Plantorsomething

Finally eating into and editing the three chapters I made ahead of time. Though, I’m starting to write a realist Pokémon fic now so I’m not sure how fast the next chapters are going to be put out. Enjoy! Thx for reading and commenting! The comments especially are very encouraging!

          The third day of vacation was primarily a day to just unwind and relax, rather than working on any hobbies of going on an excursion to the town. Kishino completed his tutoring early and walked outside to a shaded bench in the mansion’s garden, carrying his sketchbook with him. He spent the morning drawing anything he could see around the garden, be it different angles of the whole landscape or tiny individual flowers. After lunch, he still went outside to enjoy the breeze and fresh air, but this time he spent more time drawing various sights from his past life, until it got too depressing since he couldn’t remember most things as accurately or detailedly as he thought. When he started shifting into work-mode trying to remember things, Harold stopped Kishino, and decided that they would be drawing anime characters instead. 

          Most of the characters he’d made fan arts of in the past were memorable enough, and for others, he decided to ‘reimagine’ some parts of them to fill in the missing blanks. Harold found the new art styles interesting, and Kishino found it refreshing, as if all his favorite characters were cheering them on from within their own fictional worlds. He wondered if, since he was basically living inside the body of an anime/game character, maybe some of those larger-than-life characters really did exist somewhere out there in the universe or multiverse. Eventually Kishino switched to drawing his own original characters that would have gone into his manga if he ever published it. It was disheartening that he lost so much work, but he also almost found it refreshing, in a way; without the world being so clogged up and suffocated with details, and with Kishino now residing in a different body, he could give his characters a fresh new start. Mostly. Any artist would know how terribly difficult it is to take something out of your story. Luckily, he was able to circumvent most of the pain by calling it a ‘remastering’ of his manga. And to top the day off, it was a weekend, and he had no homework! So, he gratefully filled the free time with a nice massage following meditation, though it was somewhat awkward since the one giving the massage was stiffer than his joints had ever been.

          The last of the days were spent studying and realizing just how little political power he actually held, until Hayden left for the royal capital. During the week or so of his father’s absence, Harold was forced back into the rigorous training, but there were less people around verbally abusing him this time since he was given much more privacy. Some of the better guards, including Carmen, went with his father to the capital, and Ricky proved to be marginally more lenient than him. Kishino’s magic studies were also extremely interesting, but he spent a lot less time tutoring overall due to Carmen’s instructions. The lack of tutoring was somewhat troubling for subjects like history or magal tutoring, since most of their ‘genius’ was due to Earth Knowledge,  making it appear as if he was lagging behind on the subjects relative to others, especially math. Most of Kishino’s previous studying techniques didn’t work without technology either, which carved a chunk out of his self esteem as his learning rate slowed to a relative snail’s pace. When he considered that Harold probably had a sponge-like child brain that was quick to absorb information, and he was still moving ‘slowly’ even then, he couldn’t help but feel depressed. 

           Meanwhile, the microscopes project had also gathered a small team, but they were spread out and working their own jobs while treating the project as well-paying part time work. Judging by the fact that they’d only meet together one day of the week, and their indolent attitudes, they’d take more than a month to come up with something better than a couple of prototypes. They weren’t even told why they were making the item, so their motivation levels could hardly be lower, apart from a few curious individuals that might have found it somewhat fun.

          Though it was annoying to wait, this attitude was somewhat arranged on purpose to keep cell theory under wraps for the time being; it was a somewhat similar plan to Kishino’s memories of how most workers trying to create the first nuclear bomb were clueless workers that didn’t actually know what they were doing. Harold and Kishino had decided this was how they should go about the majority of their projects.

           With this, the setup for both projects were completed. All that was left was to wait for Norman and Jake to complete their preparations with the farming, and hope the Micro-team wouldn’t slack off too much. He didn’t know how much time it would take, but for now he could be at ease and focus on training magic and weapons combat secretly for about a week. Kishino in particular needed a lot of work, and was enthusiastic about the manner, though he was less excited about physical combat and sparring. 

