43

Chapter 43 [Medicinal Herbs Summer. ]

It was around August in Japanese time. In this world—or rather, in this country—there seemed to be no equivalent to the rainy season, which was fortunate as we were spared from the damp and humid conditions. Nevertheless, the hot days persisted. During this season, when trees flourished with leaves and undergrowth thrived, we diligently tended to the fields.

Initially, when we first cultivated the fields, we had thought of growing vegetables to supplement our meals. However, friendly villagers occasionally brought us enough vegetables, making the priority of cultivating our own vegetables low. Still, leaving the beautifully maintained fields unused seemed a waste, so we decided to venture into cultivating medicinal herbs.

Surprisingly, in the vicinity of Edge Village, there were various medicinal herbs growing, though not in large quantities. Instead of collecting worn-out specimens with broken stems or insect bites for study or sketching, we thought it would be better to cultivate them and create perfect specimens. Originally, this was meant to be a cover story to conceal my identity, but once we started, we became engrossed in refining the setup.

Regardless, we transplanted specimens collected from the outdoors into the field and, with the help of the wood magic users Haifa and Win, along with the cooperation of Win's children, we engaged in the cultivation of medicinal herbs. Once the plants grew to a certain extent, we utilized techniques such as dividing roots, cuttings, and leaf propagation. We even used Japanese fertilizers and chemicals to propagate them. While we briefly considered tissue culture, we decided against it. Perhaps due to the influence of wood magic, or maybe the efforts of earth magic users like Slay improving the soil, or even the effects of otherworldly substances, the medicinal herbs grew at a frightening pace, and their medicinal properties became stronger. Encouraged by this success, we continued cultivating and propagating any useful herbs we discovered.

...We didn't think about the consequences.

By the time the field, which was just under one acre, was almost completely filled with medicinal herbs, each plant had grown significantly, boasting both quality and quantity suitable for commercial use. When we returned some bundles to the villagers who had been kind to us, they were overly delighted. Apparently, in the vicinity of the village, there were many types of medicinal herbs but in insufficient quantities, making it challenging to secure the needed amount. Our successful cultivation not only ensured a stockpile of medicinal herbs but also reduced the labor required for collection. It seemed like everything was going well, but...

"With this much, even the entire village can't use it all..."

"Yeah, it's a massive amount. I've never seen this much medicinal herb in my life."

"If we dry and store it, I think it'll last for a while..."

"But with this quantity, we're good for the next five years at least."

Staring at the field overrun with medicinal herbs, we were at a loss.

"You should try selling some."

"Do you think they'll sell?"

"Well... I've never grown or sold medicinal herbs before..."

Regardless of our contemplation, we proceeded to collect the usable parts for drying, following proper procedures for sun drying.

"Masta, the shed, it smells..."

"Indeed, the medicinal herb scent is overwhelming..."

"When they hang from the ceiling like this, it creates an oppressive feeling..."

"Being here, I might lose my appetite..."

Once dried, the bundles of medicinal herbs filled the shed, crowding our living space. Disposal was becoming an urgent matter.

"We have to dispose of what we have for now. We don't know how much medicinal herbs will sell, so we need to find other things to sell. As soon as we're ready, we'll go and sell them."

This happened during a time when elves and beastmen were tirelessly preparing for the retrieval of their kin.