VIO Ch 73 – Looking for a Scholar (VII)

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Translator: mii

editor: sleepchaser

Three days later, Vio interviewed the three botanist candidates that Jill brought to him. After returning to the inn, he felt a headache coming on.

“A botanist who focuses on weeds, a mycologist, and botanist who focuses on flower cultivation… If we consider their main focus, the first and the second would be good candidates.”

They might find edible weeds and mushrooms in Leca town, with the added bonus that mushrooms were nutritious. It would be great if they could grow these two things as a food source. Furthermore, flower cultivation was beneficial as well. Unfortunately, the third botanist candidate was only interested in increasing the range of colors for certain kinds of flowers. Not someone Vio wanted.

As Vio called those candidates into mind, he shook his head. “The weed botanist didn’t seem to be interested in our recruitment…”

“I agree. His gaze toward Lord Violant proved impolite. I’m against hiring him,” said Legion with a stern look. Judging by how Jill nodded, it was evident how open that botanist had been with his dislike.

Vio put his hand on his chin and muttered, “The last one is Mister John, the mycologist… It’ll indeed be profitable if we can grow mushrooms, but I think the people in Amade village are more familiar with mushrooms around Leca town.”

“The forest at the foot of Alpé Mountains is their garden. Since the scholar will stay in Leca town for some time, I believe it’s better to recruit the botanist who can cultivate weeds. But that person’s personality worries me,” Jill pointed out with a bitter expression.

The room fell into silence. Vio massaged his forehead. “For the sake of improving the condition of Leca town, should we ignore his personality and concentrate on his main focus of research for now? He can stay in the town. There should be a way.”

However, Legion and Rille were of different thoughts.

“That’s no good. I don’t want to have such a rude fellow near Lord Violant,” said Legion.

“He’s right, Master. As we left, he stared at me with an unpleasant gaze. He’s definitely not a decent person.”

Since Rille has refused while trembling, Vio frowned. “I see. I don’t want to hire him and make Rille uncomfortable. Let’s count him out.”

“I understand,” said Jill, crossing out that person’s name at once.

“…Then, we only have John the mycologist left, right? Don’t we have any other candidates, Jill?”

“They refused as soon as I mentioned the name of the Lesserhains.”

“Oh…” Vio shot a glance at Legion. “How about you?”

Shoulders drooping, Legion replied, “Similarly, everyone refused as soon as I revealed the family name… I’m sorry.”

Jill gently interceded, “Mages are in great demand everywhere, so I don’t think they’ll be willing to head to a remote region without any good reason.”

“I see,” said Legion. “With our current situation, it’ll be tough to hire anyone in the royal capital.”

Then Vio said, “Okay. In the worst case, let’s give up on getting a mage. Right now, what Leca town needs is a botanist.”

Vio turned his attention to the recommendation letter he had received from Ars. He glanced at a name written on top of the sheet of paper. Dawn Samarelli. “Mister Dawn refused us, but why don’t we try to negotiate with him again? If we fail, how about we give up and hire John?”

Everyone decided to go with Vio’s suggestion.

****

“Doctor Dawn! My grandmother is sick. Can you come and see her soon?” said a member of the town after rushing to Dawn’s house in a panic.

To which Dawn, who was about to leave, cocked his brows. “Sure, I’ll go… Ah, this is bad. I promised that I would deliver these herbs this evening.”

Indeed, he was supposed to sell the herbs he had cultivated in his garden today. He was visiting another house in the morning, so he didn’t have time to stop by the store at that time.

“Father, I’ll go deliver them. Ioyra leaves aren’t that heavy, and Mister Vyasa’s store isn’t that far. I’ll be fine,” proposed Yuan. He tried not to go out by himself as much as possible, but his father would occasionally have him complete errands around the neighborhood.

“Right… The sun is high, so it should be alright, yeah? But make sure to go home right after you deliver herbs, Yuan.”

“And lock the door. Don’t open the door even if someone comes knocking, right?”

“Okay, good boy,” said Dawn. “Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“Alright!” Yuan replied cheerfully, receiving the basket from Dawn. Although he staggered a little from the weight, he immediately regained his balance and started walking.

After Dawn had locked the front door, he watched as his son walked down the street to Vyasa’s store. And then, he followed the man to see the patient.