           By the time his parents returned to the mansion, Harold still hadn’t decided which polearm would be his and Kishino’s primary weapon yet; in the game, he had used a poleaxe with a hammer on the other end, which was surprisingly realistic for a fantasy game, but while the thought of him being as powerful and fast as Harold in the game made him giddy and excited, that didn’t mean it was necessarily the best weapon for facing the hero’s party. Perhaps he’d even take a liking to some sort of weapon and shield combination.

           However, as Harold was lost in thought thinking about weapons and combat, a new problem arose unexpectedly. That is, after both parents had just arrived from their trip, his father suddenly dropped a bomb on the dining table.

          “Harold, your marriage partner has been decided!”

          The only reason he could stop himself from spurting out the fruit juice in his mouth was because Kishino already knew that Harold had a fiancee. Even so, he couldn’t fully contain his surprise since he was spending all his time on the pile of problems that were directly in front of him, and in some corner of his mind, he felt like the plot events were some far away predictions of the future that didn’t matter yet.

         “Marriage partner? What family?”

         As he asked the shameless question, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of dread that he couldn’t have a single day to rest his tired body before another problem reared its face.

         “It’s with the daughter of the Sumeragi family. Technically, it’s only an engagement for now, but with this, the Stokes family’s lineage will become stronger than ever before!”

         “Oh, That’s wonderful!”

         His parents were chuckling in high spirits. Certainly, for his parents, who were extreme blood puritans, it was quite the good news. Harold bet money that they didn’t even register the fact that the Summeragi weren’t in line with their political beliefs, only hearing what they wanted to hear. The thought made Harold a little depressed. The Sumeragi house was one among the noble houses who had helped in the founding of this country, and from the way they utilized that prestige, even now, their influence in the kingdom ran wide. If they were connected by blood with such a house, then the prestige of the Stokes family, and by extension the power of the Puritan faction, would rise.

          “The family said that they would love to meet you by all means, so all of us will  travel together to the Sumeragi territory soon.”

          That’s a bare-faced lie – Harold could barely stop himself from sighing. Kishino, who had knowledge about the original work, knew that the Sumeragi were by no means enthusiastic about this engagement. It was probably obvious even to most of the puritans, since there was an overwhelming difference in status between the Stokes house and the Sumeragi house. It was to the point that there was a non-zero chance that this engagement might have been coerced by the original work’s scenario.

          Oh? Hold on, if this is happening so early then…

          As the pieces of information in their head snapped together, the two realized at the same time the magnitude of this opportunity, and suddenly Harold wasn’t holding the reins anymore. Since talks about the engagement were already out, there were no mistakes that there was already damage to the Sumeragi territory, which was marginally worrying. However, the damage should still be to the minimum since it was before the start of the original work, and if Kishino interfered, the possibility of heavily mitigating further damage was too good to pass up. There would be some effects on the story, so Harold wasn’t too enthusiastic, but since it concerned human life, they both decided that they couldn’t stand by and watch. 

          “When do you mean by soon?”

          “In two or three days.”

          -Eeh–!

          -Sigh… 

          In that amount of time, it was absolutely impossible to develop or test the medicine, or even gather necessary items. Particularly, the items that could only be obtained as item drops from defeating monsters were a huge problem.

          Well, different from the game where items could be bought only in limited shops, since there was an actual economy in this world, and a lot of monster drops were largely circulated. Harold’s memories and their previous visit to the marketplace had confirmed this. However, when he thought about it carefully, even if he found and collected the specific necessary items, it was impossible to imagine figuring out how to combine them outside of the game menu. In that case, even if Harold might not like it, the best thing he could do was to contact her.

          Sure enough, as soon as he finished eating and he withdrew into his room to discuss his plan, Harold exploded into a thousand complaints and a thousand and one reasons why Kishino was an idiot. After taking a whole thirty minutes to convince Harold, which sadly ended up the kid being frustrated and anxious with nothing Kishino could say to comfort him, he started recalling the recipe for creating a certain powder.

         -Two Wybat glands and the fang of a Gadun, some Reel grass……. And what else? 

         -If I’m remembering it correctly, I think there was something that seemed like traditional Chinese medicine too…

         -Oh, thank you!

