Chapter 8

"Forest of Confusion...?"

"Yes. This forest has been officially recognized as the 'Forest of Confusion' for about two years now."

To summarize Cynthia's story, it goes like this:

In this different world, <Lethisrill>, a "Forest of Confusion" occasionally forms. It appears suddenly without any rules. One day, an ordinary forest can turn into a "Forest of Confusion" that confuses those who enter it. The visibility is poor, and it's easy to lose the path you've taken. It's difficult to return without a magical item that indicates direction. Only highly skilled adventurers explore without such items. The "Forest of Confusion" usually returns to a normal forest after about 2 to 10 years.

"Oh... So that's why I didn't see anyone."

"Yes. The Adventurer's Guild has issued a notice, so people generally don't enter this forest. This forest is relatively safe, so there's no benefit for veteran adventurers to explore or hunt here."

That means, the "Forest of Confusion" will return to a normal forest in no more than 8 years, or it might even return tomorrow.

Well, I don't plan to go into the forest now, so there's no real reason to worry.

"We were training... hunting just outside this 'Forest of Confusion.' But we were attacked by a Hard Wolf, and while fighting and fleeing, we ended up here."

"I should have been more helpful... I'm so useless."

"Wow... That must have been tough. But do you know the way back...?"

"Ah!"

In response to my question, both of them exclaimed as if they had forgotten something.

I see... They don't know the way back. But I don't know the way back either...

"It's okay... I have a communication magic item. My brother will surely come to help us..."

"I see. Then I'm relieved."

"Yes. I'll contact him now..."

Cynthia took off the red stone necklace she was wearing and held it in her hand. Then, a red light overflowed, and the necklace glowed red in response.

Amazing, there are such magic items... Anything is possible in this different world.

Soon, a hurried voice came from the necklace.

"Shia...!?"

"Brother!"

"Are you safe...!? I was worried when you didn't return by the scheduled time."

Her brother must have been worried about her.

Seeing this, I felt a bit touched. Yes, protecting one's sister is only natural. I suddenly felt a pang in my heart, remembering my little sister.

"We were chased by a Hard Wolf and ended up in the Forest of Confusion... But we managed to defeat it and are now resting at Hinami's house."

"Forest of Confusion... with people? ...I understand. I'll head there immediately, so please tell me the location."

"Yes. I'm sorry, I'll be waiting..."

With that, the conversation ended.

But it seems they will come to pick us up soon, which is a relief for me.

"I just activated the homing device in the magic item. My brother will come to pick us up."

"Great! Then, why don't you relax at my place until then?"

"Thank you."

However, I'm not sure how long it will take for them to arrive... Apparently, Cynthia doesn't know either since it's the Forest of Confusion. Normally, it would take about 2 hours by horse. So, it might be late afternoon... I should probably prepare dinner. The donuts were so delicious that they were all eaten.

By the way, according to the information I heard, sugar is indeed a luxury item... Yes, it makes sense, considering that the ratio of salt to sugar production is 9:1. So, while the nobles can enjoy it, the common people rarely get to eat it. By the way, I've saved a lot in two years!

"Oh, right. Cynthia, I'll wash your robe, so why don't you take a bath?"

"Eh...! There's a bath!?"

"Huh?"

I couldn't help but ask back. A bath isn't something to be surprised about... right? Right? Seeing my thoroughly puzzled face, Quilt informed me that baths are only available in noble mansions or high-end inns. Ah, I see... Then, what do the common people do? Showers? It's a mystery. But I didn't want to show my lack of common sense any further.

"Sure, go ahead!"

"Thank you!"

I handed her a bath towel from the shelf in the hallway leading to the bathroom and a slightly smaller set of clothes from the adjacent storage that I wore two years ago. By the way, my clothes are often adorned with cute frills and are automatically replenished. When I asked God why, he replied, "It's my hobby"... Yes, it's peaceful.

While Cynthia was in the bath, I went to the rooftop to do the laundry.

There were many herbs planted in the pots, and some cute flowers were blooming. For some reason, I managed to install a well on the rooftop, so there was no problem with watering or doing laundry. Quilt, who said, "I'll help," was marveling at the view from the rooftop. From this rooftop, which is on the third floor, you can see a bit of the forest, though not everything due to the large trees.

"Amazing...! I never thought I could view the Forest of Confusion like this."

"Yeah, it's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Very much so!"

I hung the robe and watered the herbs while Quilt watched with a slightly curious look. No, from his expression, it seemed more like he was surprised.

"What's wrong...?"

"...Amazing! So many herbs!!"

What! Herbs are rare...? Well, indeed, we only have three types at home, so maybe herbs are rare in this world.

After watering, I headed to the garden to prepare for the meal. Quilt also offered to help, so we went out to the garden together to harvest vegetables.

"...Huh?"

"Hmm?"

When we went to the garden to harvest vegetables, Quilt suddenly stood still, looking surprised. Could he be surprised by the vegetables...? I wouldn't know what to do if that were the case. Then, Quilt, noticing my gaze, explained excitedly.

"There are medicinal herbs... growing."

"Huh? I don't think they are that rare..."

"No... It's not that. The cultivation of medicinal herbs... is considered impossible. Generally, medicinal herbs are collected from forests and mountains. Even the royal alchemists can't cultivate them and have to collect them from the wild."

"...!!"

"Also... cultivating herbs is difficult, and only high-level alchemists or those who specialize in cultivating herbs can do it. Hinami, who are you?"

