The Apothecary Noble Lady Treated Like Trash Was Executed — After Being Pushed Off a Cliff, She Regained Memories of Her Past Life, So She Abandoned the Kingdom and Decided to Enjoy a Carefree Life in Another World" - Episode 6

Wrapped in a pleasant sense of fullness.

I never knew meals shared with someone could taste this good. I’m so grateful to Ark for coming along with me.

“You sure can eat.”

“It’s just too delicious! I could keep going.”

“You’ll get fat.”

“You shouldn’t say things like that to a girl, you know?”

After finishing our enjoyable meal, we headed out to gather herbs, carrying the baskets we’d made.

I’d been drilled on herbs, so I knew them well. Useful medicinal plants grew in small, inconspicuous places, rotting tree roots, crevices in moss-covered rocks, and the like.

I crouched down and plucked a herb with jagged-edged leaves.

“This is Alrue… It works as a stomach remedy as is, and it can also be used in potions.”

Next, I picked a small white flower growing at the base of a fallen tree.

“Milfoze… It looks plain, but when dried and brewed, it makes a really strong cold medicine.”

I continued gathering any promising herbs I spotted.

This forest was a treasure trove of medicinal plants selling them in town would fetch a decent sum.

“You’ve memorized all these herbs?”

Ark suddenly asked.

“Not at all? I haven’t counted, so I’m not sure, but maybe around a thousand? I’m really not that knowledgeable.”

“I doubt even a proper apothecary knows that many.”

“You think?”

I had no one to compare myself to, so I really didn’t know. I got scolded every day, so I probably wasn’t all that exceptional.

Though I’m sure I could make a decent living.

Chatting with Ark, we ventured deeper while gathering herbs.

The forest grew slightly darker. Maybe the sun was beginning to set.

“What’s with this swamp…?”

“Clearly poisonous.”

Deep in the forest, there was a swamp so purple it might as well have been screaming, “I’m toxic!”

“Ah!”

“What is it?”

“That thin tree in the middle of the swamp the tiny fruit growing on it. I think it’s Fairy’s Tear. If it’s real, eating just one should completely restore magic, stamina, and all fatigue, putting your body in peak condition. I bet it’d fetch a high price.”

“Hoh. But it’s right in the middle of the swamp. How do you plan to get it? Wait, don’t tell me—”

As Ark caught on mid-sentence, I curled the corner of my lips.

“That’s exactly it. I’ll just wade in and grab it.”

“You fool! What if you die?!”

“I’ll be fine. The toxic mist in the Abyss Valley didn’t affect me, so this swamp shouldn’t either.”

“Hey, wait—!”

Ignoring his protest, I placed the basket on my head and stepped into the swamp.

The thick, clinging liquid felt a bit gross, but otherwise, it didn’t seem to affect me.

I pressed forward, deeper in.

The swamp reached just below my chest. I managed to reach the center, plucked all the fruits, placed them in the basket, and returned to Ark.

“See? Totally fine!”

“‘Totally fine’ my foot. You’re always pulling reckless stunts like this.”

“I knew I could do it. More importantly, look—I got a lot! This should cover our funds nicely.”

Combined with the herbs we’d already gathered, we should be able to afford all the equipment we need.

I can’t wait to get to town, shopping and registering as adventurers. I’m really looking forward to it.

“(She could’ve just let me get it…)”

“Huh? Did you say something?”

“Nothing. More importantly, you’re covered in sludge… Here, get on.”

Ark crouched in front of me with an exasperated look.

I thought I heard something, but maybe it was just my imagination. I’ve been tripping on delusions lately. Probably just auditory hallucinations.

“But if I do, you’ll get poisoned.”

“Such weak poison means nothing to me. Hurry up. And hand me the basket.”

“O-okay.”

Compelled by his no-nonsense tone, I handed him the basket and climbed onto his back.

Ark took off running.

“Ark, you’re amazing! Running this fast in the forest?!”

“Child’s play for me.”

“You’re so cool—I’ll pet you!!”

“Stop that!!”

Just like when he scaled the cliff, Ark was incredible. Even in a forest full of obstacles, he moved effortlessly without hitting a single thing.

In no time, we arrived beside a clear stream.

“It’ll be dark soon. We should camp here for the night.”

“Yeah.”

As Ark said, the surroundings were bathed in orange. The town gates would likely close by sundown.

And even though I was supposedly executed, there’s no telling who might recognize me.

Even though I was practically under house arrest, I might run into family or former servants. To avoid being recognized, the farther the town, the better.

So rather than rushing to the nearest town today, it’s better to camp and head to a different one tomorrow. With Ark around, monsters won’t bother us either.

“Go wash yourself and your clothes.”

While I was lost in thought, Ark nudged me.

“Got it. Thanks.”

“Hmph.”

I stripped and stepped into the river, using Cleanweed—a plant I’d found earlier that worked like soap to scrub the sludge off my body and clothes.