Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 209

“Shuu-san, are you leaving already?”
As I was packing my belongings in the bedroom, Franryule called out to me.
“Sorry, but I need to report back to Carlisle-sama about the request.”
I had already stayed at the Reilert estate for about two nights as a break.
Staying any longer might become a burden, and I also needed to properly report back to Carlisle, who had brought me the request in the first place.
He was probably anxious about whether the adventurer he had introduced to the count’s family had conducted himself properly and completed the request successfully.
“To the west of the sanctuary, there are vast fields where various rare ingredients are cultivated. Further northwest, there’s a massive lake where you can find fish that are rarely seen outside, as well as species designated as endangered. Wouldn’t you like to visit?”
“I would!—I mean, no, I really have to go! Don’t tempt me with something so interesting!”
“Ufufu, my apologies. You were leaving so easily that I couldn’t resist teasing you a little.”
When I protested, Franryule chuckled mischievously.
In just a few days, she had come to understand my personality quite well. If I stayed any longer, I had a feeling she would have me wrapped around her finger.
“I really do want to gather more materials, though.”
“Then, the next time you have the opportunity, let’s go foraging together.”
“Of course, I’d love to.”
If it’s gathering ingredients, I’m all for it.
After making a promise with Franryule once more, I finished packing my belongings and left the room.
When I stepped out the front entrance, a luxurious carriage was parked outside the mansion, with Artorius standing beside it.
“Ah, Shuu-dono. I’ve arranged a carriage for your return. The fare to Grantel has already been paid by our family, so don’t worry about it.”
“You’ve taken care of everything… Thank you so much.”
A private, high-class carriage with all expenses covered by the Reilert family.
I was starting to admire just how generous Artorius truly was.
All of my belongings were stored in my magic bag. Since I had no large luggage to load onto the carriage, all I had to do was step inside.
The coachman opened the door for me, and I entered the carriage almost empty-handed.
As I sank into the plush sofa, I leaned out the window to bid my farewell.
“Thank you for everything!”
“It is us who should be thanking you. Thanks to you, I was able to enjoy delicious ingredients to my heart’s content, and Fran gained a valuable experience.”
“Once again, I sincerely appreciate it, Shuu-san.”
Artorius nodded in satisfaction, while Franryule lightly grasped the hem of her skirt and bowed.
“Not at all, I had a rare and valuable experience myself.”
My relationship with the Reilert family was truly a win-win.
If possible, I’d love to maintain this connection for a long time to come.
“This is a letter of gratitude for Carlisle. Please deliver it to him when you see him.”
“Undertood. Once I arrive in Grantel, I’ll deliver it to Carlisle-sama immediately.”
I stored the letter in my magic bag, and Artorius cast a glance at the coachman.
Understanding his intent, the coachman closed the door, returned to his seat, and cracked the whip.
With a neigh, the two horses began moving, and the carriage rolled forward.
“Please visit us again anytime!”
“Of course! I’ll be looking forward to it!”
I waved back at Franryule, who called out while waving her hand.
Their figures grew smaller and smaller until they eventually disappeared from sight.
Passing through the vast garden and the lush grounds, the carriage finally reached the gate enclosing the estate.
The time I spent there was short—only four days—but it was incredibly fulfilling.
Finding and harvesting materials and rare ingredients that couldn’t be found in the outside world was an absolute joy.
To me, the Gourmet Sanctuary was like a paradise.
If the opportunity arises, I will definitely return.

●

It’s been six days after leaving the Reilert estate.
Before returning to Grantel, I decided to stop by Carlisle’s mansion.
As soon as my carriage stopped in front of the mansion, the butler, Beldan, came out to greet me.
“I have come to report on the request and deliver a letter from Artorius-sama to Carlisle-sama.”
“Carlisle-sama has been expecting you. I will take you to him immediately.”
Thanks to the letter I had sent from the inn informing him of my return, it seemed Carlisle was well prepared.
As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, I was escorted directly into the mansion.
Beldan opened the door to the reception room, and inside, Carlisle was seated on the sofa.
“Welcome back, Shuu-dono.”
“I have returned.”
Since it wasn’t my own mansion, exchanges like this felt a little embarrassing.
At Carlisle’s invitation, I took a seat on the sofa across from him and retrieved a letter from my magic bag.
“This is a letter from Artorius-sama.”
“I’ll receive it.”
Beldan took the letter, cut the seal with a paper knife, and Carlisle read through it on the spot.
There were many things I needed to report, but confirming the most important matters and results first would be faster.
“As expected, it seems you were tasked with gathering ingredients in the Gourmet Sanctuary.”
“Yes. I was able to collect things that don’t grow around here, including rare species, so it was a lot of fun.”
“To say it was fun after being entrusted with an ingredient-gathering request from a count… That’s just like you, Shuu-dono.”
Maybe I was being a little too carefree. But that was my honest impression.
Having Franryule accompany me had been a bit of a burden, but overall, the request had been an enjoyable experience.
“Yes, yes. Artorius-sama is also very pleased with the results of this request. Thanks to you, I’ll have an easier time maneuvering in high society for a while. You’ve really helped me, Shuu-dono.”
“I’m just glad if I was able to be of assistance to you, Carlisle-sama.”
Carlisle, looking somewhat worn from his struggles, grasped my hand.
Even nobles seemed to have their fair share of difficulties.
“I also brought souvenirs today.”
Not wanting to ask too much and get dragged into a quagmire, I quickly shifted the topic.
“Oh! Ingredients from the Gourmet Sanctuary! Let me see them!”
Nodding at Carlisle’s words, I began taking out the ingredients I had gathered from my magic bag.
Beldan carefully picked up and examined each one.
“Skyfish, Byron meat, Spicy tree bark, Exploding corn, Magic wood… These are all extremely rare ingredients that are hardly ever obtained!”
“The sanctuary was full of such ingredients, so I couldn’t stop gathering them.”
“I see. Truly a paradise for you, Shuu-dono.”
As I explained the ingredients, something that had been on my mind came up.
“By the way, where is Sarasa-sama today?”
In the letter, she had written something about looking forward to souvenirs.
And yet, the very person who was excited for them wasn’t here.
“Ah, Sarasa has a bit of a situation and can’t appear in front of people right now.”
“Is she feeling unwell?”
Had she fallen seriously ill while I was at the Reilert estate? But there was no indication of that in the letter.
Carlisle leaned in closer, so I tilted my ear toward him.
“My wife got a pimple on her face. She’s too embarrassed to show herself.”
I see. That explains why Sarasa, who had been so eager for souvenirs, wasn’t coming out.
For women, pimples on the face are a very delicate issue. It’s understandable that, in an imperfect state, one wouldn’t want to show their face.
“Carlisle-sama, I have something that will be extremely useful for Sarasa-sama.”
“What is it?”
“It’s Queen Ant honey. If applied, it will instantly calm any skin irregularities.”
“That’s the ingredient my wife has been asking for repeatedly! Shuu-dono, you’ve truly brought it back!”
It seemed Carlisle knew about the effects of Queen Ant honey.
In fact, Sarasa, who had her eye on it, was quite sharp.
Since even Artorius wanted it, it must have been something with high demand, making it rare to obtain.
“Beldan, take this to Sarasa.”
“As you wish.”
Beldan bowed and left the parlor.
After a while, a joyful voice from a woman echoed from upstairs.
I’m glad I made sure to bring back the Queen Ant honey.