Chapter 266.2

Chapter 266.2. Subquest

“Countess Takano, I’ve heard rumors about you for quite some time. You are indeed as charming as they say.”

“Thank you very much. The priest’s robe suits you as well, Grandpa.”

With a calm expression, Mii-chan returned the compliment.

“This is the attire for a shrine priest. I’ve been wearing this for many years, so it has become like a part of my body.”

The priest chuckled. The good-natured priest’s grandpa smiles with a grin and points his hand to the back of the shrine.

“Then, Countess of the portable shrine, please follow me.”

“All right. I wonder what awaits me?”

It didn’t seem like he was seeking recovery magic, there didn’t appear to be any ill intentions from the man.

It’s not an assassination attempt. So, we proceeded to the back of the shrine.

“Oh, it’s a tree!”

“Yes, as you can see, it’s a tree.”

“I see. I think I know what this is about!”

In the dappled sunlight, a single tree stood tall in the back of the shrine, as if illuminated by the sun’s light.

It was about 10 meters tall. While not extraordinarily tall, its trunk was quite thick, likely with a diameter of around 8 meters. It was decorated with sacred ropes. It was probably what’s known as a Sacred Tree.

“So, you don’t need me, but the soil from Gardo Farm?”

“Yes, we were thinking if there’s anything we can do to improve the condition of this Sacred Tree.”

The priest nodded. Baron Hotta and the others followed with wry smiles.

I see. It’s not Mii-chan’s recovery magic they need; they require nutrient-rich dungeon soil.

It was quite obvious to deduce this because the Sacred Tree was withering.

Despite its Spring season, its leaves were browning like chocolate, and its bark was peeling off, resembling a wafer.

It seemed like a tree that could easily break in a typhoon.

“In that case, wouldn’t it have been better to ask Gardo Farm from the beginning instead of going through the trouble like this?”

I’m wondering why they chose such a suggestive method. Baron Hotta cleared his throat.

“This Sacred Tree has been here since ancient times and serves as a pillar of everyone’s hearts. According to legend, it keeps the surrounding monsters docile and protects the people. If you could assist such a tree… it would be quite a heartwarming tale, cough cough.”

“I see, that’s the idea.”

In essence, they wanted to contribute to Mii-chan’s heartwarming story.

They probably hoped that by flattering me, the Countess, I might lend a helping hand in various ways.

“I was wondering if you could introduce a plant specialist.”

“That’s easy. But can it be saved?”

Seeing how it was on the brink of withering, I had my doubts, but it seemed Baron Hotta and the others were considering it too.

“In that case, replanting a new Sacred Tree could continue the legend further.”

It was a practical solution. Could this be the start of a legend where Mii-chan becomes a hero?

“Leave it to me!”

“I don’t feel any mana from it as far as I can tell, and lately, monsters have been appearing frequently for some reason. So it might be convenient.”

“We can revive the Sacred Tree. We believe that with the excellent soil from Gardo Farm. It seems commercial soil won’t work, but we think we can manage with the soil from last time.”

Baron Hotta seemed easygoing, but the priest believed he could save the Sacred Tree. Ah, that overly fertile soil. Grandpa Tobita must want to talk to papa about it seriously.

Wait a minute… something’s strange.

“That’s easy, but… Has this tree been here for a long time?”

“Hmm? Yes, it has been here for a long time.”

Mii-chan furrowed her brow in puzzlement at the priest’s curious response.

Something didn’t add up. During summer vacations, she used to run around and adventure in this area until the evening. If there was such a conspicuous Sacred Tree, she should remember it.

No, there was something familiar about this Sacred Tree. It was like…

-Main Quest: Withering Sacred Tree-

As Mii-chan tried to recall, a board appeared in front of her.

That’s right, it was a subquest like this.

While I was exploring the map, the shrine priest from the mountain would seek help.

The Sacred Tree was on the verge of withering, and he was troubled.

If I used Plant Growth Elixir III on the Sacred Tree. It would quickly recover.

The priest would express his gratitude and give you a staff made from a Sacred Tree branch. It was supposed to have the effect of reducing the appearance of monsters considerably, even lower-level ones.

It was not a particularly special staff, but since a subquest had appeared, it might be worth clearing it.

I tapped the board to check the clear conditions. Baron Hotta and his group wore curious expressions, but she ignored them.

The subquest details were displayed, and upon reading them.

-Main Quest: The Hidden Sacred Tree Has Emerged. Let’s Cut The Nearly Withered Sacred Tree!-

That’s right, it was this kind of quest?