         Hiding his surprise that Harold even wanted to help, Kishino continued thinking about the different recipes needed to create most of the ingredients necessary for the Final Recipe. Compounding in Brave Hearts was not only for creating recovery items, but also for weapons and armor and sometimes, even machines, using a vast amount of combinations. Even for Kishino, who had crammed nearly all of those into his head, it was obviously a pain to recall every single detail, and he’d spent many hours writing the combinations down. Luckily, that studiousness ended up helping Kishino recall a few obscure recipe trees that helped with the medicine that might have faded from the recesses of their mind.

            In the end, he couldn’t recall all of the specific details, and ended up with a depressingly large list of twelve compounding items that were ambiguous as to where they fit into the multiple recipes, which included a fair amount of extremely similar items, some of which might not even be included at all. Creating the medicine in the game was a long and tedious process that had extremely limited usage, making it one of the most difficult-to-recall recipes in the game, and many, including Kishino, just mindlessly gathered the items and dumped them all into the automatically-assorting compounding menu. He’d only ever done the process manually when he was bored. Trying not to linger on that regret, Kishino and Harold brainstormed through the night and finalized five separate plans to get the medicine to the Sumeragi, since they needed backups if they screwed things up. Making it more difficult was the headache that the two were usually blissfully unaware of in their sleep. The fact that they knew when dawn was about to arrive solely going off of their migraine’s strength showed just how accustomed they were to the headaches.

          After two short days spent double checking, improving their plan, and preparing Norman and co for their absence, the two clenched the travel notebook to their chest with determination, and Kishino and Harold rode off in a carriage headed towards the Sumeragi territory. 

        ***

         Kishino’s time on the road was mostly spent wondering how he could prevent or mitigate things like auto-centric urban planning, racial displacement, gentrification, or vehicle pollution once cars were invented, as well as pondering on how he could possibly make a good first impression on the Summeragi’s daughter. Like Harold's mother, women in positions of power weren’t exactly rare. But even so, there was a clear dichotomy in power between the sexes, especially the further up the pyramid you traveled. 

          Because of that, his ‘future wife’ had no practical consent in this gross arranged marriage, and he wouldn’t be surprised if she hated him the instant they locked eyes. Especially since her parents were from a country to the east, which had some better views about women's rights and child exploitation, which was ironic given Japan were the ones that created the game in the first place. He was glad he brought his notebook, since these were topics he had somewhat neglected to explore. Though, he also tried to make sure it didn’t take time away from the more important topics he was working on.

          The complete journey took nine days. If they had made camp, it would’ve been shortened by a few days, but depressingly, that was too much for the high class Stokes family’s current head. It was inevitable that they stayed at the best inn in every large town they passed through. Even the previous Harold had thought they traveled at a snails’ pace, though he somewhat appreciated not sleeping on the ground. Still, it was fortunate that they didn’t run into strong monsters, since they didn’t travel during the night when monsters were highly active.

          Though he had grievances, there were no real problems, so Harold just appreciated the time spent alone with his mother and father, which was somewhat rare and refreshing, until they finally arrived at the Sumeragi’s mansion at the end of their journey.

          The capital city of Summeragi displayed impressive wooden architecture that made one think that they were in Japan or China of the olden days. Red light baskets were dangling from the eaves’ edges, and vibrant trees with cherry blossoms towered around the area. It was a place so overflowing with raw cultural taste that Kishino felt like it was some sort of festival despite it being a normal day. The setting in the game, as well as history books, was that the Sumeragi house was succeeding off the economic flow of trade and migration from the east, on top of its founders being mostly eastern, and so not only the mansion, but even the townscape was even more Japanese-style than modern Japan ever was.

         Pulling up to the mansion, which was somewhat like a japanese-style castle, which was made of wood that was more fireproofed than Europe could ever make. Stones that fit calculatedly together like a puzzle without any mortar held up the entire complex, and though Harold couldn’t see it at his angle, he knew the ground level behind the walls was also elevated, so if you broke the wall, which was extremely difficult, you’d only get a facefull of dirt. It was best to imagine the wall as not a wall, but a transition to an extremely steep hill. Once on that ‘hill’, you’d have to raid the actual buildings and mansion, which were also raised on a high platform of well-fitting stones that were even more resilient and long-lasting than a seamless foundation of cement would be. It didn’t have as much land area or layers as what he thought a japanese castle complex would have, but it might as well be one. 

