Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Journey to the Spirit Village

The golden-haired, green-eyed elven girl referred to Tina as Kururina-sama.

Apparently, that’s Tina’s mother’s name.

“That’s the name of this child’s mother. Do you know someone named Kururina-san?”

I inquired the elven girl.

I wanted to ask this question. Perhaps Tina’s blood relatives are in the Spirit Village.

“Yeah, she was really kind to me. She was like an older sister to me. But I never imagined she had a child.”

The elven girl says, gazing closely at Tina.

Then, she suddenly seems to realize something and shows a startled expression.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Chloe from the Spirit Village. I’m an elf.”

She says, her gaze shifting between me and… Tina.

“I’m Kurt. I’m the head of this village.”

“I’m Tina. I’m Kurt-sama’s servant.”

Tina adds.

After hearing our introductions, Chloe, the elven girl, murmurs Tina’s name as if savoring it.

“Hey, Tina. Is Kururina-sama doing well? I’ve been worried since she left the village thirteen years ago without any contact.”

Chloe asks.

Upon hearing that question, Tina briefly shows a sad expression before speaking.

“My mother passed away four years ago. It was due to an epidemic.”

Chloe is speechless.

It’s because of two things: the death of someone close and the fact that the cause of death, an epidemic, is now striking the village.

Even if it’s a different kind of illness, there’s something to ponder about.

“…Is that so? Kururina-sama, the liar. She said she’d definitely be happy when she left the village. That’s why I didn’t stop her.”

Chloe says, tears streaming down her face.

Seeing this, my wariness towards her loosens slightly.

Someone who cries for Tina’s mother can’t be a bad person.

“Tina, does Tina know about the Spirit Village?”

Chloe asks.

“I’ve only heard about it from my mother’s stories and have never been there myself. But whenever my mother talked about the Spirit Village, she seemed happy. She described it as a very prosperous village, full of fruit, and everyone was always smiling with full bellies.”

Tina replies.

“Really? And yet she ran away from the village.”

Chloe murmurs, her expression turning grim.

According to Tina’s story, her mother, who is human like Tina’s father, escaped from the Spirit Village where interactions with humans are forbidden in order to be with Tina’s father.

Surely, for Tina’s mother, who ventured outside for the first time, it must have been a series of hardships.

The elven Chloe grimaces.

“Kururina-sama was foolish. If she hadn’t left the village, she’d still be living happily there. It’s because she went outside that she became unhappy.”

Upon hearing those words, Tina shakes her head.

“Please take back those words. My mother was happy when she was in the village, and even after leaving, she said she was happier now with my father and me, despite the struggles. She said that until just before she died.”

Tina’s unwavering gaze pierces Chloe.

“I see. I’m sorry, Tina. I didn’t know. I guess… that’s how it was.”

Chloe says, her expression a mix of relief and frustration.

The atmosphere becomes somewhat awkward, but we need to continue the conversation.

“Chloe, unfortunately… there’s no such thing as a medicine that can save the Spirit Village in this village.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. There’s no such convenient solution.”

Chloe seemed to have already braced herself, as she accepted my words while biting her lip.

“As for what comes next… There are two options. One is to return to the Spirit Village. The other is to go to a much larger human city, a full day’s ride from here by carriage.”

I explained.

Chloe’s face brightens slightly. Perhaps she thinks there might be something in the larger city that could help her.

“I can’t recommend going to the human city. Most likely, based on the fragmented information alone, there won’t be any doctors in the large city who can pinpoint the epidemic in the Spirit Village and provide a cure. …And even if there were, Chloe is too naive. She’d likely be deceived and taken advantage of before reaching it. Most humans aren’t kind.”

I warn.

A sheltered elf maiden like Chloe wandering around a large city, exposing her vulnerabilities, would be inviting disaster.

“That’s… still, it’s no good, huh? It’s hopeless.”

Chloe mutters.

Certainly, it seems hopeless.

But maybe, just maybe, I can save them.

“Tina, I have one thing I want to ask you. How do you feel about the village where your mother was born? Are you resentful toward the village that expelled your mother by its laws?”

