Chapter 510 - Episode 5: The Feast in the Forest of the Southwestern Royal Capital Area
The Dragonewt couple apparently lives in a cave they dug into a mountainside that could almost be called part of the Central Mountain Range.
We had the spirits return for a while, and the humans made their own preparations, gathering again at the tree of the Dryad of the Royal Capital area a week later.
Since it was certain they would be wary if humans went suddenly, the Gnome went to meet them riding in a bowl of a Horse Man, guided by the Rabbit Man.
The meeting was apparently held with only the couple and the Gnome, having even the Beastmen step away. Only those involved know exactly what was discussed. Meanwhile, the others moved to the ruins of the fortress that would become the trade base to prepare for the banquet. After all, peace had been established between the Kingdom of Sertoria, the Beastmen, and the Dryads, and trade was beginning, albeit under a non-aggression pact. Magdalena-sama, who is becoming a semi-regular in the Henry Party, participated as the King's proxy, arriving with Paratroop Jaeger bowls loaded with food and alcohol along with Harris-san. From the Class of 175, excluding myself and the two who joined the Henry Party, Mary and the associate Class of 175 members Flora and Miana participated.
Of the Four Great Spirits, the three excluding the Gnome, who was expected to be late talking with the Dragonewts, were present.
On the Dryad side, the three Dryads and representatives of various Beastman races were gathered. The difference from Regnentes was that there were rabbits and no otters. As expected, there are probably few fish on top of the plateau.
Incidentally, the Beastmen from Regnentes, the Elf Prince, Alex, and the Alraunes were in positions like guest participants. They took up positions as if to mediate between the human side and the Dryad side standing opposite each other.
Magdalena-sama, representing the human side seeking a rapprochement, thanked the Dryad side for their acceptance of peace. Then she pointed to the piled-up supplies.
Bags of oats, bundles of hay, wooden crates containing turnips and dried meat, anti-rot wooden crates containing raw fish and meat, and barrels filled with dried meat and alcohol.
In addition, for hunting, steel swords, hand spears, knives, and bows and arrows with iron arrowheads were provided. All were brand new.
They were piled high.
"We intend to make these fortress ruins freely usable by both sides. However, in the event the Demon Lord is resurrected, only humans will use it. At that time, rest assured we will prepare another base for trade with you all. Our country has great expectations for the harvest of your orchards, and this is, so to speak, an expression of that expectation. Please, accept them."
Magdalena-sama's words caused a stir followed by cheers.
The Elder of the Wolf Men stood up to give a reciprocal greeting. For Beastmen who had just finished wintering, there was no choice but to accept. Moreover, it was a provision of weapons from humans, who had been considered enemies since ancient times. They accepted with great joy and swore to the witnessing spirits their future cooperation and the development of the orchards and, by extension, trade.
After that was a toast.
Already, dried meat stew, hay, oats, and turnips were ready.
Once the wine barrels were opened and everyone had their share, a grand toast was made at the Elder's lead.
"Hey, Mr. Rabbit Man."
"Yes. What is it?"
It was Mary. She can't be left out when it comes to trade.
"Usually, you live up there, don't you?"
She was pointing at the plateau.
"Yes, that's right."
The Rabbit Man was overtly wary of Mary, who spoke in a familiar tone immediately after the first greeting, and his response was curt. It seems the Alraune's stone doesn't work on Beastmen.
"At that altitude, it must be cool in summer and cold in winter."
"Yes, that's right."
"And I heard the foot of the plateau has poor sunlight and even wetlands?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Surely the variety of medicinal herbs growing there must be abundant?"
I see. As expected of someone who has traveled various countries investigating medicinal herbs. I could only think of the fruit currently being discussed at the farm.
"I suppose so. They are targets for trade."
"I heard spirits will also participate in the operation of the orchard."
"Yes, that's right."
"Why not operate a medicinal herb garden as well? Rare medicinal herbs fetch a good price. Try it experimentally, and if it goes well, do it on a large scale. I'll tell you the types needed."
"I-I see. I'll talk to the Dryad."
The Rabbit Man, who understood Mary's intention, literally ran off like a startled rabbit.
Mary, with a chuckle, looked into the distance and gave a slight nod. Magdalena-sama was at the end of her gaze. It seems the two of them consulted. The reason Magdalena-sama didn't say it directly was probably in case it didn't go well. Since spirits will manage it, I don't think there will be mistakes, but if the Queen representing Sertoria requests it, it becomes a mandatory project. They have a move coming up, and first is the orchard. It's definitely better to do it with some leeway.