          “Welcome. Master and Madam have been waiting, so please, this way.”

          A white-haired elderly man was lying in wait for them at the main entrance of the actual mansion building once they walked through the courtyard, or ward as he thought it could be called. From his attire and bearing, Kishino felt that the old man was no ordinary servant. Under his guidance, they entered the mansion.

          “Hm, it’s somehow irritating having to remove footwear inside the house, isn’t it, dear? Even these things called inner-footwear are getting on my nerves.”

          “Since this is the culture of the Sumeragi house, and we are visiting, I guess it would be natural to show some consideration.”

          Next to his complaining mother, Kishino lined up the boots he had taken off in a practiced manner. After going through the motions, he noticed that was something that old Harold probably wouldn’t ever say or do. Luckily, it seemed as though his parents didn’t notice it. After that, the elderly man finally stopped guiding them through the open corridor and wandering through about half the mansion.

          “Master, I have brought Hayden Stokes-sama and his son, Harold-sama.”

          “Please, come inside.”

          A sombre, yet calm voice rang out from the other side of the sliding door as Kishino contemplated the use of titles; normally viscounts would be called my lord and my lady, but Hayden and even Harold were referred to as something similar to -sama. It showed up in the game but now that it was happening before his eyes, Kishino couldn’t help but notice it. It was similar to his reaction seeing his reflection as well as Clara, who were real and not anime-styled; he was suddenly slapped with a reality check that he really was in the world of a game, even if it was definitely real.

         The old man who was escorting Kishino sat on his knees, and slid the traditional paper door open using both his hands. Inside was a spacious Japanese-style room, with a size of about twenty tatami mats. Three people were sitting next to each other at a wooden desk, which was placed at the center of the room.

(Madao – 1 tatami/ jō = 1.653m²(17.79ft²), so 20 jō = 33.06m²(355.8ft²))

          At the center was the current head of the Sumeragi house, Tasuku Sumeragi. To his right was his wife, Koyomi Sumeragi. They were a couple, to whom the words gentle and quiet were perfectly applicable, and they normally overflowed with polite kindness. However, at present, it looked as though their expressions were somewhat fake, even if expertly executed.

         And then, the issue was the presence of the expressionless, decidedly not-anime-styled girl towards Tasuku’s left who immediately ‘brightened up’ with a ‘smile’ when the door opened. Black hair extended towards her shoulders, held out of her face with a hairpin with a pink undertone that went well with her hair, and she wore a light-green colored long-sleeved kimono. It was the Sumeragi house’s eldest daughter, Erika Sumeragi.

          -The lights in her eyes are disappearing. Oi, what’s with that creepy smile…

          -I can’t sense any vigor...

         Her being dressed up like an elegant noble daughter combined with that painfully fake expression and body language, made her look like one of those cheaply made NPCs that begged for death with her eyes. She wasn’t young enough to naively be excited for a ‘romantic’ engagement, nor was she mature enough to properly hide her feelings and act like a normal optimistic human being. There was a reason why he couldn’t call it a smile- it was more like an attempted image of quiet enthusiasm that seemed to, at the same time, push Kishino away with the force of her gaze alone. But still, it seemed as though she was trying her best. This was the result after she somehow came to terms with this situation.

          But the ‘normal’ her was obviously different. Erika, like her name implied, was a graceful girl who was capable of smiling like a flower. Because Kishino knew that, he felt a bit disheartened that he made the eleven year old uncomfortable. However, for whatever reason, Harold suddenly shifted to the front, and he felt ashamed that it was because of him that such a pretty girl was making such an awkward face. 

(Madao – Erica is a flower – Erica Carnea)

          However, there was also nobody other than Harold who could prove her wrong so he could see her real smile, and not just from Kishino’s memories. It would also be too pitiful for her to spend eight years like this, until she met the protagonist.

