All This for Fertilizer

The town had taken on its full winter coat, and the streets were sparsely populated.

Even so, Elza's steps were light.

"At first, I never imagined I'd be able to walk around freely like this."

"Really? I thought I gave you a fair amount of freedom."

"That's because you were sending me on quests and into labyrinths. Should I take it that I've earned this? Well, Master?"

Now that she said it, she had a point.

If the results hadn't been there, I might not have granted them this much freedom.

"The carrot and the whip work for everything."

"I'd rather you go easy on the whip, though."

"I'm sure."

Our first stop was Ramiza's alchemy shop.

We carried some farming tools in stock, but not fertilizer.

Few homes in the shop's customer base had yards large enough for a garden, and it simply wasn't a local habit.

Besides, certain fertilizers smelled.

If the odor transferred to other merchandise, it would be a disaster.

Especially now that scented products had become the shop's flagship line.

"Still no customers in sight, I see."

We arrived at Ramiza's shop.

Opening the door, I found the proprietor herself asleep in a chair with her feet propped up on the table.

She even had her hat pulled down over her face.

A wood-burning stove had been set up, and the shop was warm inside.

Perfect napping conditions.

"Pipe down. I'm not hurting for money, so what does it matter?"

"You should take a page from my book and put in some work. You could have this place booming if you tried."

"Hard pass…"

With a groan, Ramiza hauled herself upright.

I owed her a great deal from the Duchess Lecreune commission, but seeing her loaf around like this while I'd been running myself ragged warranted at least a sarcastic remark.

"So what is it this time? If it's the usual goods, I've been delivering those to your kebab guy."

"Kaimol. And this is a separate matter."

"Hmm. And you've brought along a dolled-up lady?"

"You mean Elza? You met her before. When we were working with the Silver Peach."

"Hmm…? The sister from back then? Amazing how much a change of clothes can transform someone."

"You're not bad-looking yourself. You should dress up once in a while."

Ramiza responded with a lazy yawn.

"Not interested. I've got alchemy. I maintain the basics, though."

"Fine, fine. Point is, I need fertilizer."

"Fertilizer? Growing vegetables? Trying to cut food costs? Same old you."

"Shut it. This is a trial run. If it works, it could turn into a sizable contract."

"Who knows. Recently, maybe, but you used to try all sorts of things and fail, remember?"

"That's how I learned."

Having known me through those early days made her a tough audience.

Come to think of it, Ramiza never seemed to age. Could that be the alchemy at work?

Silver Peach was supposed to have rejuvenating properties, too.

"I'd love to hear more about those days, Yohane-san."

"Oh, sure! So there was this one time…"

Elza leaned in, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I'd introduced Azu and the others, including to Ramiza, as my contracted adventurers.

They'd also been removing their slave bracelets in situations like these.

Which was why I'd told them to adjust how they addressed me accordingly.

I managed to cut off the conversation before my dark history was exhumed.

"Come visit me some other time. I'll tell you everything."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Women, honestly…

"So, fertilizer. I've got a few kinds, but for crops, this one's your best bet."

What Ramiza dragged out was a bag of powdered fertilizer.

"This is made from the pressed remnants of oil-seed beans, basically oil cake, ground into powder. All natural, totally safe. Good for the soil, too."

"Something sensible for once."

I hadn't expected the first recommendation from an alchemist's shop to be all-natural and safe.

I'd been bracing for something exotic.

"If you want to grow high-quality herbs and mandrakes, you've got to start with the soil. Being able to source good soil is part of what makes a good alchemist."

"Fair point."

The quality of Ramiza's products spoke for itself.

Her soap and perfume had impressed an Imperial duchess, after all.

"Besides, I use oils in my work, so I've got raw material coming out of my ears. Practically free to make, which means I can sell it cheap."

Ramiza puffed out her chest.

Looking at the price tag, it was indeed cheap.

The bag had to be at least ten kilograms, and it cost only three silver coins.

I ran my fingers through the fertilizer. It slipped through like sand.

Easy to mix into soil.

"Yohane-kun. Don't spring a massive order on me out of nowhere like last time, okay? My skin can't take it."

"Ramiza-san, your skin really is beautiful. What's your routine?"

"Oh, curious? I use extract of Moisturizing Grass. Add a few drops of Silver Peach essence and it's perfect for hydration."

"I see, I see. I'm amazed you can preserve Silver Peach essence."

"That's actually my own invention. I doubt many others can do it. Oh, keep that between us."

"Of course. In exchange, could you share where to get Moisturizing Grass?"

The two of them had gotten completely sidetracked.

At least it wasn't about my past.

They dove into skincare talk.

I could have done without them discussing bust-enhancement secrets right in front of me.

"Well then, pleasure doing business. I'll have the fertilizer delivered, so don't worry about lugging it home."

With a lackluster farewell, Ramiza flopped back down and went straight to sleep.

I'd planned to carry the fertilizer back myself, but she'd offered to deliver it.

"Since we're empty-handed, shall we walk a bit more? You don't get much exercise in this cold."

"I suppose a little more is fine."

Elza clasped her hands behind her back and walked on ahead.

After a few steps, she turned to face me.

"Are you happy right now, Master?"

"Where's this coming from? That sounds like a recruitment pitch."

"Oh, does it? Unfortunately, proselytizing wouldn't serve much purpose. I'm a priestess, not a savior."

"Happy, huh. I can eat, I have a roof over my head, and I don't lack for clothes. That's plenty. With that much settled, the rest is up to me."

"I like that about you, that grounded practicality. Money matters, but you never let it take the reins."

"What's that even mean?"

We talked about nothing in particular as we walked.

It was the first leisurely moment I'd had in a while.