Oh. This is the biggest surprise I've had since coming to this world.

Medicinal herbs can't be cultivated...!? But they are growing in my garden very well. Stamina herbs, red herbs, orange herbs, blue herbs... these four types of medicinal herbs are thriving in the garden. They haven't withered at all... They are growing very normally, no, rather, too easily in large quantities. Of course, the herbs are the same...!

"Hmm... I seem to have a talent for alchemy... hehe."

"..."

Wow, Quilt is looking at me with such intensity. Honestly, being looked at by a young boy... around 10 years old, I can only think he's cute.

"Hinami! Quilt!"

At that moment, Cynthia came out to the garden. She looked very satisfied, and I felt happy for her.

Cynthia waved and walked over, saying "Thank you" to me and then looking at Quilt.

"Quilt... You shouldn't trouble Hinami."

"Miss... I'm sorry. I'm also sorry, Hinami."

"No, it's okay...! Don't worry about it? And... I'd be happy if you could stop using the honorifics."

Really, they are so polite...!

Then, both of them looked at me with puzzled faces, and Cynthia smiled.

"Then, please call me Shia. Hinami... is fine, right?"

"Sure! I'll call you Shia-chan... How about that?"

"Yes, I'm happy!"

This... is my first female friend in this world...!

We laughed and said, "Nice to meet you." During this, Quilt... just watched us silently. Maybe it's because he's a bodyguard, so there's a certain position he has to maintain...?

"Shia!!!"

While we were having a trivial conversation and harvesting vegetables, a voice calling for Shia suddenly came from somewhere. But I couldn't see anyone in the surrounding forest... So, where did it come from? As I was thinking, a sound of something cutting through the air came from directly above. I looked up and saw... a dragon flying in the sky.

"Whaaat!?"

"Brother...!"

"Huh!"

I was so surprised that I couldn't help but scream, but Shia quickly called out his name, so I had to accept it. Oh no, dragons are in the vehicle category in this world...?

The dragon landed in the garden without hesitation, showing its presence. It's very scary...! I'm getting goosebumps. The dragon was about 3 meters long, smaller than I imagined, which was a bit reassuring.

On its back was a boy, probably around my age or a bit younger. He had straight red hair tied back, and he was wearing elegant clothes with a black base and red lines. I recognize this... this is the noble's attire, right...!

"Shia... I'm glad you're safe!"

"Sorry... for making you come to pick us up."

"No problem. And... are you Hinami?"

"Ah, yes..."

It seemed like a heartwarming reunion, but his attention was immediately on me.

"Thank you for saving my sister this time."

"You're welcome. I'm glad she's safe."

"I'm Alfred Meldyti. Shia's brother."

"I'm Hinami."

Conclusion. He's authoritative but more mature than me. He looks like a child...!

The nobles in this world, even children, must be like this. It seems like a tiring life... I don't think I could do it. Well, I don't need to, anyway.

"However... I didn't expect people to actually live in the 'Forest of Confusion.'"

"...Is it really that rare?"

"Yes. It can occasionally form in difficult, steep mountains or deep forests. But for it to form in such a shallow forest is abnormal. The guild has sent out exploration parties, but it's only slightly more confusing than usual, with no other significant changes."

"I see..."

"Does Hinami live here all the time?"

"No... I've been here for about two years."

"I see... But why here?"

The formation of the "Forest of Confusion" here is quite... rare or abnormal. Normally, it wouldn't form in such a beginner-friendly forest.

Alfred seemed to be thinking about something, but his expression changed to surprise as he looked around the garden. Maybe he's going to have another conversation like the one with Quilt earlier. Yes... it seems I'm quite abnormal. It might not be the forest that's abnormal, but me.

"Who would have thought someone is cultivating medicinal herbs here. I'm surprised..."

"Yes. And the magic recovery potions Hinami makes are very delicious!"

"Magic recovery potions!? Unbelievable, but if Shia says so, it must be true. ...Hinami, do you have a teacher? Surely, you can't live here alone?"

"No, I've been living here alone."

"I see. ...I was insensitive, I'm sorry."

Seeing my troubled face, Alfred apologized. Honestly, I couldn't explain, so I was grateful that he ended the conversation.

Shia suddenly came close to me and tugged on my sleeve. When I looked at her, she whispered to me.

"If you'd like... I'd like to thank you, so would you come to the mansion with us?"

"That's a good idea. Shia owes her life to you. Please accept our invitation."

"Uh! Uh, you mean... to the city... right?"

"Yes. The mansion is in the city... Is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing is wrong."

"Then it's settled."

Shia's invitation was accepted by Alfred, and the conversation progressed smoothly. Or rather... I'm so excited to go to the city!! I was too scared to go alone, but with three of us, it will be comfortable and safe.

Alfred, noticing my relieved expression, confirmed the departure time. Yes... leaving the house like this is a bit awkward. But I don't think it will be empty for long.

"By the way, can recovery potions be sold in the city?"

"Yes, they are bought by item shops. Are you planning to sell them?"

"Yes. I have a lot, and I don't have any money."

"I see. Then I'll introduce you to someone."

"Thank you!"

It seems recovery potions can be sold at item shops, which is a relief. It would be too sad to go to the city with no money. The only thing left is the departure time... exchange diary, a change of clothes, and recovery potions... that's about it.

"I'll pack a few things, and I'll be ready."

"Great. Let's go when you're ready."

"Yes!"

Finally, I can go to the city!

I was so excited that I didn't think about the way back or the need for identification, which I would later regret...