Mary, seeing Magdalena-sama nod back, left the spot with a composed face.
When I chased after her, she was giggling.
"Not bad. As expected."
"Well, you know. Currently, medicinal herb gardens using the power of spirits only exist in Northern Gram, right? Even though a great person crossed from Harmonia to the White Island, if they can't even manage the essential medicinal herb cultivation, they'll be mocked."
"Magdalena-sama knows too?"
"That's right. I've been consulting with her for a while. About wanting to develop a medicinal herb garden on par with Northern Gram. It was discussed at the meeting too, wasn't it?"
"I wonder if it will spread across the whole island."
"If the Alraunes cooperate, it should be fine, right?"
"Hmm. I guess so."
It seems impossible unless it's a Dryad's forest. They are weak, so they need someone to protect them.
For now, it's just Northern Gram and Sertoria. After that, it's whether they can be discovered in the remaining Demon Realms.
Mary's proposal seemed to pique the interest of the Dryad of the Royal Capital area. She came to Mary along with herbivores like the Rabbit Man, Horse Man, and Deer Man. The Alraunes scheduled to migrate were also with her.
"Are you Mary? Hey, I heard we should cultivate medicinal herbs..."
She's entered full motivation mode.
"Oh, you're wearing a Dryad's Stone. But it's a pity. It has no effect on Beastmen even if a human wears it."
She spotted it quickly and was giggling.
Having an Alraune's stone means she's on good terms with Alraunes. She must have felt relieved. Perhaps Mary had aimed for that from the start.
"Do you know about our farm?"
"Yes, I heard from the Alraunes. I heard various spirits and monsters are having a banquet, starting with the Four Great Spirits. Just like right now."
At the end of the gaze of the Dryad who answered Mary's question, the three Great Spirits were drinking alcohol or honey water with their respective companions.
Mel was on Wilson-san's shoulder, with Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, Magdalena-sama, Serena, Renata, Flora, and other Alraunes. Harris-san, the Royal Capital Paratroop Jaeger Captain, and the Wolf Man Elder were also there. They must be discussing future trade.
Salamander was drinking alcohol with Alex, the Paratroop Jaegers, and mainly herbivorous Beastmen, with a cheerful expression as usual.
The Paratroop Jaegers, Boar Men, Bear Men, and Wolf Men gathered and making a fuss must be at Dune's place. They must have started a drinking contest recklessly again. Recently, it's not about winning or losing, but the one who holds out until the end is praised as a hero and called by the title of 'One who challenged the peak.' Prince Roberts, who challenges her every time they meet, and the old knight in Finis who boldly went for a barrel-drinking match, are apparently already in the hall of fame as renowned challengers.
The Dryad of the Royal Capital area, whose eyes seemed to be glowing somewhat, turned back to Mary and me with a chuckle.
"At our farm, you see, we're advancing agriculture while consulting with Flora... the Alraune living with us. Thanks to that, the soil has become fertile, and wheat, vegetables, and fruit have turned out well. But medicinal herbs are difficult, aren't they?"
"That's right. The medicinal herbs you humans use have their growth easily influenced by the environment. I wonder about humans cultivating various types of medicinal herbs in their own fields in the plains. Wouldn't it be faster to collect those growing naturally?"
"That's true. But I've heard your forest, for which a human non-aggression pact was concluded this time, spans various environments. High mountains, cool plateaus, wetlands, marshes, sun, and shade. If cultivation in such diverse environments becomes possible, don't you think various types of medicinal herbs... especially rare ones that can only be picked in places humans usually can't enter, could be harvested stably?"
"That's true. If it can be done, that is."
Her eyes were smiling. She's already seen through our intentions.
It can be done if Alraunes are there. She should know that, but the point is likely the bargaining. It's a negotiation.
"This is the price list for medicinal herbs on this island. And this is the price list for a country called Sertogne on the continent."
"Eh?"
Being suddenly shown amounts, the Dryad was taken aback. She probably can't even read the characters.
"As you can see, the price of this medicinal herb is high on the continent. The reason is that it doesn't grow unless it's at a high altitude. Also..."
