When I Was Reincarnated, All the Heroines Were Stolen by the Fake Hero ~ The Guy Who Dominated With Original Story Knowledge, and Me Who Dominated With Talent. It Seems the World After the Ending Is My One-Man Stage ~ - Episode 13

Episode 13

“Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb… is that correct?”

Sebas repeated my words suspiciously. His voice carried a hint of confusion at the unfamiliar term.

Not that I could blame him—this wasn’t a common plant.

I nodded and continued my explanation while staring again at the yellow fruit and leaves in my hand.

“Yeah. This Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb, because of its unique fragrance, is sometimes used very rarely to add aroma in cooking. I’ve heard that some highly skilled, top-class chefs use a tiny amount of it as a secret ingredient. But its main use isn’t for cooking.”

“And, may I ask, what is it for…?”

The woman of the house gave a small nod in response. She was glancing between me and Sebas with a worried look. Her expression clearly showed deep concern for Kotama.

“It’s a recreational item for beastkin.”

When I said that, Sebas’ eyes widened.

“A… recreational item, for the beastkin? This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing…”

Understandable. For the humans of this world, there are still many unknowns about beastkin culture.

“The components of this herb’s scent don’t just smell nice. For beastkin, it has a kind of intoxicating effect. Back when I was traveling with Nergo and the others, we stayed a few times in beastkin settlements that didn’t have alcohol. I saw them enjoy this Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb as a kind of substitute for alcohol.”

Yes… I remember now. It was a small village deep in the forest.

They dried the herb, inhaled the smoke when it was burned, or nibbled on a bit of it—then cheerfully sang and danced.

“I see… So that’s how it is. I’ve lived a long life, but there’s still so much I don’t know…”

Sebas let out a deep breath. He was seemingly impressed.

Even for someone with his long experience, this was apparently new knowledge.

“In short, Kotama doesn’t have a fever—she’s just drunk from the effects of the Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb.”

As I concluded, relief spread across the woman’s face.

“Oh, thank goodness…! I was really worried, thinking Kotama-chan had fallen ill or something.”

Sebas also looked relieved as he gently stroked Kotama’s reddish-brown hair.

“I see… My apologies for all the fuss.”

As they both relaxed, I quietly smiled to myself at this unexpected discovery.

(The Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb… This might actually be useful.)

A plant with a unique effect specific to beastkin.

Who would’ve thought something so rare was growing nearby…

If used well, it might just change the tide of the battles at the front line.

＊ ＊ ＊

Even after that, Kotama refused to leave Sebas’ side.

So, on the way back, I sat on the driver’s seat and handled the reins. While Sebas rode in the cart with Kotama. A rather strange arrangement.

With the lord as the driver and the butler in the passenger seat, it must have looked odd from the outside. But right now, Kotama’s comfort came first.

By the time we arrived back at the mansion, Kotama had completely calmed down in the back of the cart and was peacefully asleep. She was using Sebas’ lap as a pillow.

Her sleeping face looked so innocent and defenseless—nothing like her usual guarded self.

“My deepest apologies, Yutaka-sama. To have you, the lord himself, drive the cart…”

As I led the carriage into the stable, Sebas bowed his head deeply. He was looking very sorry.

“Don’t worry about it, Sebas. It’s no big deal.”

I replied with a wry smile.

Sebas gently shook Kotama’s shoulder.

“Kotama, Kotama. We’ve arrived at the mansion.”

“Mmm…”

She stirred slightly. She then slowly opened her eyes. Still half-asleep, she looked around, trying to grasp the situation.

And the moment our eyes met—

*Twitch!!*

Literally, Kotama’s cat ears and fluffy tail stood on end in shock.

She froze as if paralyzed. Then in the next instant, she leapt off the cart and darted behind Sebas.

It seemed her usual wariness had returned.

“S-Sebas!? W-What is going on here!?”

Her face was bright red. She whispered in a panicked tone, pressing Sebas for answers. She must’ve remembered her earlier behavior.

Sebas gently tried to soothe her. He spoke in a calm voice.

“Now, now, calm down, Kotama. Let’s head inside the mansion first. I’m sure dinner hasn’t been prepared yet.”

“Dinner… Ah!”

That word jolted her. Her face turned even redder, and she cried out in panic.

“S-S-Sorry! I can’t believe I forgot…! I’ll get it ready right away!”

Without another word, she rushed off into the mansion.

Her frantic behavior made it hard to believe she’d just been in a drunken stupor.

“Haha, looks like she’s completely back to normal.”

I said, and Sebas nodded with a chuckle.

“Yes, it seems so indeed.”

—

After that, Sebas and I headed to the dining room.

“Please wait here, Yutaka-sama. I’ll go assist Kotama.”

Sebas said. He then disappeared through the door to the kitchen.

Knowing Kotama still feared me a little, I decided to stay put in the dining room. If I showed up unexpectedly, I might only make her more nervous.

A short while later, Sebas returned pushing a serving cart with food.

A delicious aroma filled the room.

“Thank you for waiting, Yutaka-sama.”

Sebas efficiently set the dishes on the table. He was speaking with a slightly troubled but warm expression.

“I explained the situation to Kotama to some extent… but she turned bright red and ran off to her room. Said, ‘He definitely thinks I’m a weirdo now.’”

“Haha, so she doesn’t normally act so clingy and relaxed in front of others, huh.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Knowing how serious and shy she usually was, the contrast from earlier made it all the more amusing.

“Indeed. Especially lately—I’ve been away from the mansion more often. Perhaps she was feeling lonely. That might’ve built up and finally burst out thanks to that Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb.”

Sebas spoke while looking toward the kitchen door with a kind, father-like gaze.

His words made me pause and think.

(Now that I think about it… Sebas is quite old, yet I’ve been relying on him for everything…)

From guiding me through the domain, handling personal tasks, to helping with the recent recon mission…

He’s taken care of it all without a single complaint. But the burden must be considerable.

(Maybe I should let Sebas take some time off… give him a chance to spend more time with Kotama…)

With those thoughts in mind, I took a sip of the warm soup that had just been brought to the table.