Chapter 27

The day after the seedlings grew to a gargantuan size, Lord Nazel happened to be at the mansion for a change, so we planted the remaining seedlings in the garden and conducted various experiments. Kelly poked her head out to check on us from time to time as well.

We discovered that after applying my reinforcement magic and waiting a while, the seedlings would grow massive and bear fruit in about half a day. Furthermore, it seemed they would produce fruit regardless of the season.

“The reason the first Viola Berries grew especially large might be a matter of nutrition,” Lord Nazel mused.

“…Because I scattered all that fertilizer?” I asked.

Lord Nazel told me later that the fertilizer kept in the corner of the garden was supposed to be mixed into the soil in small amounts over several sessions. To think I had been joyfully dumping massive quantities of it all at once…

“I heard about that from Kelly. Normally, that would be far too much. But since your magic caused such rapid growth, the plants were able to absorb a vast amount of nutrients. It seems it actually resulted in just the right balance.”

“In that case, I’ll keep scattering it just like before!”

“Wait, Lady Agnes…?! It’s heavy, so—”

There were mountains of fertilizer piled in the corner of the yard. I grabbed a bag and dumped it with a loud thud onto the already tilled field.

“Lady Agnes, you’re so strong…” Lord Nazel remarked.

Come to think of it, Lord Nazel had been drunk when we planted the first seedlings.

…That’s right. Apparently, I am quite strong.

“Viola Berries, Emerald Cherries, and Pink Silvervine. I modified the other plants to grow more easily and bear plenty of fruit, but…”

Even though Lord Nazel had made the initial adjustments, it seemed even he hadn’t expected them to grow this gargantuan or produce such an abundance of fruit.

It turned out my magic could be used for more than just reinforcing clothes and bags…

“I’m just glad we can harvest delicious fruit. Even Kelly can manage if it’s just a matter of slicing them and peeling the skin. Oh, I know! One of your books, Lord Nazel, has a recipe for jam. I’ll try making some next time while following the instructions. I’ve observed the servants using the kitchen equipment back at my parents’ house.”

“If you’re going to try, it would be best to have Kelly watch over you at first. Regardless of the cooking itself, she’s used to handling the equipment. Perhaps I should research cooking as well, since we don’t have a chef.”

“I’d love to try your cooking, Lord Nazel.”

Knowing how dexterous he was, he could probably cook just by looking at a book. It might be fun to make something together.

“Hehe, look forward to it. Also, I think I’ll try planting some grains in that field over there next.”

The mansion’s vast garden still had many fields and flowerbeds that hadn’t been tilled yet.

“That sounds wonderful. If you need any Material Reinforcement, just leave it to me.”

“Thank you, Lady Agnes. I’m sorry for forcing you into such an inconvenient lifestyle.”

“It’s not inconvenient at all! If anything, it’s fun. I’ll say it as many times as I need to: I truly love living here.”

Back at my parents’ house, I could never move around freely like this. Part of it was the family’s strictness, but I also lacked confidence and was afraid to go outside.

But now, Lord Nazel and Kelly are with me, and people have stopped pointing fingers and calling me the “Potato Lady.” That makes me so happy.

“Thank you for bringing me to the frontier, Lord Nazel.”

“Lady Agnes…”

Lord Nazel slowly reached out toward me with both hands.

“…Hmm?”

As I stood still, not quite understanding what was happening, he pulled me into a tight embrace.

“L-Lord Nazel!?”

Eeeek! Lord Nazel has lost his mind—!

He was warm, his chest felt firm, and he smelled so good…

My heart began to pulse at double speed, and my thoughts whirled at full power before vanishing into a fog.

“I’m the one who should be thanking you. I’m truly glad that you’re here with me.”

As he whispered that, Lord Nazel pressed himself even closer, and his lips softly descended upon my cheek.

“…!?”

Lord Nazel… did he just kiss my cheek…?

It was my forehead during the proposal, but isn’t he getting bolder?

The touch was light and pulled away almost instantly, but I remained frozen in a complete daze.

I felt like I wanted to ask his true intentions, yet I was terrified of hearing them at the same time.

While I was blushing furiously and wallowing in indecision, Lord Nazel pulled back with a smile.

Ugh, I’m such a coward.

“Lady Agnes, I think I’ll look into the seedlings and inform Sir Henry as well. This might lead to an improvement in the food situation here.”

“…You’re right. It would be wonderful if these seedlings spread throughout the territory. If Material Reinforcement is required, I’ll go and cast the magic myself.”

Since the Sutrena Territory sits at the southern edge of the country, it borders the forest and the sea, meaning food can be secured even if crops are hard to grow.

However, that was only under normal circumstances.

As I had heard before, the damage caused by magical beasts in this place was severe.

During seasons when magical beasts appeared in large numbers, or when particularly ferocious ones were spotted, it became impossible to venture into the forest or to the sea, leading to food shortages.

If luck was poor, there were apparently years where people couldn’t safely set foot outside for over six months.

Risking one’s life to gather food from the sea or forest, or prioritizing safety… the people of the territory were forced to make harsh choices.

If the seedlings Lord Nazel created were to increase, it would be possible to obtain food safely at any time.

While the planting locations and those responsible for harvesting would need to be considered, many of the people would surely be saved if these seedlings spread.

We might even be able to ship them out to other territories.