          “This is the first time we are meeting, aren’t we? I am the current head of the Sumeragi house, Tasuku Sumeragi.”

          “…I am Harold Stokes. Nice to meet you.”

          After Kishino exchanged surprisingly polite greetings with Tasuku, he sat with his knees on the cushion that was laid down. Unexpectedly, it seemed as though this mouth could speak in polite language as long as it was someone ‘important’, similar to his parents. The discussion started while he pondered the new discovery.

          “Thank you very much for taking the trouble to come here.”

          “Ah, what are you talking about? It is only natural.”

          The heads of both the houses, disregarding how they really felt, started conversing calmly. It was only an exchanging of pleasantries rather than a glaring match of any sort, as expected of nobles. While feeling relieved, Harold examined the situation. Basically, while Tausku and Hayden were rambling on, providing what seemed like lip service to each other, and with Jessica and Koyomi providing backup to their respective husbands. Nobles like them are used to playing the social game, but Koyomi seemed noticeably more willful than Jessica. He took that as a positive sign that the rumor that gender roles were more equal in their home country had some truth to it, but Hayden seemed to find it irritating.

          As it was an engagement that was decided by their parents due to some political reason, Harold’s and Erika’s time to speak was also almost non-existent, despite being the people of interest. It seemed that her parents, like Harold’s own, had instructed Erica to be silent unless spoken to.

          “Well? Erica-chan. Harold is quite handsome, isn’t he?”

          “Yes, very.”

          Casually, Hayden asked Erica, as a joke. The reply came back in a flash, in an extremely disingenuous voice, and it seemed that she herself almost panicked upon hearing her voice.

          “Sorry, Stokes-sama. It seems as though our daughter is nervous…”

          Tasuku smoothed over it, but rather than calling it nervous, it was a tone which was completely detached from her real emotions. Well, it was harsh to ask a child of that age to deal with the situation maturely. However, Hayden didn't seem to mind such a response at all. Even if Erika had clearly refused, he wouldn’t have cared since only her blood actually mattered, and noble marriage was rarely ever based on actual love.

          “Well, it is natural to feel bewildered if one’s marriage partner were to be decided at this age. Even Harold is the same.”

          “Yes. Since I am meeting someone as cute as Erica-san for the first time, I also can’t help but feel nervous.”

          -Crap, what nonsense is spewing out of my mouth? Calling her cute after meeting her the first time, how creepy could I possibly sound? 

         -Hahahaha! Smooth, Harold, very smooth.

         -Q-quiet, you brain-stalker!

         -What kind of insult even is that…?

          Since it was entirely the truth, it wasn’t as though he was just being a kiss up to be polite, but due to his composed manner of speech, it could be interpreted as blatant and arrogant flirting, which was even worse! Even though his tone had changed, there was an undeniable similarity to his other speech patterns. It made sense, since before the Incident, Harold didn’t have a single meek or modest bone in his body.

         “Well dear, since they have especially come here, how about leaving Harold and Erica together so that they can talk unreservedly?”

         “Ah, that would be good!”

         Hayden jumped at Koyomi’s suggestion, to her relief. It was unbearable for her to make her daughter listen to the talk where they would be essentially selling her. It may be selfish of her, but Koyomi’s concern didn't only come from her parental affection for her daughter; she also didn’t think she would be able to bear it if Erica came to hate her and Tasuku. 

          “Right. Erika, show Harold-kun around for a little while. Just make sure that you are back by dinner.”

          “…Alright. Well then, Harold-sama, this way please.”

          She couldn’t even hide her hesitation; Harold’s ears would have been red if not for the trash-translator, which sometimes suppressed certain movements and expressions. However, for Harold and Kazuki, this opportunity was a godsend. There was no need for Harold himself to broach the subject, and he felt if things went along fast enough, he might not need to get anywhere close to plan D.

          “It is an honor to be escorted by Erica-san.”

          Standing up, he followed Erica and left the Japanese-style room. From here, it was a crucial moment for the future of the Sumeragi, and game plot-wise, the entire world.