Chapter 65

In the parlor, the usual members gathered, and one more person joined them, entering the room from the back. I stared at the girl who entered with a tense expression, holding a large scroll, thinking, "I've seen her somewhere before, where was it?" As I looked at her through my helmet, she seemed to notice my gaze and hurriedly bowed.

"U-um, Miss Mary, thank you for your help the other day."

Seeing her bow repeatedly, I recalled that she was the woman who had brought the case this time. However, since we had only met once and for a short time, my memory was hazy. In my previous life, I had few opportunities to interact with others, and it seemed that I was not very good at remembering people's faces.

(Just a little, a little. It's not like I have a terrible memory... right?)

Even as I said it, I began to lose confidence.

"Miss, that's Miss Fienne from the Herbology Research Society."

"..."

Noticing that I was frozen in place, Tütte whispered in my ear.

(Really, having an excellent maid makes me seem like a complete klutz.)

I thanked Tütte in a low voice, then, still in my armor, I took a light bow and offered her a seat. Everyone settled down in their preferred spots.

"So, how can we break the current situation?"

In response to my question, Magilka looked at Fienne, and I followed her gaze. Fienne, noticing the attention, looked nervous and hurriedly opened the book she had brought to the table.

"Well, um, in my research on Mandrake, I found an interesting note about a subspecies. The liquid that affected Miss Mary is, in a sense, the flower part of the subspecies."

"Really, is that so?"

"As you all know, the flower part has its effects, but the root of the Mandrake is considered the most valuable. The root is rich in magic and nutrients, and as a root vegetable, it's quite delicious and can be used in various dishes."

"Um, Miss Fienne, you're getting off-topic."

As she started to drift off, Magilka intervened, and Fienne blushed and began to apologize.

"S-Sorry, I got carried away."

"It's fine. So, what about the root of the Mandrake?"

While soothing her, I encouraged her to continue.

"Eh? Oh, the best way to prepare it is to boil it, but personally, I think it's better to stir-fry it with eggs—"

"We're not talking about cooking, we're talking about how to counteract the effects."

My armored body couldn't help but interject at her absent-mindedness.

"S-Sorry! Well, the root of the Mandrake is highly valued in herbology and is used in various medicines. The subspecies is mainly known for its flower, but the root can also be used in medicine, although its effects are weaker compared to other Mandrakes, making it seem like a waste."

She spoke quickly, then started to catch her breath. Tütte offered her a glass of water, which she gratefully drank in one go.

"Hmm, so?"

"It seems that a long time ago, it was discovered that boiling and drinking the root could neutralize the effects of the flower. However, this knowledge was largely ignored by the academic community and didn't spread much. After all, few people thought about neutralizing the effects, and it was only known among a small group of specialists. In fact, this information is only mentioned briefly in one book at this academy, so no one knew about it... That's all, I'm done!"

Fienne, who had spoken quickly due to her nervousness, was now breathing heavily.

"Is that Mandrake root still around?"

"Since the teachers have been managing it, they probably haven't acted yet, but if Miss Fienne's information is true, it might be disposed of as waste."

I quickly confirmed with Magilka, who thought for a moment and gave an ambiguous answer. Given that the cultivation was unauthorized, and I had burned the surrounding area, it was more likely that they would dispose of the root, especially since the flower had already burst.

(We can't let this ray of hope be snuffed out!)

"If the teachers have disposed of it, it would be a disaster. Let's go dig it up immediately!"

I stood up, and everyone nodded and followed suit. We left the room and headed for the field.

As we tried to suppress our excitement and reach the field, we saw that the teachers and students seemed to be arguing in the field. The students were pleading with Mr. Fried, who was managing the cultivation.

"What's going on?"

Prince, with a gentle smile, called out to Mr. Fried, who looked troubled. Everyone noticed his presence, and the argument temporarily ceased. Mr. Fried looked relieved and turned to us, while the students looked dejected.

"Well, I was trying to dispose of the unnecessary subspecies roots, but these students begged me not to."

