Unfairly Fired From the Healer's Guild After Five Years of Dedicated Service

Episode 55 – Further Potential for Plants

“So you have a Rare Skill! No wonder you would request an escort party for something like gathering plants and herbs. And the reason you were employed at the Healer’s Guild was… also because of this Rare Skill?”

“I suppose so. I was born in the remote village of Dono, but, when it was discovered that I had this Rare Skill, an order came down from the government which forced me to work at Grezesta’s branch of the Healer’s Guild.” (Lewin)

“Ohh, so that’s what happened! Sounds like you made it in life! But why did you stop working for the Healer’s Guild? I feel like it would be the perfect job for you since you’re able to appraise plants and herbs…” (Lyra)

The conversation reached this critical point already, when Byrne stopped her.

“Lyra, let’s have this conversation over a meal. We can talk it out slowly, alright? There’s something we want to tell you as well.” (Byrne)

“I agree. Smelling the fragrance of delicious food and not being able to eat is driving me crazy!” (Porta)

“You’re right! Let’s hurry up and eat! Err… I don’t know how much you eat, Lewin, but is this bowl good enough for now?” (Lyra)

“Aww…. You’re not going to eat with us? But I already prepared your portion beforehand…” (Lyra)

She was looking so bright and happy a moment ago, but now she had a terribly sad expression on her face which made me feel like I’d done something horrible. They weren’t really well off financially, and the cost of food wasn’t something to look down on. I wanted to refrain… but seeing her expression made me feel like I couldn’t turn her down.

“Umm…. then, just a little bit would be fine.” (Lewin)

“Yay! Eat up, eat up! Nina and I made it with all our heart!” (Lyra)

Lyra’s expression cleared up instantly, and she responded with a smile. Seeing her back to normal, I felt relieved. Everyone sat down and received their portion of soup and bread.

“Well, go ahead! Time to dig in!” (Lyra)

“Thank you for the food!!” Giving our graces for the meal in unison, we started heartily devouring the food. I savored the appetizing smell of the soup and its picturesque appearance. This was the rich, mellow fragrance that I had caught a whiff of when we had returned to the base. There was an abundance of meat and vegetables simmered to tenderness in the soup, and the liquid was an appealing golden amber color. I took a moment to just relish in the wondrous sight and smell of this dish. Using a wooden spoon to scoop up a balanced sample of meat, vegetables, and soup, I took my first bite. The moment I put the soup in my mouth, I rejoiced at the delicate sweetness of the vegetables coinciding in harmony with the savory umami of the cubes of meat. A mildly spicy aftertaste gave a pleasant kick that further roused my appetite. This was delicious!! Super delicious! Without being able to stop, I began gorging myself on spoonful after spoonful of the exquisite soup. The meat and vegetables were simmered to the perfect texture, and the soup warmed me to the core of my soul. Together with the vast array of dazzling, radiant stars twinkling in the sky above, this meal was truly perfect beyond compare.

“Fufufu. Ehehehe…!” (Lyra)

“What is it, Lyra? What’s up with that evil snicker?” (Byrne)

“I mean, look at Lewin! He’s enjoying it so much!” (Lyra)

She must have been observing me… When she noticed my captivation with the food, she started to grin and giggle. I was so moved by the soup and the beautiful natural scenery in my surroundings that I didn’t notice I was being watched. Judging by her expression, I must have been showing another funny reaction on my face.

“Um, it’s really delicious! Out of all the soups I’ve had before, this has to be the best food I’ve ever had!” (Lewin)

“The spiciness comes from the Red Hot Herbs! Nina thought of a way to use them in cooking, and it heightens the flavor and fragrance of the dish.” (Lyra)

“Red Hot Herb, is it? I’ve never heard of this herb before…” (Lewin)

“It’s apparently a herb that is imported from another country, but we always buy it in the market.” (Lyra)

Imported from a different country… It was true that a different country would have different species of plants growing in its vicinity. New species of plants from different countries, huh? Just thinking about the multitude of possibilities out there got me feeling excited.

“If you don’t have Red Hot Herb, you could probably substitute it with Spicy Bomb Fruit which you can find on Mount Cornello.” (Lyra)

“Spicy Bomb Fruit? Could it be, plants that add spiciness can be used for cooking?” (Lewin)

“Yep! They’re collectively called spices, and they’re quite handy. They can be used to remove gaminess and odors from meat, too!” (Lyra)

I see… I had completely missed the point of those spicy plants. Obviously they wouldn’t taste that good alone and didn’t pack enough of a punch to be useful against monsters, but they were useful as an auxiliary cooking ingredient. Maybe the Peppercorns that I had appraised earlier today would be useful for cooking too?

After today’s meal, my horizons had expanded, broadening the boundaries of the potential that I previously had in mind for plants and my own power. There were all kinds of plants… ones used for cooking, ones used directly for my own growth, and ones that could be weaponized against monsters. Perhaps it was just that my own knowledge was lacking, and in reality [Plant Master] was a super ultimate skill? At that moment, I became convinced.

Author Note: The progress of the story might be slow, but it’s at an important part right now so I’m trying my best to tell it carefully. Please bear with me!