CH 178

I Watched As Leo and Phillip Returned to the Mansion

After Leo was finished, they discovered that only half of the wine could be drunk safely.

Perhaps they should be glad that it wasn’t everything, but for such a small village, this was a great loss.

Once I return to the mansion, I would like to discuss with the others if there is anything that can be done.

I couldn’t help but think this as I saw the tired faces of Mr. Hannes in the villagers, who had been pushing the barrels.

“In any case, make sure that no one goes close to the dangerous barrels. They should be separated so that they are not touched.”

“Yes. I’ll see to it.”

“Leo. I’m sure that you’re tired after all that…but could you do one more thing?”

“Wuff. Wuff-wuff?”

I told them to isolate the dangerous barrels, so that no one would drink them by accident.

Also, I told Leo what I had discussed with Phillip.

Leo said something about not being that tired, and then she tilted her head curiously… It was almost as if she was eagerly expecting me to make a request… Even her tail was wagging… Did she like it when I asked her to do something?

“As soon as possible, I want you to carry Phillip and take him back to the mansion.”

“Wuff. …Wuff?”

“Me? I’m going to stay here for a little longer.”

“Wuff…”

“I’ll be fine. I said the same thing to Phillip. This is a safe village where there is no danger of being attacked by anyone. …But if you’re so worried, come back as soon as you can.”

“…Wou!”

Leo quickly agreed to going, but was questioning my decision to stay.

As she seemed worried, I insisted that it was safe. I then joked that she should return as quickly as possible, and she nodded with enthusiasm.

“…Of course, don’t be in such a rush that you shake Phillip off of your back, okay?”

“Wou…wuff.”

Leo was so concerned about me that she nearly forgot about Phillip.

If she ran as fast as she could, no human would be able to stay on…

So it was a good thing that I reminded her.

…Phillip would likely be injured if he fell.

“So, Mr. Hannes. I will be staying here for a little longer, if that is all right?”

“If it is you, Mr. Takumi, you may stay for as long as you want. From the illness to discovering the trouble with the sphere…you have saved this town. And so you are always welcome.”

As I waited for Phillip to prepare his return journey, I told Mr. Hannes my reasons and asked if I could stay.

I had sort of made up my mind before I even asked him, so it was a good thing he didn’t refuse…

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you ready, Leo?”

“Wuff.”

And then Leo lay low so that Phillip could climb onto her back.

As this was his first time riding her, he seemed a little scared. However, he would likely be fine, as he was used to riding on horses.

“Phillip. Take this.”

“…Ramogi?”

“Yes. Since my return to the mansion will be delayed, it will affect the stock in Ractos. This is just enough for a few days, but it will have to do for now. Also, since you were exposed to the glass sphere, if you see any symptoms…”

“Drink the Ramogi… Yes, I understand.”

“Good.”

While Leo was sniffing the barrels, I had used my time to make some extra Ramogi.

The villagers were all concentrating on the wine, and the children were watching Leo. So I was able to work privately in Mr. Hannes’s house.

Medicine was important in order to stop the further spreading of the disease.

While they would run out of the other herbs and medicine, right now, I decided to focus on Ramogi.

“I’m counting on you, Leo. Always be aware that your rider is secure.”

“Wuff!”

“…Thank you, good Leo.”

“Phillip, just tell Leo if she is going too fast. Leo, listen to what he says, all right?”

“Wuff-wuff.”

“I understand. I’ll be careful and hold on tight so we can get there as soon as possible.”

Leo nodded reassuringly as she stood up.

Phillip was more fit than I was, and he was a rider, so perhaps Leo could run faster than she did with me.

That would mean reaching the mansion a lot earlier… It would be best to give Sebastian and the others the information about the glass sphere and the illness as soon as possible.

“We’ll go then. Please be careful as well, Mr. Takumi.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Wuff!”

I said to Phillip, and then Leo barked once before dashing off.

“…That might be a little too fast… Leo?”

She practically disappeared right in front of us.

I didn’t know if she was overexcited or just wanted to return quickly… I would have to pray for Phillip’s safety… Well, Leo was surely smart enough to think about him… 

“Now, Mr. Hannes.”

“Yes.”

“Please take this, just in case.”

“…Ramogi? But everyone is already…”

“While you separated the wine barrels, perhaps some people have already drunk it. And there may be people who are already ill but haven’t shown symptoms yet. …I just think you should be careful.”

“Very well. You saved this village and are a pharmacist who serves the duke. I will not question you.”

That was how Mr. Hannes saw me. The duke’s pharmacist.

Well, I suppose it wasn’t completely inaccurate…

Regardless, I wasn’t going to give him any more details.

And so I handed Mr. Hannes the Ramogi.

It wasn’t much, but I could make more if needed.