From Nikīku’s eyes and words, I got the impression that he thought of mana depletion syndrome as a sworn enemy of sorts. But what was the trigger that made him realize it wasn’t occurring in this country? When I thought that, Nikīku exclaimed “Ah!?” and bent over, holding his forehead while muttering bitterly.
“…Dammit. I forgot there was one problem.”
“What’s wrong?”
When I asked with concern, he continued with a troubled look.
“There’s this bastard named Marein who runs things around here. He’s been keeping an eye on me, so I can’t really move freely. Sorry, I said I’d help but…”
Nikīku looked extremely regretful. But when we heard the name Marein, Chris and I stifled a laugh. He looked dumbfounded, but soon his face reddened and he shouted angrily.
“Don’t take Marein lightly!! He has connections in the government too, and he’s ruthless enough to get away with anything. Lots of people have suffered terribly at his hands.”
It seems Marein had been cruel not just to Ellen and the others. Turning my gaze to the desperate-looking Nikīku, I cleared my throat and answered with a smile.
“We don’t have to worry about that. Marein himself and those connected to him were ousted yesterday and today. I don’t think his influence will be a problem going forward.”
“What did you say…? Kid, what are you talking about?”
Nikīku’s eyes were wide, seemingly not understanding what I meant. To supplement me, Chris gave him an impish smile and began explaining how Marein and Norris had been ousted. After confirming it was true by repeatedly asking Chris and me, Nikīku, convinced of their downfall, burst into raucous laughter.
“Wahaha!! That bastard Marein got what was coming to him. Kid, you’re the best!”
“…Please don’t call me kid.”
My response made Nikīku laugh even more, and for a while, his laughter echoed through the store.
“Mr. Nikīku, it’s nice to meet you again.”
“Oh, kid, leave it to me.”
At Nikīku’s shop that Chris brought us to, the storeowner Nikīku and I continued discussing our future plans. First, it was decided that we would procure the Renalute grass through him for the Baldian territory going forward. To prevent leaking information that the ingredients could potentially be an effective medicine for mana depletion syndrome, we also decided to call it the “Rute grass” among ourselves.
While the Renalute grass is a common wild vegetable inside Renalute, it’s virtually unknown outside the country. The likely reason is that its only current use is as food within the country. Apart from Nikīku, no one has likely realized yet that the Renalute grass may prevent mana depletion syndrome. Just in case, Nikīku said he would also look for other potentially useful medicinal herbs besides the “Rute grass” within Renalute for treatment.
He also offered to research cultivation methods for the herbs, so I boldly asked him to study cultivating Moonlight Grass. Chris was surprised, but Nikīku readily agreed after hearing the situation. If cultivation methods can be established, Moonlight Grass has the potential for massive profits in the future through treatment and collaboration with Baldian territory, not just for medicine. I also told him that most supplies and funding needed for research could likely be arranged through the Christie Company.
As Nikīku and I kept making more plans, beside us Chris covered her eyes with her hand and muttered, “Haah…I need to hurry and set up a branch of the company here…” Then I remembered something and asked him.
“Oh, that’s right, Mr. Nikīku, do you know about Mukuroji Berries?”
Nikīku’s eyes widened in surprise and he spoke in a low voice.
“…Kid. You even know about that?”
“Fufu, that response tells me you do know about it.”
Seeing my smile, Nikīku sighed and looked exasperated.
“Just wait here a minute.”
“Thank you.”
Nikīku got up and headed back to the display shelves by the entrance. At that moment, Chris leaned over and whispered to me with a puzzled look.
“…Lord Reed, what are Mukuroji Berries?”
“Fufu, you and Diana may want them more than me.”
“Something I would want too…? Now I’m a bit interested.”
Apparently Diana overhead my reply to Chris, as they glanced at each other.
“Kid, sorry to keep you waiting. Is this what you meant? Take a look.”
“Yes, thank you.”
I took the berries Nikīku brought and examined them closely. They were round with wrinkled skin and smaller than I expected. But they were definitely the same as the ones I saw in my memory. Now I just needed to test them out. I shifted my gaze from the berry in my hand to Nikīku.
“May I borrow some water and a bucket?”
“…You really know your stuff, kid.”
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Nikīku shrugged and made a wry gesture as he got me a bucket of water. The exchange left Chris and Diana tilting their heads, seemingly not understanding my intent. With everyone watching curiously, I dropped the Mukuroji berries into the water-filled bucket Nikīku provided and began vigorously swishing it around.
