With that decided, I planned to secretly return using 【Dimensional Teleport】 after Maristel left…

“Huh?”

Maristel looked at me with a puzzled expression, then exclaimed, 

“What are you talking about? Didn’t I ask you to visit once? Stay the night at my place! Don’t hold back!”

With a bright smile, Maristel invited us to her magical fortress.