Chapter 19

Ever since it was discovered that magic stones could serve as excellent nutrients for the fields, I asked Rento to hunt as many monsters as possible.

Usually, he would only target animals and monsters that could be eaten, but when it came to magic stones, that didn't matter.

When I asked him to bring back the highest quality magic stones, Rento returned with monsters he had never seen before.

There were quite large spiders with two heads, giant centipedes, and bears covered in armor. Up until now, he had only explored around the house, but he was surprised to find such dangerous monsters a little further away.

"The armored bear that I could only run from was so easily hunted just for nutrients..."

Among the monsters Rento hunted, there were some that Leidia couldn't handle.

It was a very strong monster with armor that couldn't be penetrated by Leidia's arrows or magic. However, it couldn't defend against Rento's physical attacks, and its proud armor was now crushed.

Leidia watched with distant eyes as the armored bear was carried off to the dissection shed by its legs.

Then, with a determined look, she said:

"I will never go far alone."

Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Even in the forest, I, who am confident, don't really want to fight monsters.

The monsters secured for magic stones are selected by Leidia for cash conversion into materials and magic stones.

It would be a waste to just throw them away after taking the magic stones.

It seems that the materials from the monsters here are quite valuable. Since we use magic stones more often as nutrients, it's better to store the materials for cash conversion.

Recently, I've been experimenting with a few magic stones in the fields. If we harvest from the fields using magic stones, will the soil's nutrients be depleted? Or will they last forever?

So far, I've been harvesting a little mountain vegetables and Mochi fruits while observing. The effect doesn't disappear immediately just because we harvested.

Compared to other crops, the areas where we spread magic stones still grow faster after harvesting.

However, the dramatic effect we saw when we first spread them isn't there, so it seems better to spread them regularly when the effect wears off.

While confirming the effects of the magic stones and taking care of the fields, something came from the sky.

I thought it was a bird or a monster, but it was different.

It wasn't an animal or a monster, but a human.

However, she had twisted horns on her head, bat-like wings on her back, and a tail.

Clearly a different race, she had her fiery red hair tied up on both sides, a hairstyle called a two-sided updo.

Her deep crimson eyes were full of confidence, and she looked to be about fifteen years old.

She had a cute face with a well-defined but slightly childish appearance.

Her outfit, which was mostly red and black, was somewhat revealing but powerful, reminiscent of a demon.

Anyway, such a girl appeared above our fields.

The Kiraplant was hesitant about whether to attack, so I decided to observe and see if we could communicate.

"Leidia, do you know who that is?"

"Probably a demon. Judging by the contained magic power, she's quite strong."

"Can Leidia handle her?"

"She's a higher rank. I can't come into this forest so easily like that."

Anyone who comes alone to the forest known as the Forest of Death can't be weak.

What could she be doing here in such a place?

"Hey, you guys. What are you doing in a place like this?"

The girl looked around and then asked us with her red eyes.

Her words from above were strangely charismatic and didn't feel condescending.

"Before that, can I ask your name? My name is Pillar."

"I'm Leidia."

"It's interesting to see a human and a High Elf together. Fine, since you've introduced yourselves, I'll do the same. Carmilla Reisys Redcruise! I am the proud daughter of the Demon King!"

Carmilla, who puffed out her slightly underdeveloped chest, announced herself arrogantly.

"Hey, Leidia. She said she's the daughter of the Demon King?"

The Demon King, as I recall, is the king who stands at the top of the demons. Would his daughter come to a place like this?

"Based on her magic power, I don't think she's lying."

"Why would someone like that be here?"

Technically, this Great Forest is part of the territory of the Demon Kingdom Belgios, which the Demon King rules, but according to Leidia's information, it hasn't been touched.

"Since we've introduced ourselves, I'll ask again. What are you doing here?"

"As you can see, we're farming and living here."

When I answered, Carmilla laughed loudly.

"Farming and living in a place called the Forest of Death? That's interesting!"

"Living here is actually quite enjoyable. I have some proud crops. Want to try them?"

"I'll eat them!"

When I lightly invited her, she immediately answered and came down.

I was surprised that she would take up a joke-like offer. She really seemed to intend to eat the crops.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing, I'll show you the fields."

I was a bit intimidated by the mention of the Demon King's daughter, but she might not be a bad person.

I relaxed a bit and showed her the fields.

"Oh, what's this? There are many round, swollen fruits."

"This is the Mochi field. The Mochi fruit is our main food. Have you ever eaten it?"

"Hmm, I've never eaten it or even heard of it."

"Then you should try it."

I peeled one and offered it to her, and Carmilla grabbed it without hesitation.

"Oh, it's soft! It's amazing!"

She enjoyed the texture of the Mochi fruit with her fingers, then opened her mouth wide and took a big bite.

The next moment, Carmilla's eyes widened.

"It's delicious!"

Carmilla said and ate the Mochi fruit enthusiastically.

It seems she liked it. She ate it with such gusto that it was satisfying to watch, and she finished one in no time.

"Are there any other delicious foods!?"

"Mountain vegetables are recommended."

"Mountain vegetables? I'm not really a fan of vegetables."

She's a kid. I thought, but she is definitely of a child's age.

Still, most of what we can harvest now are mountain vegetables.

"Oh, there are apples over there. Make me eat those!"

While I was wondering what to do, Carmilla spotted the Gravel Apples.

"Those are Gravel Apples. They're not ready for harvest yet."

"But I want to eat some fruit."

The fruits are indeed there, but they are still small and not ripe. However, Carmilla insisted on eating the Gravel Apples regardless.

"Alright. The taste might be a bit off, but don't complain, okay?"

"No, I'll complain if they're not delicious."

What a hassle. Still, the Gravel Apples are grown with the help of magic stones, so they should be somewhat ripe. I hope they meet her taste.

I went to the Gravel Apple field and picked the most developed fruit.

"Here you go."

"Oh, the color is a bit different from apples. I'll eat it."

Carmilla examined the Gravel Apple closely and then bit into it boldly.

"What is this! It's too delicious!"

For a moment, I was worried that it might not be tasty, but the Gravel Apple seemed to satisfy Carmilla's taste. She chewed and finished even the core and seeds.

I also tried a smaller one to check. The balance of sourness and sweetness wasn't as good as before, but thanks to the blessing and magic stones, it was still quite delicious.

"Not bad, even though it's not the right time to harvest."

"Not bad!? It's the most delicious fruit I've ever eaten!"

"It's nice to hear that from someone who has grown them."

Enjoying the fruits myself is good, but it's even more satisfying to have someone else enjoy them and say they're delicious.

"Alright, I like it! I'll make this place mine!"

As I savored the joy, Carmilla said with an innocent smile.