Soon after, the water started changing and foaming up more and more. Nikīku, who had provided the bucket with the berries and water, looked exasperated and muttered, “You really do know a lot.” I showed the foamy bucket to Diana and the others with a bright smile.
“Got it! This is a natural soap, right? If we sell it as ‘Soapberries’ it could be a great product. What do you think?”
When I said that, Chris and Diana’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“Yes, that would definitely sell!”
Chris responded, and Diana continued with great interest.
“If you don’t mind me saying, I’d like some for personal use too…”
“Fufu, I’m glad you two like the idea.”
I replied, then turned back to Nikīku to let him know I wanted to purchase the Mukuroji berries too. After further negotiations, we decided to buy out all the Mukuroji berries he currently had in stock. And going forward, I told him we would continue purchasing them regularly through Chris. Hearing that, Nikīku gave a slightly pleased smile and nodded, “…Understood.”
After finishing talking with Nikīku, we headed outside where the two monster companions were waiting. They stood up and stretched with a yawn when they saw us. Apparently they had waited outside because they didn’t like the store’s smells. Then Nikīku, who had come out to see us off, was surprised to see the monsters.
“Well, if it isn’t the Shadow Cougar and Slime couple I used to see a lot in the Demon Forest. I was wondering where they went, but to think they were here.”
“Ah, about that…”
I explained to Nikīku how we had encountered the two monsters on the way to Marein’s mansion. After hearing me out, he muttered in an exasperated tone.
“Haah…I had heard monster pets were becoming trendy abroad, but Marein was behind it, huh.”
“It seems so. But with Marein ousted, things should calm down a bit going forward.”
As Nikīku conversed, the two monster companions came up and nuzzled against my legs. Their tails were straight up too, swishing left and right in an adorable display. Nikīku’s face broke into a smile at the sight.
“Oh, kid, they’ve really taken a liking to you. It’s rare for a Shadow Cougar to warm up to people.”
“…Is that so? But unfortunately, I can’t take them with me, so if you’re going to the Demon Forest again, Mr. Nikīku, could you return them for me?”
After hearing my request, he nodded.
“Understood. I’ll take them back next time I go to the Demon Forest.”
“Thank you.”
After thanking Nikīku, I crouched down to meet the monster companions’ gaze.
“I’m sorry. I really wish I could take you with me, but with Father around, I can’t just bring you home on my own. You two need to go back to your own world.”
The cat-sized Shadow Cougar seemed a bit dejected when it heard me, letting out a soft “Mmn” cry. I pet their heads, then stood up, said my goodbyes to Nikīku, and we left. Looking back a short distance from the store, the two monsters were still watching me.
“It was cute, but…if I took it home without permission, Father would definitely get angry.”
While I did want to show that adorable monster’s form to Mel and Mother, Father likely wouldn’t allow it. However, at that moment, Diana muttered nonchalantly,
“Those monsters…seemed quite attached to Lord Reed, so they may chase after us all the way to the Baldia territory.”
“Eh…chase us to the Baldia territory, those kids? Ahaha, I highly doubt that. The distance is too great. Anyway, shall we head back now? I’m quite exhausted after being on the move since morning.”
Although there were many things I had to do while staying in Renalute, today was undoubtedly too hectic. Seeing my tired expression, Diana bluntly responded,
“Yes. We must return without Lord Reiner finding us, so please remain vigilant until the end.”
At her words, I let out an “Ah” and ended up holding my head the entire way back.
“Lord Reed, you need not be so jumpy.”
“…No, no, Diana, if you’re found out it won’t end well either.”
Responding to Diana’s exasperated inquiry, I made a troubled expression. On the way back to the mansion from Nikīku’s shop, I kept holding my head. Originally, as Farah’s attendant, I was supposed to be able to come and go from the castle freely. However, I had separated from her at Marein’s residence.
If I returned to the castle like this, Father would likely find me and it would be disastrous. Hence, I was currently holding my head. Seeing my state, Diana sighed exasperatedly and turned her gaze towards Chris.
“In that case, if Chris claims to have business with Lord Reed, couldn’t we enter together?”
“Eh…me?”
Taken aback by Diana’s unexpected suggestion, Chris had a puzzled look. Certainly, if Chris said she had business with me and we went to the mansion, we would likely be allowed into the castle without issue. In that case, we should return to the mansion first, then go see Farah and the others. Showing Chris the most troubled expression imaginable, I gazed upwards and muttered,
“Sorry, Chris. Would you be willing to cooperate?”
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