Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 66

Lumia and I, who were about to gather materials, had come to the eastern forest outside Grantel.

“Ah, it’s been a while since I came to the forest.”

Trees and other plants occupy my entire field of view, and faint signs of life can be felt.

It was a stark contrast to the Demio Mine, where the path is dark and limited.

Although dark and intricate paths like those in the Demio Mine have their adventurous charm, spending too much time there can lead to a gloomy mood, so the brightness of the forest is important.

“Recently, you’ve been going to the Demio Mine, right?”

“Yes. I got hooked on mining and went there often, but I was just starting to miss the forest, so it’s great that I can gather with Lumia.”

“I’m relieved to hear you say that.”

“Even if Saffy-san doesn’t have a task, you can invite me to gather, you know?”

“Really? But Shuu-san must be busy too, right?”

Despite being of an age that could be called a girl, she’s such a considerate child to think about my busyness.

“Indeed, nomination requests have increased, but I have no obligation to accept them all, and my body can’t handle everything.”

“That just means everyone appreciates Shuu-san’s skills.”

“I’m happy to hear that, but sometimes I want to gather materials without any pressure.”

While I enjoy making others happy with the materials I gather, what I love most is gathering materials freely without any constraints.

There are times when I want to gather without being bound by anything.

“I see. In that case, I’ll definitely invite you. I was actually thinking of buying Wobbly Berry jam because it ran out, but if Shuu-san is here, I’d like to gather some!”

“Today, the task item takes priority, so I’m not sure if we can gather, but let’s definitely do it together.”

“Yes!”

“By the way, what materials are we gathering today?”

When I asked, Lumia took out a notepad from her pocket.

“Well, it’s Fruits of Wrath, Seven-colored Grapes, and high-quality sand.”

“I’ve seen Fruits of Wrath in the forest, but I’ve never seen Seven-colored Grapes or high-quality sand.”

Fruits of Wrath are fruits that grow in the forest, they’re very spicy, and eating them brings out a nauseating feeling of anger.

I’ve seen adventurers feed them to people whose emotions rarely change, enjoying their reactions of anger.

“Seven-colored Grapes are grapes that come in seven different colors. Not only is the color different for each grape, but the taste is also different. They’re delicious, but they deteriorate quickly in freshness and are prone to damage, so they’re not often found in the market.”

“I see, there are grapes like that.”

I wonder how they taste, not only with different colors but also different flavors.

I definitely want to gather them and try eating them on the spot.

“Can these be used in alchemy?”

“No, I don’t think so. Probably, Master just wants to eat them.”

Lumia answers with a wry smile.

I can’t help but feel that Saffy came all the way to my inn to ask because she wants to eat Seven-colored Grapes. It gives me that kind of vibe.

“But the other two materials can be used in alchemy. Fruits of Wrath can be used in potions to enhance physical abilities, and high-quality sand can be used in creating potion bottles.”

Perhaps sensing my suspicion, Lumia frantically explains.

Oh, so sand can be a material for potion bottles.

“Is high-quality sand something that can be gathered in a special place?”

I’ve walked through this forest many times, but I never thought there would be such a special sand area.

“No, it’s just ordinary sand downstream of the river. When you use alchemy skills to separate impurities, it becomes high-quality sand.”

“So, does that mean Lumia-san will use alchemy skills today?”

“Huh? Come to think of it, I’ve never used it in front of Shuu-san, have I?”

“Right, I’ve never seen it.”

“Well then, today I’ll show you my alchemy skills. However, my skill level is not that impressive, and the appearance is plain, so you might be disappointed…”

“No, just being able to see it is enough to make me happy!”

I’ve been curious about what alchemy skills are all about. Today, Lumia will demonstrate, so that adds another thing to look forward to.

“First, let’s start by gathering materials in the forest. I roughly know where the Fruits of Wrath grow, but I wonder where the Seven-colored Grapes are around?”

“According to Master, it seems to be in the northeast direction from where the Fruits of Wrath are.”

“I see. Let’s start by gathering Fruits of Wrath and Seven-colored Grapes. And then, on the way back, we’ll gather high-quality sand.”

“Understood.”

“Since these are unfamiliar materials, there might be some delays, I apologize in advance for that.”

“No, that’s part of the charm of gathering materials.”

Lumia smiles and says with a clenched fist gesture. She must have remembered something I said somewhere.

Drawn in by that smile, we continued walking, laughing together.

♦  ♦  ♦

With Lumia in tow, I advanced straight towards the lake, avoiding the monsters detected by their magic stone.

I remember glimpsing Fruits of wrath before while searching for Naruko Lily. A large bird ate a red spiky fruit, let out a voice resembling an angry shout, and flew away, leaving a lasting impression.

Perhaps the red fruit at that time was the Fruit of wrath, and the seed inside it was the seed of wrath itself. Most likely, I should be able to find it properly with my detection skill.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the lake, I activated detection for Fruits of Wrath, searching with care. As a result, the outline of blue, round fruits in the forest became apparent.

There must be Seeds of Wrath inside those fruits.

Approaching, I found red spiky fruits growing on the trees.

【Fruit of Wrath】

Spiky and intimidating fruits from a thorny tree. Eating them provides both spiciness and a rich savory flavor.

The seeds of wrath inside are ten times spicier than the flesh, bringing forth strength along with anger.

They also have the effect of enhancing physical abilities, such as body strengthening potions and power potions.

The fruit itself doesn’t possess these effects.

When I appraised it, it properly showed as Fruits of Wrath.

“Oh, there are Fruits of Wrath!”

“Really! They grow hanging down like this!”

The way Fruits of Wrath grow is similar to cherries.

The numerous fruits hanging down have a somewhat cute appearance.

“Let’s start gathering them, shall we?”

“Yes.”

Fruits of Wrath are not grown at a very high place. If they grow lower, Lumia’s height is sufficient to reach them.

I took out the gathering case and retrieved a small pair of scissors from it.

In situations like this, small scissors are more maneuverable and easy to use than a knife.

Nice. The feeling of being able to choose tools based on the situation.

Even before gathering the Fruits of Wrath, I was already in a good mood.

“Oh, is that a pair of scissors for gathering?”

“Yes, I had it made not too long ago.”

“When you get a new tool, it’s always exciting to use it, right? When I received work tools from my master, I was grinning the whole time.”

In my previous life, saying things like this would often be met with disapproval, but Lumia doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, she seems to be on the same page. It’s really nice to have someone who understands the joy.

Just grinning at the scissors won’t get the gathering done, so I quickly extended the scissors and cut at the base of the stem.

The scissors made by Drogan easily closed the blades and cleanly cut the stem. The blades don’t rub against each other at all, and the sharpness is excellent.

Thanks to that, I can gather Fruits of Wrath rhythmically with a snap.

“Wow, gathering scissors are really something.”

Despite being small, they have great sharpness. They can precisely and quickly cut only the stems, sewing through the space between nuts and leaves.

It’s worth having them custom-made.

While snapping and cutting stems to gather Fruits of Wrath, I noticed Lumia looking somewhat envious.

“…Would you like to try using it for a bit?”

“Is it okay to lend out such an important work tool?”

“We’re precious comrades who can celebrate the joy of acquiring new tools.”

Of course, I wouldn’t lend it to just anyone who treats it like an ordinary pair of scissors, but Lumia, who understands my joy, wouldn’t handle it roughly.

“Thank you! Wow, it’s really easy to use!”

Handing her the gathering scissors, Lumia immediately started using them to cut stems.

Her innocent reaction was truly heartwarming.