Chapter 9

In the midst of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

This plant, called Hishiku grass, has broad, green leaves that are shaped like they have cuts at the tips. I had learned about this plant from the village priest before.

Apparently, it is one of the ingredients for medicinal water and ointments. Moreover, even before processing, if you rub it well and apply it to a wound, it can serve as a healing agent. If you boil it and drink it, despite its bitterness, it can also serve as a nourishing and strengthening tonic. I remember the priest often collecting this grass from the mountains, drying it, and storing it.

The Hishiku grass was growing in abundance.

"Got it! So many!"

I had no energy to stand up just a moment ago, but I ran to the Hishiku grass as if I were diving. Kneeling down, I examined it closely. It was definitely Hishiku grass. I remember the priest often making me drink Hishiku grass tea, which was bitter and unpleasant.

I put down my jacket basket and took out my knife. As I pulled it out of the sheath, it slipped and fell to the ground. I quickly picked it up and firmly gripped the handle again.

"Stay calm, be careful... be careful."

I remembered the priest teaching me how to collect it. It's easy as long as you leave the roots. I pinched the lower part and cut it with the knife, then placed it in the basket. I repeated this process.

Before I knew it, the makeshift basket was full.

After piling the herbs high, I finally took a breath and looked up at the sky. The sun was still high. It seemed I had plenty of time, but with this much, it would be enough... or rather, I couldn't carry any more.

Lifting the basket, the weight of the herbs felt reassuring. I didn't know how much money I would get, but I thought it would at least cover the cost of a meal.

"Alright, let's go back."

Thinking I could eat my fill, I turned on my heel and hurried away. I should remember this place.

If I could collect here tomorrow, I might be able to live without worry for a while.

...or so I thought.

"This won't do."

At the reception of the dimly lit adventurer's shop, a scary-looking man said bluntly, and I froze. For a moment, I couldn't say anything, and I couldn't believe the reality.

"W... Why not?"

I finally managed to ask.

Was it because I collected it poorly? Or did something happen while I was bringing it? Or was it not Hishiku grass at all...

"This herb is not on the collection request list."

"Huh...?"

I was surprised. I never thought that a proper herb could be missing from the herb collection request list.

...But now that I think about it, I don't remember Hishiku grass being on the request list. If it had been, I would have noticed it among the four types I memorized.

"Why isn't it on the list? It's a good herb..."

"Who knows. If it's something that's been requested, I can answer, but I can't answer for anything else."

That's true. This person is just the receptionist, not the one who makes the requests, so they wouldn't know everything.

If it's not on the list, it's not there. Asking about it is a mistake.

"Ah, but the Alchemist Guild has fields. If it's something they can cultivate themselves, they probably won't include it in the requests."

"Ah..."

The scary-looking man scratched his bearded chin with his thumb, and I opened my mouth in realization of my foolishness.

Right... herbs are plants, so they can be grown in fields. Hishiku grass, which has many uses, could easily be cultivated.

I hadn't considered that. It makes sense to grow things that are used a lot in fields. Fields aren't just for vegetables and wheat; they can also grow herbs.

"Anyway, read the request list carefully."

That was absolutely true. I couldn't argue. My face turned red with embarrassment.

I can read, but... well, with that particular request list, I could have memorized everything just by looking at the pictures, even if I couldn't read the words. I feel so stupid.

"This herb is on the request list. Here."

A large, rough fist approached, and I covered my head with both hands, thinking I was about to be hit. But it was different. The sound of coins jingling, and I saw a few copper coins on the counter.

"Is this...?"

"This is all you get for that little bit."

It must be the reward. I had collected a small amount of herbs at first, but they had accepted it and given me money.

I thought I would be scolded and hit for bringing too much of the wrong herbs...

"Take the herbs that aren't on the list and go home. Bye."

The scary-looking man roughly pushed the herbs towards me, sighed, and turned to sit back down, ready to return to his paperwork. He had been doing paperwork all morning. Is there really that much paperwork in town?

No, that's a problem. I can't just say "bye."

"Um, can I buy something to eat with this money?"

I could see it was a small amount, but I asked if I could buy something. The scary-looking man frowned and looked at me.

"With this? Are you serious?"

His voice was scary, and I took a step back, but it didn't seem like he was angry. He counted the copper coins again and said to wait a moment, then disappeared into the back.

After waiting for a while, he returned with a wooden plate and a cup in his hands.

"That's all I can give you. Here, take it."

On the plate was a piece of black bread, and in the cup was water. It was only that, but it was food.

Without even taking the plate, I grabbed the black bread and bit into it.

The aroma of rye spread in my mouth. It was hard and had a rough texture. The bread had a solid taste.

It was just a simple piece of black bread, but it tasted incredibly delicious.

My throat was dry, so I couldn't swallow it properly. I took the wooden cup and drank the water. I ate another bite and washed it down with water, then finished the last bite.

It was over in just three bites, but I felt like I had come back to life.

"...Well, sit down and eat."

I heard a voice, and I realized the scary-looking man was looking at me with a mix of surprise and exasperation. He still had the empty wooden plate in his hand, and I felt a bit guilty.

"S... Sorry."

I realized my manners were bad and blushed. I was so hungry, but the bread and water weren't going to run away, so I should have taken them to a table and eaten there.

"Alright. If you drank all the water, return the cup."

I did as I was told and handed over the cup. I was reluctant to leave the few drops at the bottom, but I was too embarrassed to turn the cup upside down to drink them, so I returned it as it was.

The scary-looking man took the cup and the plate, then went to the back to clean up, I suppose.

As I stood there, I suddenly realized I still had something important to do.

"Um, um!"

I called out, and the man turned around with a look of exasperation. ...His expression made me want to give up, but I was in a tight spot, so I gathered my strength.

"Um... Can I borrow a place to sleep, even under the eaves?"

I had no money to pay for a room, but I had nowhere else to go. If I was refused, I would have to sleep in the alley again, so I was almost praying as I pleaded desperately.

The scary-looking man's eyes blinked several times, as if he had seen a strange creature. ...What's with that face?

"A place to sleep... Ah, yes. Well..."

He scratched his bearded chin and looked away thoughtfully before pointing to the back of the shop.

"There's a stable in the back. You can use any empty space."