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Frontier Lord Chapter 028: Medicinal Herb Cultivation (Part 2)

Given the relatively brief travel time between Irk Village and the Oni Tribe’s village, along with the perceived absence of danger, I found myself agreeing. 

「I suppose I won’t be needing my battle axe.」 I remarked, proceeding to make minimal preparations before departing from Irk Village.

As we journeyed, we paused here and there, letting Francis and his family enjoy the tasty pasture while also surveying the meadows for potential field locations. Despite these brief halts, we reached the Oni Village prior to noon.

Upon reaching the village’s entrance, I informed the guards of my purpose and was granted permission to enter. I received numerous death stares from the male population, given that I was the one that’d taken Aruna away from the village. Walking through the village, I arrived at a central location where a large yurt stood.

「Mohr! Are you here?」　

I called out, raising my voice to be heard.

「I have some things I’d like to ask! I hope I’m not being a bother?」

A swift response came from within the yurt, 「Stop being so formal and just come in already!」

In response, a robust voice, which hardly sounded like that of an elderly person, echoed from within.

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the stark contrast, amused by the realization that I still had many years ahead of me. With a smile, I lifted the cloth entrance and entered the yurt alongside Francis and Francois.

Taking a seat before the elder, Mohr, at the far end of the yurt, I proceeded to explain the purpose of my visit. How I aimed to establish a field and sought insight into the cultivation of medicinal herbs for guidance.

Upon hearing my request, Mohr’s demeanor shifted noticeably. Her reluctance became apparent, and her countenance transformed, the vigor that had accompanied her initial response giving way to contemplation and deeper wrinkles.

「I’m afraid traditional field crops aren’t likely to thrive in this area… For reasons I can’t fully explain, crops just don’t take root in this meadow,」 Mohr began, her tone carrying a note of regret. 

「Many generations ago, the Oni Tribe employed a specialized method to cultivate fields, but that knowledge has dwindled over time due to wars and other challenges…」　

She continued, 「While I can certainly provide guidance on growing medicinal herbs, field cultivation isn’t something I can assist with…」

Recalling Eldan and the others’ comments on the challenges of farming in a meadow, where only short grass thrived, I acknowledged the difficulties at hand. 

However, this didn’t dampen my resolve. Given that it had already been done once before this meant that we only needed to find out how to do it again!

「If you can provide insights into the cultivation of medicinal herbs, that would suffice. I’m aware that field cultivation poses challenges in this meadow,」 I acknowledged. 

「However, I still want to try it and learn the techniques for cultivating medicinal herbs.」

Upon hearing my intention, Mohr responded with a somewhat reluctant nod. She then reached towards a dirty leather bag tucked away in a corner of the yurt, using her crane to pull it closer to her. Extracting a fist-sized, green jewel from the bag, she placed it before me on the floor, with a heavy look in her eyes.

「Given that you’re this serious about it I guess I have no choice but to teach you. It’s not an elaborate procedure…」 Mohr explained, 「Herb cultivation isn’t overly challenging, especially if you utilize the Leaf Manure Stone.」

She continued, 「You dig up the soil, place it in a pot, and mix it with water, crushed animal bones, and the crushed Leaf Manure Stone. Allow the potted plant to rest in the yurt for a period of time. Once the soil is primed, you can proceed to plant medicinal herb seeds or herbs with already defined roots. A soil that has not had a Leaf Manure Stone infused in it is unsuitable for cultivating herbs and is unlikely to yield any crops.」

「Stone……? Can you really cultivate herbs with just stones and bones? I can see the water part, but those two are a bit……」

Mohr responded, 「Well, it may sound peculiar, but it does indeed work. This is the only way for it to work. However, I’ve found that attempting the same method for cultivating vegetables doesn’t yield the same results. Oddly enough, when I tried growing potatoes and beans in pots using a similar technique, they thrived initially with leaves, but then either withered or failed to bear fruit.」

Listening intently to Mohr’s explanation, I found myself reaching for the Leaf Manure Stone before me, awestruck by the potency attributed to this unassuming gem.　

Lifting the stone, I examined its texture and marveled at how it emitted a vibrant green glow upon absorbing the sunlight.