I inquire.

If Tina’s mother had been allowed to live in the village, she might have survived.

It wouldn’t be strange if Tina harbored resentment.

“No, I don’t think like that. My mother loved the village even after she left… so I don’t want the place she loved to disappear.”

Tina replies.

I see. In that case, the course of action is clear.

“Chloe, it might be impossible just from what you’ve heard, but if I examine the patients directly, I might be able to save them.”

I suggest.

“Is that true!?”

“It’s only a possibility. It might turn out that I can’t do anything after examining them. But we won’t know until we try. If you’re willing to bet on me, I’ll go to the Spirit Village.”

As the only doctor in the village, I possess considerable knowledge and practical experience. And in the worst-case scenario, if conventional medicine fails, I have [Heal].

If possible, I don’t want to expose [Heal]. I’d prefer to rely on conventional medicine, although the chances of success are slim.

“Thank you nonetheless! This was going to be absolutely hopeless otherwise. But now, it’s not a lost cause anymore.”

Chloe says, clasping my hands tightly and repeating her gratitude.

After being silent until now, Farne poses a question.

“Is going to the Spirit Village for Tina’s sake? As someone who governs a territory, it’s problematic to be absent for an extended period due to personal reasons. And there’s the possibility of you getting infected. If you were to die, what would become of this territory? Have you not considered that? Isn’t it rather reckless for a lord?”

Farne’s words are harsh but entirely justified.

“It’s going to benefit us. I’m interested in the fruits grown by the elves. The crops nurtured by the Green People are said to be divine in taste, according to stories. They’ll be a strong asset if we can reliably source them. Especially for Arnold, who’s trying to develop sweets into weapons. That’s why it’s worth risking our lives. And although I can’t explain the reason, ‘Tina and I will never get sick, and it’s impossible for us to return with an infectious disease'”

I explained.

When I say this, Farne chuckles softly.

“You’re using sweets as an excuse at a time like this. But it’s very characteristic of you, Kurt. And your secret. I’m curious, but I’ll save that for another time.”

Farne says with a smirk.

It’s a somewhat forceful justification, but it’s not a lie.

I can do anything to make delicious sweets.

“Everyone, I’ve decided to go and save the Spirit Village. Tina, I want you to come with me as my assistant.”

I declare. Tina nods vigorously, and Farne puffs out her cheeks.

“I’m coming too.”

“That’s not possible. It seems the village is rampant with the epidemic. If Farne were to get infected by such a thing, it wouldn’t just end with me being punished. As I said earlier, Tina and I don’t have to worry about that, but Farne isn’t immune. I can’t take her with us.”

I explained.

Even if Farne were to get infected, it’s possible to heal her with my [Heal].

However, it would be problematic if her father got wind of her being taken to such a place.

“But if Kurt-sama can resolve the illness, then it’ll be fine.”

Farne insists.

“I can’t guarantee that… Sorry, but I’ll need you to stay behind. It’s reassuring to have you here, Farne.”

I say.

“Understood. Best of luck.”

Farne finally nods.

“Johann, while Tina and I are away, you’ll be in charge of taking care of the bees and raspberries. Can you handle that?”

I turn to Johann, who steps forward from among the surrounding children.

“Yeah, leave it to me, Kurt!”

Johann responds confidently.

“Good. Also, Farne, please inform Solte about my absence. He’ll be able to manage things well in my stead.”

I instructed.

“Yes, understood.”

Farne replies.

Solte is the leader of the settlement and very reliable.

With this, things should be fine in my absence.

Now, all that’s left is to head to the Elf Village.

“Chloe, I’ll rely on you to guide us to the Elf Village. Tina and I will return home briefly to prepare for the journey. If you’re feeling unwell, you can rest for the night, okay?”

I asked.

“I’m fine! We can go right away! Elves have strong bodies!”

Chloe insisted, despite having just collapsed.

With that settled, there’s nothing more to worry about.

And so, the decision for Tina and me to depart for the Elf Village was made.