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CHAPTER 7 - HELPING THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER WITH THE POWER OF SCIENCE!
The next morning, as the sun rose, Sota was released from the cell and led to Asugi's tool shed. For the time being, he was allowed to use this place as his residence.
It was a bit dusty, but surprisingly spacious, and with the extra blankets, it seemed comfortable enough for sleeping. The lack of windows was a concern, but considering it was just a tool shed, it couldn't be helped.
"For now, please help in cleaning here today, and starting tomorrow, if you could assist with the work, that would be appreciated."
"Thank you for everything."
Sota bowed his head. Bowing was an effective expression of respect in this world as well, and Asugi seemed to have a slightly apologetic expression, perhaps finding Sota's politeness a bit overly considerate.
"No, actually... there's only this small tool shed..."
"It's okay. Back when I was a student... oh, well, when I was an apprentice, I lived in a room about twice the size of this."
"Huh... Are human houses like rabbit huts or something?"
This even caught Asugi off guard.
"Well, actually, they are."
"You must be joking."
Asugi burst into laughter.
"But what about lighting at night? What should I do?"
"Oh, my daughter Ayahi calls upon elemental spirits of light, so it's fine. I'm sorry, but I don't have the money to buy new lamps, and the cost of oil adds up..."
"Your daughter... Ayahi can do that?"
"That girl is actually more skilled in spirit magic than I am. She can manipulate the vibrations of the wind to carry her voice far, and she's even good at heating up the bathwater. I'm not as talented, and I'm just a dropout who can only use wind spirit magic."
Even during the time they maintained their breathing yesterday, Asugi remained mostly silent.
――It must be quite a demanding job.
"Are elves good at spirit magic?"
"If you're a Forest Elf, then most of us can use it to some extent. Drinking water, lighting fires, using it for illumination... various things. Well, in the city, there are fewer spirits, so we can't do much, but in a rural place like this, there are spirits everywhere."
――Elves have a more culturally enriched life than I thought. That's good.
Sota felt relieved internally that he might be able to lead a relatively modern and cultured life here.
"Ayahi wouldn't be impressed with me either, I guess."
"Well, you're a teacher, so you'll need to be responsible."
As they both laughed, a shout came from outside.
"Something's wrong, Asugi-san! Ayahi-chan went into the forest where the Camos trees grow!"
Unfamiliar words made Sota tilt his head.
――Camos trees? Are they dangerous? Do they emit poison? I wouldn't want a fantasy tree to suddenly attack me, but if it's poison, it won't affect me...
――Alright, I'll go along. I'll tell Asugi-san that I'm coming before she says anything.
――Not only am I being helped, but I'm also being watched. I want to maintain a good image.
"Well... I'm going now! Sota-san—"
Anticipating Asugi's words, Sota quickly interjected.
"I'll come along too. I have some knowledge about handling plants."
"But, just approaching a Camos tree could be—"
"I can't leave a student on their own. Please take me with you."
"Sota-san... Understood. We'll run a bit. Please follow me."
"Understood. I don't know much about the plants around here, so please teach me along the way."
Sota changed into sturdy-looking shoes he found in the tool shed and followed Asugi as she ran ahead.
＊
《Message: 'Poison Resistance' has been activated. It nullifies the irritation of mucous membranes caused by atmospheric ethanol.》
《Message: Due to the activation of 'Poison Resistance,' the skill 'Poison Resistance' has grown. It has increased from Rank D to Rank D+.》
The situation was just as Asugi had described along the way. The Camos trees bore fruits containing highly potent alcohol. The grove of these trees was located near the village. Sota understood the danger, as his 'Poison Resistance' skill had activated just from standing near them.
"As the stories go... it does reek of alcohol. Is it really safe for a child to wander in a place like this?"
"Forest Elves have some resistance. But more importantly, are you okay, Sota-san? The last time a human official came near here, they were overwhelmed by the alcohol vapor and collapsed, causing quite a commotion..."
"Huh? Oh... I'm used to handling alcohol from my previous work."
It wasn't a lie since there were many work-related gatherings. However, being used to something doesn't mean it's easily tolerable. Well, since there's only one human here, saying he's used to it might give the impression that he can endure it, and there's no one around to point out otherwise.
"Asugi-san, are you sure this kind of man can be of any use? He's an unidentified human, you know."
The Elf man standing next to Sota, wearing a mask, stared at him with a suspicious look. He was one of the men who had aimed a bow at Sota yesterday.
"I don't know. What do you think, Sota-san?"
"He's actually quite useful. I have a high tolerance for alcohol, you see. Watch this. Am I looking pretty calm?"
"That's right."
"Indeed... I suppose..."
"You, Elf."
"Shut it, you human, Nilgiri."
"Nilgiri-san, what about the others?"
"Well, apart from Ayahi-chan, who's diligently tending to the livestock as if she were a human, the rest of us aren't that serious about labor."
"Well... I see..."
—That's probably why you all got driven away by humans, isn't it?
—Thanks to their spirit magic or whatever, they've gotten used to not needing to work diligently.
Sota wanted to say something along those lines, but all he could manage was a vague nod.
"Oh? Speaking of which, Nilgiri-san, why are you up so early? Yesterday must have been tough, right? Your wife seemed worried once the news got to her."
"I was taking care of our livestock's grazing. Ayahi-chan's spirit magic sent a message, you know, using that voice manipulation thing. 'The livestock wandered into the Camos forest, so we're chasing after them,'" Nilgiri explained.
"Ah, yes. That girl seems to have quite a rapport with animals. What a predicament."
"To be honest, I didn't really think it through..."
—Guess the Elves really aren't that practical. Besides the village chief, there doesn't seem to be anyone with a sharp mind.
While Asugi and Nilgiri conversed, Sota took a deep breath to assess his abilities.
《Message: 'Toxin Resistance' has been activated. It nullifies the effects of ethanol on the brain's nervous system》
《Message: By activating 'Toxin Resistance', the skill 'Toxin Resistance' has grown. It has risen from rank D+ to rank C+》
《Message: Due to 'Toxin Resistance' reaching rank C+, you have learned a new skill, 'Detoxification'》
A satisfied smile spread across Sota's face as the messages flowed into his mind. It clicked. As soon as they entered his consciousness, Sota understood.
—Ethanol vapor is heavy, so I should be conscious of walking at a slightly elevated position.
Sota quickly surveyed the forest, gauged the direction of the wind, and deduced a route that would minimize his exposure to ethanol.
—If Ayahi-chan and the sheep are safe, they should be taking a route that avoids most of the ethanol's effects.
"I'm going to check out the situation first. I'll be back soon."
"It's dangerous, you know? There might be wild beasts or something..."
"Asugi-san, I'll be fine. Nilgiri-san, please call for backup just in case. It's a bit risky for a human to go alone, right?"
"Not a bad idea. If Ayahi-chan notices someone approaching, she might be able to use her voice manipulation to call for help. If that happens, Sota, come back and report the situation. You're just a fragile human, so don't do anything reckless."
—What's this guy saying, acting all high and mighty after I easily subdued him?
Sota almost tilted his head in confusion, but he held back.
"Yes, I'll do as you say."
Sota gave a cheerful smile. Of course, as all of you can probably imagine,
—While I do want to expose this guy's true colors, above all, he's a child who will become an important student of mine. I'll swiftly help and come back.
I have no intention of doing exactly as this man says.
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