Batiels flowers were a common cash crop in the Asura Kingdom. Lavender-like in shape, with pale purple blossoms, they were edible, easy to grow, and required minimal care. Thanks to their fragrance, they were often processed into perfumes and distributed across the kingdom from workshops in the royal capital.
Buina Village was primarily sustained by wheat and Batiels flowers.
At the forest's edge, three figures—one tall and two short—moved through the dense fields of Batiels blossoms.
"How much longer, Sylphie?"
Sylphy parted the flowers beside her and glanced at Rudeus. "The tower is a bit far from the village... another hour of walking."
Rudeus blinked in surprise. "That far? Why does your father make you bring him lunch then? Wouldn't it be easier to pack it in the morning?"
"There aren't enough people on rotation. Father usually stays for five days. It's too much food to prepare in advance."
"Ah, I see. No wonder you brought a whole basket of bread. Is that all for today?"
Sylphy nodded.
Behind them, Allen was fiddling with Batiels flower heads, rubbing them to extract the seeds into his hand. Without looking up, he asked, "But the bread is ruined, right? Are we really showing up empty-handed?"
Rudeus turned to Sylphy in alarm. She glanced over at Allen, her eyelashes fluttering.
"Father can hunt... If there's no rabbit nearby though, he might go hungry."
"I see," Allen murmured, turning to look at the forest nearby. "An hour's walk... should be enough. How tall is the tower? Easy to spot?"
"About three meters. There's a monster-repelling net around it. Should be noticeable."
Allen smiled, stopped walking, and addressed the two curious kids. "Then go ahead. I'll bring food."
One hour later, at the forest edge...
"Who are you, handsome?"
Rudeus blinked at the golden-haired elf atop the tower. Then, remembering their excuse, he quickly bowed.
"I'm here to apologize. We accidentally ruined Sylphy's lunch. Please don't blame her."
The man atop the tower—Sylphy's father, Rholtz—looked at both Rudeus and the silent Sylphy.
"Sylphy, were you bullied again?"
Sylphy tensed up. "No... someone helped me. But... I ruined the food. I'm sorry, Father."
Rholtz sighed. "Again? Maybe your mother should bring food from now on."
"No, I can do it."
"Next time you're bullied, tell me. Don't lie about it being your fault, alright?"
"Okay."
Rudeus watched them, blinking. 'Luffy? Wait, stretchy limbs? No… focus, it's a nickname. Cute though.'
Rholtz turned to Rudeus. "You kids are thoughtful. I know those brats from the village threw the mud. Thank you for helping her. What's your name?"
"Nice to meet you, I'm Ru—"
But Rholtz's face suddenly changed. With a sharp motion, he loosed an arrow into the forest.
The arrow vanished into the dark woods without a sound. His expression turned grave. "Quick, go back and get the Knight!"
Before he finished, he froze, staring.
A boar-shaped shadow emerged from the trees—a massive beast approaching the tower.
Sylphy gasped and turned to run, but Rudeus stopped her. "Look again."
Through the gaps in the trees, a figure stepped out—dragging the boar's giant tusk in one hand and clutching an arrow in the other.
It was Allen.
"Since there's no bread, let's eat pork for lunch."
He tossed the dead boar down casually, handed the arrow back to the stunned Rholtz, and clapped his hands. "Hope you're hungry."
Allen, of course, had to sincerely beg Rudeus for help with lighting the fire and summoning water.
An hour later, the smell of grilled meat filled the air.
The four of them gathered around a makeshift table and chairs sculpted from earth magic. The BBQ setup was crude, but the atmosphere warm.
Although Allen only handled cutting, skewering, and flipping the meat, Rudeus was enjoying himself.
"Didn't know Batiels seeds could be such good seasoning. This is amazing~"
Rudeus moaned with pleasure. Rholtz, less interested in the food, watched Allen with growing admiration.
"So you're the sword teacher Paul mentioned. So young. I'm glad you became friends with Sylphy. And please, don't treat her differently because of her hair."
"Don't worry, uncle. Sylphy is our friend. That's enough."
Sylphy's ears twitched. She looked at Allen, whose plate in front of her was stacked with meat.
Allen glanced at Rudeus.
He was stuffing meat into his mouth, oblivious.
Allen sighed and placed more meat on Sylphy's plate.
'Even without the short hair, he still doesn't realize she's a girl... well, no need to force it. Let nature take its course.'
'Sylphy's role in the story... mostly to introduce Ariel and the Asura throne plotline. She's a great girl, but kind of just a narrative tool. Also, helped cure Rudeus's ED and stabilize his harem? Poor girl, left behind by fate.'
Feeling sympathy, Allen added another piece to her pile.
"A-Allen, I really can't eat any more..."
"You can."
She shivered and stuffed it in her mouth like a squirrel.
"I ate it..."
"Good girl~"
Rholtz watched with a warm smile. Only one of these four was technically a child, but the scene was peaceful.
After lunch, Allen kept a piece of hide and gave the rest of the boar to Rholtz.
The trio returned to the hill. Several children were playing nearby. When they saw Allen, one screamed and they all fled.
Allen walked to the tree and carved into it:
"Territory of Rudeus, Sylphy, and Allen.
Entry Requirement:
Bow to Sylphy three times.
—Allen"
Satisfied, he turned to Rudeus—but the boy looked pale.
"Hey, are you alright?"
Rudeus clutched his stomach.
Sylphy was sweating but tried to smile. Then she collapsed.
"Sylphy!"
Rudeus rushed forward—only to collapse too.
As he passed out, he recalled a conversation:
"Batiels seeds are mildly toxic. They stimulate pain receptors—perfect for natural spice. No antidote needed. I eat them all the time. The body processes them fine."
'No... it's not fine...'
Turns out, overconsumption led to acute poisoning. Allen's physical resilience skewed his judgment.
At the clinic, a flushed Zenith glared at Allen but didn't yell. She just knocked on his head.
"Don't feed others unknown ingredients. If Batiels seeds were truly harmless, they'd be common in kitchens. You seem mature but you're still a kid—reckless."
'Says the one married to Paul...'
Zenith wore a fresh white outfit, her boots swapped for shorter ones.
She healed the kids with detoxification magic.
Allen, watching their eyelashes twitch in sleep, subconsciously grabbed her hand.
"Please don't tell Paul."
"But he's right behind you."
'Yeah... I know...'
WHACK.
Allen collapsed, hearing Paul's voice.
"Don't worry, he's tough. I know my strength. Just a little punishment. Anyway, honey, about earlier—"
"Stop it! Sorin's wife is still outside."
"I told her to go home."
'You monster, Paul... not even letting your bro spectate the nurse uniform play...'
Darkness swallowed Allen as he passed out.
The system screen shimmered faintly:
[Detected physical contact with Zenith. Detected detoxification spell.]
[Skill acquired: Intermediate Detoxification.]
[So far, you're doing great~]
[Good night, Allen.]
(End of Chapter)
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