SWNOVELXO 63: Great Idea or Foolish Idea?
Around the beginning of June.
An incident occurred where the magical weed repellent along the highway connecting Camille Village and Coral Village was stolen in its entirety.
In some places, it seems that the surrounding magical weed repellent was also uprooted and taken away.
The first to notice was the Haldo Trading Company’s carriage, and Benjamin hurried over to inform us that the damage on the Coral Village side was extensive.
Father, who was planning to depart for the royal capital soon, had a serious look on his face.
“Is it timed for the period when the Marquess’ family wedding is held in the royal capital, or is it just a coincidence…?”
The key figures of the Marquess family have also left their territory. Naturally, some of the knights are accompanying them for security.
When Father and the retainers depart, our security will also be thin.
Father seemed concerned that if it were a large band of thieves, it could turn into a major problem.
Our household has many secrets, after all.
Mainly mine, though.
Hmm…
Currently, I am in Father’s office, listening while holding Guri-chan.
Poko-chan and Yue-chan are sitting on the sofa on either side of me. The other children are working and patrolling in the garden.
Guri-chan, Poko-chan, and Yue-chan also furrow their brows and puff out their cheeks in anger.
Grandfather Al, who is also present, had a serious expression.
Burton is standing behind the sofa, keeping watch.
“Magical weed repellent is a taproot plant that dislikes being transplanted, so I think it will probably die soon after being replanted elsewhere. Even if the transplant succeeds, it will weaken due to conditions like magical elements. Even if they make magical repellant balls from the stolen plants, it will be over once they run out of materials, right?”
“Yes, even for elves, it is a difficult plant to cultivate.”
Grandfather Al nodded with his arms crossed at my explanation.
The question is, who stole it and for what purpose?
“Adventurers, merchants, or perhaps a band of thieves…”
Father muttered, as if groaning.
“I have notified the Adventurers’ Guild and the Merchants’ Guild of the theft. Just in case, I have informed them to mark any magical repellant balls brought in from sources other than our family. I have also requested an investigation of the damaged areas, so we should receive detailed information soon. We have dispatched retainers to inquire at the gatekeepers and inns in Camille Village about any unfamiliar people passing through.”
It seems Victor has arranged many things.
Wait, but what about requesting patrols for the highway?
As I tilted my head in confusion, Victor shook his head.
“Grasping the exact extent of the damage is our top priority. Randomly placing guards would make it difficult to track the thieves if it involves the entire highway. Currently, there have been no personal injuries, so the best we can do is to warn travelers.”
“It is possible that the perpetrator is someone from within the village.”
Grandfather Al said something unpleasant.
I don’t want to suspect the villagers, but…
I understand that I need to look at things objectively.
It makes me feel uneasy.
“For the time being, why not notify the Adventurers’ Guild that shipments of magical repellant balls are stopped due to raw material theft? If they have other sources, it won’t hurt them, but if they have excess, they could sell them to the Merchants’ Guild in the royal capital.”
When I suggested this, Father and Victor exchanged glances and nodded.
“Indeed, that’s a great idea. If the supply of magical repellant balls stops, the Adventurers’ Guild will have to take some action. At the very least, they will investigate if it was an adventurer’s crime. However, if they have other sources, the Adventurers’ Guild might not take action.”
“That’s true. Although it will be like a test, let’s arrange it immediately.”
Father and Burton smiled wickedly.
We’re not doing anything bad, but it feels like a mischievous plot!
After Father and Victor left, Grandfather Al and I moved to the detached house to wait.
We were told not to leave until the retainers came to pick us up.
The detached house is a safe area.
Today’s drink is radberry juice.
As usual, it’s delicious.
Yummy.
“Still, we need measures against the theft.”
Grandfather Al said.
Mee-Mee, who was sitting next to him before I knew it, nodded in agreement.
“We will have to stop planting magical weed repellent for a while. It would be troublesome if it is stolen immediately after planting.”
“Wouldn’t that make it unsafe for people walking on the highway?”
“It was originally a place without magical weed repellent. If people are cowardly, they shouldn’t walk there.”
Wow, Mee-Mee is harsh!
Both Grandfather Al and Burton laughed, agreeing with her.
It seems I was being too soft.
Hmm…
“Hey, Mee-Mee, can we ask the small spirits to patrol? It might be a bit far to Camille Village, but can they sprinkle sleeping grass powder or laughing grass powder if they catch someone stealing magical weed repellent?”
Isn’t that a great idea?
When I glanced around, everyone was staring at me with surprised faces.
“…That’s a terrifyingly great idea.”
Huh? Why?
They’d just fall asleep or laugh uncontrollably, right?
Grandfather Al laughed cheerfully, saying, “That’s a brilliant idea!” while Burton shook his head and sighed.
I tilted my head in confusion.
“Are you not aware, Master Haku? Sleeping grass is also called ‘eternal sleep grass,’ and laughing grass is said to cause fatal laughter. Both are dangerous plants.”
Mee-Mee looked at me intently with a blank expression.
What?!
The names sound gentle!
I didn’t know that!
Forget what I just said!
Oh no, oh no!
“However, depending on how they are mixed, they can be good medicines. Even in the worst case, we have moonlight grass and clairvoyance grass in the botanical garden, so they won’t die.”
Mee-Mee smiled with crescent moon-shaped eyes, saying, “It’s a great idea.”
Scary!
Don’t say that with that expression!
“Oh! Then I’ll prepare a special concoction! Let’s start immediately!”
Grandfather Al ran off to the storage room with a big smile.
Oh no…
When I glanced at Burton, he was smiling kindly.
“It’s a great idea. Let’s hope we find the culprit safely.”
Eek!