Chapter 13: Going Into the Forest

"Perfect. Well done, Mr. Mo," Loraine was excited to do some scouring.

"Are you sure you want to look for herbs? There may be bugs, snakes, and all sorts of danger," Sarah asked with worry since the former Loraine hadn't done this before.

'Is she worried that I would be shocked?' Loraine wondered.

After all, if Loraine got sick or exposed to danger because of this excursion, Sarah, Mr. Mo, and everyone else would be the ones who get scolded.

"Yes, don't worry.

I'll be fine.

I think it would be enjoyable. 

Let's go!" Loraine did not heed Sarah's worries.

After all, she wanted to see everything while she was here.

Aside from its scenery, Mount Kang was also famous for its herbs. 

There were numerous herbs in the forest and it was allowed to look for herbs as long as you took care of your safety and promised not to destroy anything. 

It was also permitted to pick up common herbs since they can be used for common herbs or as supplements and tea.

However, rare herbs were a different matter. It was not permitted to pick up rare herbs since their uses were more delicate.

They were expensive in other places too, so to prevent Mt. Kang from being targeted, it was illegal to pick rare herbs and was punishable by law with a huge fine and imprisonment depending upon the rarity of the herb.

There were trained dogs assigned to stay with the guards at every entry and exit road to Mt. Kang to prevent any illegal activity.

The herbs foraged in Mt. Kang should also be only for personal use. Getting a lot of common herbs was not allowed as well.

Loraine did not need herbs but she wanted to try looking for them since it sounded fun.

It felt like treasure hunting so she wanted to do it. 

Now that everything was ready, they could go into the forest.

They were all dressed in jackets, pants, boots, caps, and gloves to at least protect themselves from insects and harmful grass that can easily cut their skin.

Her guards were rather very particular about this, saying that there may be poisonous plants and since Loraine had no tolerance, she had to be fully covered.

They strictly told her to never touch anything with her bare hands.

Thus, they even got several pairs of gloves for her in case the ones she was wearing got wet or dirtied.

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About four hours later…

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'There are indeed a lot of herbs,' Loraine was satisfied with her harvest.

She only picked the herbs she wanted.

While walking through the forest and looking for herbs, Mr. Mo reported about the people on the left side.

"Miss Loraine, I think the people in the left area will leave this morning. 

We saw them preparing before we left."

"Oh, then that's good. 

We can be more comfortable without them," Loraine said happily.

'They are finally leaving!'

It was such a piece of good news that Loraine was internally jumping around.

After all, it meant she could explore the mountain more freely without being wary of them.

Her guards could finally let their guard down too once the people on the left side were not around.

"Miss Loraine, I think that's not a bloodroot," Ms. Lorna corrected when Loraine was about to pick up something.

'Had she seen a bloodroot before?'

"But look at the flowers and the leaves. 

It looks the same as the one in the photo," Loraine pouted. She wanted to get this one.

Lorna seemed sure it was different though but since Loraine wanted it, she simply said, "Alright. Let's just get it. We can verify it later."

"Thanks!" Loraine beamed and looked around for another target. "Do you think we can find any ginseng here?"

"It's unlikely ginseng doesn't grow in a forest like this," Sarah answered while looking around the forest.

"Ah, but I think it must be considered rare," Ms. Lorna reminded.

"Right," Loraine recalled that in her former world, ginseng was sold per pound or per gram and it was very expensive. "We don't need to get one. It would be bad if we get a record here for breaking the law."

Loraine had already collected many plants that resembled the common herbs shown in the photographs anyway. 

She was not even sure how many of the plants they picked were actually herbs.

"Oh, it's past lunch already. Let's go down to have our lunch," Sarah reminded.

They started looking from the top, so it was easier to go down. 

Sarah had already arranged a place for them to rest and have their lunch.

"Then let's go," Loraine was already feeling exhausted too, so perfect timing.

'Eh? Why did they start walking down faster?

I know going down is much easier.

But this is a bit too fast.

What if we trip or something?

Are they that hungry?'

Loraine wanted to comment but when she thought that they must be hungry, she kept her mouth shut.

As an employee, she knew that being worked while hungry was one of the worst feelings in the world. 

After a few minutes, Ms. Lorna and Mr. Mo abruptly came to a halt. 

They looked around alertly and immediately protected Loraine and Sarah.

"The smell of blood is strong," Mr. Mo said while giving a signal to two of his subordinates.

"Go scout, see what the situation is," he said and the two men immediately went to scout.

"What happened?" Loraine asked in a whisper. 

She knew there was a problem as soon as her bodyguards became alert.

"Someone or several people must be injured," Mr. Mo replied. 

Most of them were retired special forces of the army. 

They had received various training to enhance their senses and they were particularly sensitive to the smell of blood. 

Before Loraine set out this morning, her guards had inspected the whole mountain and were sure that there were no large predators that could cause serious injury.

'What the hell is going on this time? Please don't make it anything dangerous. This is my first tour!' Loraine internally complained.