Leaving the completely left-behind Dryad aside, she proceeded with the conversation with the Rabbit Man. Essentially, she likely wants to say that if they advance the cultivation of alpine plants expected to be collectable on top of the plateau or midway up the mountain range, they will fetch a good price on the continent. In Northern Gram, because Dryads and Alraunes are involved in the medicinal herb garden, they have a good selection for cold regions, but high altitudes are quite difficult. If it can be done here, it would be convenient in various ways, including earnings.
The Dryad's eyes were darting around, but the Rabbit Man was listening carefully. Being a scout, his reaction to information is fast.
"We don't use human money. Will you give us equivalent exchange through bartering?"
"Of course. Incidentally, this is the price list for food, daily necessities, and also hunting tools like bows and arrows. These are the prices in the Royal Capital of Sertoria."
"There are also arrows with silver arrowheads."
"You need them for hunting magic beasts, right?"
It seems it's almost certain now.
Regarding medicinal herb cultivation, Magdalena-sama, Miana, Mary, and Flora had apparently been consulting for a long time. They had estimated it could be done north of Nakanohara Lake, but unfortunately, the types that could be cultivated were very common ones, and it was only to the extent of increasing the number of supply sources by one. They were thinking if there was any good method, and then came this talk. They are at the foot of the Central Mountain Range. Moreover, on top of the plateau. It seems they considered it several times since I was dispatched.
"I heard you will operate an orchard below the plateau. Then, why not operate a medicinal herb garden on top of the plateau? I don't think it's a bad deal."
The Wolf Man Elder, brought along by the Rabbit Man, began consulting with the Dryad after receiving Mary's words.
As a result of calling and consulting with Flora and the Alraunes scheduled to migrate, it seems they reached an agreement to prioritize the orchard and solidify the foundation of medicinal herb cultivation in the intervals.
Of course, Mary has no objection either.
"It'll get warmer from now on, right? Since there are wetlands and marshes, we plan to migrate once we have mountain soil brought from Serena's forest. Until then, we'll choose fruit trees and move them to the clearings made by moving trees, but during that time, we don't have much to do, so we'll go around looking for places where medicinal herbs grow with the Horse Men and Deer Men."
The leader of the Alraunes scheduled to migrate said powerfully. They are motivated to increase their habitat range in their own way.
They are a relatively young generation and positive about raising children, but humans cannot enter Serena's forest, and there are no Beastmen. About five pairs are migrating this time, but they can receive Beastman blood at the migration destination. That also seems to be a reason for the migration. A young generation that is active in everything is migrating. It seems such things don't change for any race.
Around the time the talk of medicinal herb cultivation was successfully settled, Mel flew over and landed on my shoulder.
"They're here. The Dragonewts. They flew here."
"Eh? Where?"
Fast as always.
Dune and Salamander also approached before I knew it. Salamander was clinging to Alex's shoulder, but he was in a slightly distant position just in case. Violet also came. Violet had a somewhat stiff expression, unlike the spirits. She had even lowered her visor. Even that Violet was seriously on guard.
"They've come right there."
Looking at the sky at Mel's words, a shadow flew from above and landed right in front of me.
Whether it's a feat of magic, they are completely human except for the blue wings growing out. No horns or tails. However, the hair is blue, and the eyes are gold. Their height is probably taller than Edward-sama. They were wearing a tunic like those in fairy tales, with a black belt with gold thread embroidery wrapped around the waist. The shoes were made of leather but not lace-up. They were probably made by sewing leather onto a base made of wood to form the shape of a shoe. A long sword was tucked into the waist.
"Sorry for being late. Is there any sake left?"
While I was overwhelmed by the Dragonewt's intimidating presence, the Gnome, who was piggybacking on their back, spoke up nonchalantly.
"Heh, they look closer to humans than I thought."
It was Mel.
If a human said the same line, they might be killed.
"So the Four Great ones are truly gathered."
It was the Dragonewt. Having eloped with a pregnant wife, his voice sounded young. I don't know how old he is, but if he were human, he might be around twenty.
Gradually, humans and Beastmen gathered.
When he glanced around, the sound of people swallowing could be heard.
The herbivorous Beastmen and Alraunes retreated to the back. The carnivorous Beastmen and Paratroop Jaegers remained as they were, as expected.
"Yo, glad you came. Well, have a drink."
It was Salamander. He handed a bowl to the Dragonewt and poured wine. He had a nonchalant voice as usual.
"Much obliged. If you say so, I shall join you."
The Dragonewt was quite polite.
"Hmm, unlike the lot around here, he's quite proper."
Dune's words stung my ears.