Crushing this gem and integrating it into the soil held the promise of facilitating the growth of medicinal herbs, yet Mohr clarified,

「Mixing this stone with the soil will foster the growth of medicinal herbs, but it won’t have the same effect on field crops. Do you know what’s the difference between them? To be honest, it’s all grass to me……」

Mohr responded, 「It won’t do you any good asking me. There’s a woodsman who might be able to provide answers.」

「What? A woodsman? What’s that?」

「A woodsman is a woodsman. They dwell within the forest, possessing extensive knowledge of the wilderness, plants, and fields. Legend has it that the woodsman possesses the ability to transform barren land into lush greenery with a mere touch of their hand. However, I must admit, I’ve never encountered this woodsman personally. I’ve only heard the tales. Their existence itself is dubious.」

「I see… Finding such a remarkable being would be ideal, solving all our field-related issues. However, the notion of finding this legendary figure remains a challenging endeavor,」 I mused, understanding the limitations of such a pursuit.

「For now, our focus should be on unearthing a unique approach to cultivating the fields, akin to the methods employed by the Oni Tribe in the past.」 I continued, 「This particular avenue isn’t veiled in legend, instead, it presents an intriguing and tangible opportunity. The distinct Leaf Manure Stone before us holds the potential for practical application.」

Considering the possibilities, I suggested, 「Perhaps we could experiment with different crops, scattering these stones throughout the field and exploring diverse combinations beyond bones and stones. Should we encounter challenges, seeking guidance would certainly be a wise course of action. So, what would be the worth of this Leaf Manure Stone? I hope it wouldn’t be too costly, especially if it’s intended to be crushed and utilized…」

As I posed this question, subtly expressing a desire for a reasonable price, my gaze remained fixed upon the Leaf Manure Stone. Mohr’s response, accompanied by a huff and a chuckle, was straightforward.

「What are you talking about? Does this mere stone look like a gem to you? It might hold some sort of magical essence, but if you can’t harness or use that power, it’s merely a stone fit for crushing and incorporating into the soil. There’s little worth in a stone that’s as abundant as dirt itself, waiting to be dug up just a little ways south from here.」

(Does she mean to say that this stone is naturally found in the dirt? Not extracted from rock formations or similar sources? And to think that I can harness as much as I want… That seems… somewhat unbelievable…)

The revelation that such a brilliantly glowing stone held little value within the Oni Tribe’s perspective reminded me of the contrasting value systems between our cultures.

「In that case, if the supply is plentiful, could I obtain some for personal use? I would be grateful to bring some back with me……」

Mohr readily responded, 「You’re welcome to take as much as you need. Whenever you run low, return, and we’ll be happy to provide more.」

With a satisfied smile, she pushed the leather bag toward me using her cane, seemingly content to share the resource.

The nonchalant attitude toward the stone’s value served as a stark reminder of its insignificance within the Oni Tribe’s perspective.

The stone’s exquisite hue and potential value if polished and sold in the capital accentuated the profound contrast in our respective value systems.

While examining the contents of the leather bag, I couldn’t help but muse on the vast divergence in priorities. The moment was interrupted when I noticed Mohr’s gaze fixed upon me, her expression carrying an air of intrigue. She began to speak deliberately, her words taking on an enigmatic quality.

「I am more than willing to provide you with as many Leaf Manure Stones as you require. I’ll gladly share my knowledge and even offer our assistance if you need manpower,」 Mohr proposed earnestly. 「In return, should your field crops thrive, would you consider imparting your insights to us? The prospect of stabilizing our food supply, expanding the village, and allowing for the growth of our population has long been an aspiration.」

I acknowledged her request with a nod, understanding her intentions before she even articulated them.

「Of course, I wholeheartedly agree. The growth of the Oni Village would undoubtedly benefit us as well. Originally, my intention was to offer guidance should the fields yield positive results. I’ll make sure to bring a plethora of potatoes and share some valuable tips.」

As I expressed my willingness to collaborate and share knowledge, Mohr’s weathered features softened into the warmest smile I had ever seen on her.　

A hoarse, crackling laugh escaped her lips, reflecting her amusement.

「Good, good. I shouldn’t have expected anything less from Dias the Blue.」 She laughed, her laughter filling the air. 

「I’ll be looking forward to your success. And, of course, I’m hoping for a child to come from you and Aruna.If you’re interested, I can provide you with herbs that could aid in conception. It’s a valuable resource, and if your focus shifts too heavily to field work, you might not find the time for such matters. I wouldn’t mind sharing it with you.」

I chuckled nervously, internally pondering the potential effects of using such herbs for procreation. 

「Yes, well, we can discuss that another time. Still to think that such a herb exists…… I have no intention of using those herbs, nor do I require them. And just what does it do to make child making easier… Does it drive men to lose their reason from arousal or something? Please don’t go ahead and give that hazardous herb to Aruna before consulting me, okay?!」