"Err… can I ask something?" Hazuki said, scratching his cheek.
Ridan spun midair, already annoyed.
"WHAT now?!"
"How do you even know all this?"
Ridan puffed out his cloudy chest with pride.
"Because I was the best wizard in the world when I was alive! Knowledge was my weapon. Magic, ancient spells, forbidden incantations, forgotten languages, cursed scriptures—"
"Yeah yeah, I get it. You were smart. Big brain. Got it." Hazuki waved dismissively.
Ridan crossed his arms smugly, floating above him.
"Okay okay, but… why would someone want all these herbs?" Hazuki asked, glancing again at the parchment.
"It sounds like you need to risk your life seven different ways just to brew a cup of tea."
Ridan's smirk faded slightly.
Then he spoke more calmly.
"Think about it. A list this long, with this kind of herbs? Whoever requested this isn't just trying to make medicine."
"Then what?"
"This kind of quest... is only made when someone important is dying."
Ridan's tone was low.