Mr. Fried's calm explanation made me shudder.

(Ah, that was close... If we had waited until tomorrow, it would have been too late.)

"Please, Mr. Fried. Although the flower is gone, if the root is intact, we can grow it again over time. If you dig it up, our dream will be crushed."

The students pleaded with Mr. Fried and us.

"Thank you for stopping the teachers, everyone. I appreciate it."

Magilka responded to their plea, and the students, as well as Mr. Fried, were surprised by her praise.

"Class Master!"

The students looked delighted, and Magilka nodded in approval. They took it as a positive sign and were overjoyed.

"I'm glad we made it in time. Zahh, go dig it up!"

"Y-Yes!"

The students, who had been looking at the class master with hopeful eyes, were immediately devastated by her cold command.

"Hey, wait. I heard that pulling up a Mandrake can cause dizziness or fainting. Are you really going to make me do that?"

Zahh, who had been about to go to the subspecies without hesitation, stopped and looked at Magilka with a skeptical eye. The students, blocked by me, Safina, and Mr. Fried, were quite intimidated by my full armor. Tütte and Fienne, along with the prince, were watching from the other side.

"You're right. Prince, please stay back for safety."

"Hey! Listen to me!"

(I'm not the only one, but Magilka also treats Zahh casually...)

Watching Magilka ignore Zahh's concerns and push forward, I sighed under my helmet.

"Hey, let me do it. The armor will protect me from the effects."

I raised my hand and offered to take over, citing the armor's fictional protection, but—

"No! Miss Mary, please stay put!"

"Right! If it gets any more complicated, I'll do it!"

Magilka and Zahh rejected my offer with surprising vehemence. They looked so serious...

(What's with that reaction? It's like I'm some kind of troublemaker. Sure, I caused this mess, but...)

Feeling a bit hurt by their response, I slumped and fidgeted, while the students looked at me in my full armor with mixed expressions. Safina comforted me, saying, "Everyone is just worried about Miss Mary."

"Zahh has a strong constitution, so he'll be fine. Just pull it out quickly."

Magilka, watching my actions, sighed and urged Zahh to hurry. I ignored the weak protests from the students behind us.

"O-Okay."

Zahh, still unsure, gripped the stem of the subspecies with both hands, feeling its size. The subspecies was much larger than the others, making it difficult for one person to pull out.

"Ready... Go!"

Zahh braced himself, put his feet firmly on the ground, and held his breath as he tried to pull it out. Everyone instinctively covered their ears and watched tensely.

"Ugh! This is... Bad!"

Zahh, who was trying to pull it out, looked serious as he examined the part of the subspecies buried in the ground.

"What's wrong?"

Magilka, noticing Zahh's distress, asked seriously. Tension spread among the group.

"It's too hard, it won't budge!"

"..."

A collective sigh echoed, and I was one of them.

"Still, you're the class master of Solos! Show some grit!"

I tried to encourage Zahh.

"No way, no way. If I keep trying, I'll hurt my back. Someone help me."

Even my encouragement didn't faze the class master of Solos, who calmly admitted his lack of resolve, much to Safina's dismay.

"Then, I'll do it."

"Prince, please stay there."

"Right! Leave it to us."

The prince, looking troubled, tried to approach Zahh, but Magilka and I stepped forward to stop him.

"Then, you two do it. With Magilka, Miss Mary won't cause any more trouble."

With that, the lackluster class master let go of the subspecies, stood up, and walked over to the prince, leaving the golden pigtails and the white full armor to look at each other, wondering what to do.

"Then, I'll—"

"NO, we'll handle it!"

Half in frustration, we glared at Zahh with resentment. He took a half-step back and hid behind the prince.

"Miss Mary, we'll do it. Please don't do anything unnecessary. Follow our instructions exactly. No funny business, absolutely none."

Magilka, emphasizing her point, made me realize something.

(This is like a comedy routine I've seen on TV. It's the 'setup' part.)

"Got it!"

I nodded firmly.

Thank you for reading.