I Thought It Was a Healing Farming Game - Chapter 21

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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I thought this was supposed to be a healing farming game.
Episode 21

I lifted my arm and quickly wiped away the thin beads of sweat gathering on my forehead.
“It’s so much fun! I could keep going as long as you need.”
My legs were starting to ache, if I was being honest.
But I flashed a cheerful smile anyway, insisting I’d be happy to help with anything else.

Siad’s Affinity +30

Siad shook his head, his expression brightening into a warm smile.
“You’ve already been of considerable help.”
The world around us seemed to bloom with flowers in that moment.
‘An angel smiling……’
All my exhaustion melted away.
“I feel terrible for troubling you. Once we return, I’ll make sure to set aside proper compensation—”
“I can’t accept that!”
I bounced on my heels, my earlier contentment forgotten as I refused outright.
“I didn’t help you to get paid.”
“Even so, fair compensation for labor is a principle that must always be honored.”
It was flawless logic, but I still didn’t want to take the money.
I hadn’t helped with any expectation of reward in the first place.
“Fine then—if you insist, calculate the expenses I’ve incurred staying at your house and let me know the total. I’ll pay back every last bit, even if it takes time.”
I turned his own words back on him, staring deliberately at the ground to avoid his gaze.
To any observer, I looked sulky—so much so that I felt Siad’s stare boring into the crown of my head.
“……I see.”
At the resigned sigh that escaped from above, I lifted my head slightly.
“I’ll gratefully accept your kindness, and make good use of it.”
“Good!”
I nodded brightly.
“It’s already well past noon. I think we should have something to eat.”
“Is it really that late already?”
I stretched lazily, genuinely surprised at how much time had passed.
Crack.
An ominous sound echoed from my spine.
Siad’s gaze dropped to the small of my back. In the awkward silence that followed, I straight-faced my way through.
“My back just—”
“I didn’t hear anything.”
“Let me examine you.”
I brushed off Siad’s concern and hurried out of the Herb Field.
“I’m perfectly fine!”
I didn’t want an examination!
I fled from Siad’s reaching hands and rushed to the House Yard, where I paused to catch my breath, inhaling the earthy scent of soil.

Stamina: 55/100

Even with careful economy of movement, hours of continuous harvesting had drained my stamina considerably.
“I’m starving.”
“Why don’t you eat first? I’ll have something once I’ve sorted the herbs.”
“Let’s do it together.”
Siad shook his head, holding a basket overflowing with herb leaves in both hands.
“The arrangement and preparation method differ depending on their use. It’s more efficient if I handle it myself.”
“Hmm…… Well, if that’s the case.”
I deferred to his reasoning about efficiency and stepped back.
“Then I’ll make lunch for both of us. How about a Sandwich?”
“I’ll prepare my own meal. You need only concern yourself with yours.”
“Won’t you eat with me……?”
The disappointment leaked through before I could stop it, and he flinched.
I glanced at Siad repeatedly as I made my way toward the Kitchen.
“I can make it well, though…….”
I appealed to him in a timid murmur, loud enough for him to hear.
“……I’d be grateful if you’d add vegetables and cheese.”
“Of course!”
Answering with unexpected boldness, as if I’d never been shy a day in my life, I dashed toward the refrigerator.
“Can I put a slice of ham in too?”
“There should be Prosciutto we bought from the Store earlier.”
“Yes, I’ll use that! Take your time organizing. Siad.”
After pulling out the necessary ingredients, I began cooking in high spirits.
‘I should use the new Baguette. And what other ingredients go well with Prosciutto…….’
While scanning the refrigerator, I grabbed a handful of Arugula leaves.
With their bitter tang, they would harmonize beautifully with a sweet dressing.
Next, I pulled out an onion and cucumber in turn.
‘Since he said he likes vegetables, I’ll add a good variety. As for cheese, it’s been so long since I’ve tasted it that the flavor’s fuzzy…….’
After deliberating over the various cheeses, I selected the Emmental Cheese, its surface dotted with holes.
Sliced thin, it would look beautiful too.
‘For the dressing, Olive Oil and honey~.’
I washed the ingredients and set them aside, then sawed through the large Baguette with a bread knife.
I split the Baguette in half and carefully spread the sauce of mixed Olive Oil and honey over it.
Growl.
My stomach was so hungry I wanted to tear into it savagely right then and there.
“Hold on…….”
I murmured softly toward my own belly.
As I layered on the thinly sliced Emmental Cheese and began stacking the remaining vegetables,
“Oh! There’s also the fruit Priam gave us.”
I pulled an Apple from the basket, sliced it thin, and added it along with the Arugula, onion, and cucumber—the sandwich grew thick.
I covered it with the top slice of bread and pressed down gently to keep everything from spilling out. Complete.
“This looks delicious!”
The visual presentation was extremely appetizing.
Though I’d been so generous with the fillings that the bread had split open slightly.
‘It’s fine. If something falls out, I’ll just pick it up and eat it.’
The five-second rule is a law that applies worldwide.

* * *

After finishing his work some time later, Siad and I sat across from each other at the Dining Table.
“I’m digging in—!”
Without hesitation, I took a big bite of the Sandwich.
Fresh vegetables crunched between my teeth. My tongue perceived a rainbow of flavors.
‘Delicious.’
The salty tang of the Prosciutto, the crisp freshness of the cucumber and Arugula, the subtle sweetness of the fruit, and the richness of the cheese.
The harmony was, in a word, perfect.
Siad took a bite as well, then spoke in a notably pleased tone.
“I’m grateful for your help in many ways today. Not only did you assist with the herb harvest, but you’ve also made this Sandwich.”
“Usually I’m the one indebted to you. It tastes even better when you eat after working.”
I smiled at Siad while munching on the Sandwich.

Siad’s Affinity +15

He gazed at me and offered a thin smile, pulling out a tissue and handing it over.
“There’s sauce on the corner of your mouth.”
I sheepishly accepted the tissue he offered.
“Oh, it gets on even when you open your mouth wide.”
After wiping my mouth clean, I finished off one entire Sandwich without leaving a crumb.
“I’m so full…….”
It was a satisfying and filling meal.

Stamina: 90/100

My stamina was fully recharged now.
“What plans do you have for the rest of the day?”
“Well, now that we’ve eaten, I should head out and use the Vegetable Garden Deed.”
“You do stay busy. Will you be farming?”
“I’m planning to start small with the vegetable garden at first! I’m going to plant the Seed Collection and I’m curious to see what grows.”
Siad cleared the table, then browsed a small bookshelf and pulled out a single volume, handing it to me.
Since it was from Siad, I accepted it without hesitation.

Everything About Farming Vol. 1: So, This is Soil

“A farming book?”
“It’s a foundational text I’ve kept. I thought it might prove useful as you tend to the vegetable garden.”
“I love it!”
Reading farming-related books raised my Farming experience, and I could earn buffs when engaged in related activities.
“Since I’ve been fed so well, allow me to read it aloud for you.”
“You will? Honestly, it sounds like it’ll be more like a fairy tale coming from you than a farming manual.”
I settled in beside him eagerly. Siad opened the book to the first page with practiced grace.
“……Farming is much like raising a child. Even with constant care, or left entirely to its own devices, it will not grow properly.”
With a bookmark tucked between the pages, he began reading the opening passage in a voice as soft and comforting as cotton candy.
“The heart of farming lies in providing what is needed at the right moment, while maintaining a composure that does not grow anxious at every small change.”

Farming + 10
Farming + 10

Small notifications of experience gain drifted lazily across my vision.
‘Hearing Siad read makes it sound like something cultured and refined.’
I stifled a smile and listened intently to his words.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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