Originally, there were some messy footprints around here, but it has rained several times in the past few days, and their specific shapes are now hard to discern.
"President, you mentioned earlier about investigating the beast herd's rampage. Any results?"
"Not at all. Since that incident, there's been no trace." Makarov looked at Rhode, "But I do have a slight guess now."
"I also have a guess," Rhode said nervously, "If my magic mishap really caused it, how much would I have to pay?"
Seeing Rhode's worried expression, the President laughed:
"No need for compensation at all, because this area is unclaimed land, and we can't go to the King over such a trivial matter to pay a fine."
Rhode let out a sigh of relief, having narrowly avoided a bigger financial crisis.
The two continued walking deeper into the forest and formally arrived at Porlyusica's residence—a treehouse.
Rhode looked up at the bright red apples hanging from the surrounding trees, then looked down at the basket of apples in his left hand, suddenly feeling a bit redundant.
"President..." Rhode forced an awkward smile, "Why didn't you remind me?"
"Hahaha... So you can make that kind of face too, how amusing!" Makarov laughed loudly, like an old mischievous child.
After laughter, he said, "It doesn't matter about the gift; it's the thought that counts!"
"So noisy!" The treehouse door was opened roughly, "I can hear your annoying laughter from a hundred meters away, Makarov. Can't you be quiet?"
Makarov cheerfully greeted her: "A little excitement now and then isn't bad. Living alone here must be lonely, right?"
Porlyusica noticed Rhode: "Your injuries should have healed by now, right?"
Rhode quickly replied, "Yes, I heard you like peace, so I didn't dare disturb you. Thank you for your help and care!"
"Hmm?" Porlyusica was surprised at Rhode's fluency in the common language but didn't ask further, just said,
"Since you know, hurry back. I said I hate humans."
"Don't be so heartless; the child just wanted to thank you, so asked me to bring him here," Makarov said, "Look, he even brought you a gift."
Porlyusica noticed the bright red apples and glared at Makarov: "Hmph, a fool's child is still a fool."
After speaking, she turned inside without closing the door.
Rhode felt a bit embarrassed by her words.
However, Makarov knew she was not blaming Rhode, but rather himself for knowing full well there were apple trees here and still making fun of the youngster with a childish prank.
"Don't mind her; she talks like that." Makarov was used to Porlyusica's way of speaking. "Let's go inside—leaving the door open means she's inviting us in."
Tsundere?
No, no, that would be too disrespectful.
Rhode reprimanded himself for presuming to slander his benefactor and followed the President into the treehouse.
The space inside the treehouse was small, and the furnishings were very simple, with hardly any place to step once inside.
The floor was cluttered with pots of medicinal herbs and bottles of various potions.
The only furniture was a bed, a desk, shelves and cabinets built into the walls, and a single wooden stool.
Rhode looked around, unsure of where to put what he was holding.
Porlyusica eyed the bottle in Makarov's hand: "You came here for what's in your hand, right?"
Makarov nodded: "Correct, this is some soil tainted with venom. I wanted to see if you could find a solution."
Porlyusica immediately asked, "Did someone in the Guild get poisoned?"
"No, just being prepared." Makarov explained the cause of the issue, and even praised Rhode at the end, "This kid is quite steady."
"Hmph, yet another fool who's all about pursuing power."
Porlyusica disdainfully retrieved a petri dish, put a little soil in it, and started adding various potions.
Rhode ignored Porlyusica's attitude, figuring the old lady probably had her reasons for saying such things.
Perhaps a companion who excessively pursued power and eventually ended up hurting themselves.
Through a series of professional tests, Porlyusica confirmed the effects of this toxin:
"It's a contact poison. Once it touches the skin, it quickly penetrates. Initially, there will be a tingling sensation, followed by numbness, and hamper movement.
For prolonged exposure, the toxin could damage internal organs and in severe cases, may lead to death.
Low temperatures can slow the spread, while high-temperature baking slightly reduces the toxicity, and inhaling small amounts of the emitted gas is not noticeably harmful."
After a detailed examination, Porlyusica found an outdoor spot and asked Rhode to release the Magic Swamp Frog.
She needed to collect some venom samples, secretions from the frog's mouth, and also investigate the mushrooms on its back.
"Come back in a few days for the antidote. Until then, don't misuse this creature."
"Yes, thank you!"
"No need. Makarov brought this trouble upon himself, let him handle it."
"Oh, okay."
Rhode initially wanted to say the trouble was his fault, but upon reflection, felt something was amiss with her remark.
"Trouble" might refer to himself, thus making the President the one seeking trouble?
It seems irrefutable.
...
On the way back, Rhode was downcast.
Makarov asked: "Are you troubled by what Porlyusica said?"
"No, Lady Porlyusica… how should I put it, although she keeps complaining, she doesn't shirk your requests at all.
She's probably a good person with a sharp tongue but a soft heart." Rhode shook his head, "I'm worried about something else; my living expenses seem to be over this month."
The money spent on gifts, ingredients for Poro Delicacies, new clothes bought earlier, and a few fitness equipment…
The cash in his pocket always seemed to slip away without him noticing, and there's still nearly two weeks until payday.
Back before crossing over, he could've just solved it by skipping breakfast every day, but that's not possible now since skipping breakfast would affect training.
"You know, maybe it's about time you started taking on a quest." Makarov suggested helplessly, "If you continue like this, you'll become another Nabu."
Nabu was actually firmer than Rhode because he refused to work as a waiter.
"Actually, I'd like to try, but city quests are paid hourly and may not be better than the Guild tavern, while quests outside the city..."
Rhode was conflicted, "I feel my skills aren't strong enough and it would be unsafe to just go out like that."
"Being cautious is good, but right now, more than half of the Guild can't match you."
The President sighed, "Give yourself more confidence, you are strong. Magic comes from the power within one's heart. If you won't even believe in yourself, your magic will weaken."
Rhode was startled, "Does that mean, even if I train hard, I might still get weaker after going out?"
"Is that the point?!" Makarov couldn't help but shout at Rhode, "Go back and get Mira to help you pick a suitable task!"
Makarov suspected that Rhode might have some lingering effects from a beast attack, so it was necessary for him to go out, fostering confidence and gaining some real-world knowledge beyond books.
"Oh..."
Rhode reluctantly nodded, rationally thinking that there was no need for the President to lie or fool him.
Maybe it truly was time to go out? Carefully, Mira should pick a safe task, preferably teaming up with others.