I Thought It Was a Healing Farming Game - Chapter 47

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

I thought it was a healing farming game.
47

I recoiled in bewilderment, slipping past the strange sailor as discreetly as I could.
“Ah, no… really, it’s fine. I don’t have that kind of money anyway.”
“What does money matter? Just take out an unlimited loan, that’s it. From, uh, whoever… Right. From Kayes!”
Watching him brighten as he dredged up the memory, I found myself speechless.
‘Is he seriously telling me to borrow a huge sum and flee in the dead of night?’
The sheer audacity—the utter absurdity—of the proposal kindled a flash of anger.
“Why me? I find this deeply offensive. It’s incredibly rude! I’m not getting on that ship, so please stop trying to convince me.”
I snapped, huffing with indignation, and hurried down the stairs and off the vessel as though fleeing a fire.
“What a strange person that is……”
I muttered under my breath, glancing back over my shoulder now and then to make sure he wasn’t following.
‘Did he think that was a good opportunity? Ten thousand Gold. With that much, I’d stay in town and live in pure luxury without budging an inch.’
I’d never set sail in the game before, so I’d never known Merchant Ship tickets were so outrageously expensive.
The pushy stranger had left a sour taste in my mouth as I made my way home.
“I’m back… Siard?”
The moment I opened the front door, I came face-to-face with Siard.
He was still wearing his healer’s robes, which told me he’d only just arrived home himself.
“Did you go to the Merchant Ship?”
“Oh, yes. Today’s the last day, after all! I picked up a few more things I’d missed.”
“I see.”
His reply was notably shorter than usual.
I studied his tired expression, then remembered what I’d bought and pulled it from my Inventory.
“Oh, right. Take a look at this.”
I proudly unfurled the White Gown in front of him.
Siard examined the garment I’d produced with care.
“It’s the same as mine.”
“Yes! That’s right.”
I nodded eagerly.
“If I wear this, I can learn Herbalism faster. Then later I’ll be able to do Potion Crafting too. