Chapter 16

We stepped into the mansion of Elngore without any trouble.

The inside of the mansion, made of brick, had a warm and cozy atmosphere. Although Elngore had already passed away and no one lived there, a fire was lit in the fireplace, making the room warm. It seemed that some kind of purification magic was also in effect, keeping the room clean.

Frey and the others were very surprised at the state of the mansion.

"Is this... really uninhabited?"

"There's no sign of anyone..."

Reina answered Frey's question but was looking around curiously. She, too, seemed to doubt whether anyone was really living there.

"Sharon, is this place safe, nya?"

"It's safe. Elngore's barrier is still in place, so monsters shouldn't be able to enter."

"Got it, nya. I'll prepare for a break, nya."

Torte let out a big sigh as she put down her large backpack and started cooking using the space above the fireplace. She mentioned that there was a kitchen in the back, but decided it was better not to act separately in an unfamiliar place, so she would use the fireplace.

The other members began to look around the room.

"To maintain the mansion so well even after death... Elngore must have been an incredible person."

Luna seemed particularly interested in Elngore's magic and was looking through the bookshelf by the wall. There were many books related to magic, and Luna, who had been calm during the journey, was quietly getting excited.

Frey and Reina were also similar, starting to examine the furniture and decorations in the room. They seemed to be fine on their own.

---

Now, I need to think about what I should do in Elngore's Paradise.

If I consider the future, I definitely want to get any items I can find here. I also want to gather herbs from the herb garden behind the mansion. ...There's quite a lot to do.

Then, I suddenly remembered that I hadn't asked Frey and the others about their purpose here. I had been so focused on being the guide that I hadn't thought much about it. But since I also have something I want to do, I need to know how long we'll be staying.

"What are Frey and the others here for?"

"We heard there's a legendary herb here."

"Oh, the herb garden behind the mansion, right?"

"You know about it!?"

When I casually answered, Frey came up to me with great enthusiasm. I took a step back from his intensity.

"I only know there's a herb garden. What kind of herb is it?"

"Well... I don't know the name. But we were told that if it's in Elngore's Paradise, it should be here..."

"I see."

I crossed my arms and thought about Frey's hesitant words.

I remember the name of a few herbs from the herb garden. Although I'm not sure if Frey's description is accurate, it's probably the herb called "Dew of Paradise." I remember it being described as a legendary herb in the description.

...Or, we could just gather all the herbs and take them back.

"Then, let's go after the break."

"Sure!"

Frey nodded with a bright smile at my suggestion.

---

After a while, a pleasant aroma filled the room.

"Sorry for the wait, nya~!"

"Cheese fondue?"

Torte had prepared cheese fondue. I never thought I'd be eating cheese fondue in a dungeon!

There was a small pot of melted cheese, along with meat, sausages, vegetables, and bread. It was stylish, but the ingredients were plentiful.

"Let's dig in!"

"Thank you!"

We all gathered around the table and started eating.

I took a piece of bread, dipped it in the cheese, and put it in my mouth. The rich aroma of the cheese filled my nose, and the deliciousness made me relax.

"Delicious~"

"I'm glad, nya."

Torte smiled happily at my comment.

"Torte's cooking is the best in the world!"

Frey said this and was eating heartily, saying it was delicious. There were vegetables and bread, but the focus on meat was very typical of Frey. After all, he wields a sword, so meat is important.

"I can't finish all this. I always have Reina eat the leftovers."

"Hey, that makes me sound like a big eater! It's because it's too delicious!!"

Luna's comment immediately drew a rebuttal from Reina... but it sounded like she was admitting to being a big eater, which made me laugh.

We enjoyed a pleasant break while chatting.

---

The backyard of Elngore's mansion is a herb garden.

Many rare plants are cultivated here, and the herbs are highly valued as materials for potions and item crafting. The herbs can also be sold, so many people come here to earn extra money when they're short on cash. I've also benefited from it a little.

"Wow, amazing! It's like stepping into a fairy tale!"

At the sight of the herb garden, my excitement reached its peak. I don't think you can see such a variety of plants anywhere else.

The herb garden, neatly divided into sections, had everything from common herbs to very rare materials, singing flowers, plants that grow with mana, and a pond for plants that grow only in water. The largest tree was taller than the mansion itself.

--- I'm glad I came to see this in person!

The more I see of this world, the more places I want to visit. For beautiful scenery, the "Peach Blossom Land" is tempting, and the "Underwater Tunnel" in the field is also interesting. In dungeons, the "Dragon's Bed" and the "Ifrit's Oasis" are also intriguing. However, my current level is not high enough to go there, and I would need stronger party members to aim for higher dungeons.

...It's exciting, but it seems like a long way off.

"Amazing, all the herbs are of such high quality...!"

"Really, nya!? Then my sister will surely be saved, nya!"

"Yes."

--- Sister?

I was startled by Luna and Torte's words. The purpose of coming to Elngore's Paradise was to gather the legendary herb "Dew of Paradise." They must be planning to make some medicine for her sister with this herb.

This is a very important mission! I need to put in extra effort to find the "Dew of Paradise"!

"Luna, can you identify it?"

"...Not yet. All the herbs are of high quality and rare, so... it might be best to take a bit of everything..."

"..."

We could gather all the herbs, but the garden is large and would take a considerable amount of time. As I focused on the garden, Frey and the others' excitement began to wane.

They must have been in a desperate situation to have chosen me, a low-level adventurer, as their guide when they came to the guild.

...There it is.

I spotted the target and sighed in relief. I then called out to Frey and the others and pointed it out.

"--- The blue herb over there is the 'Dew of Paradise'."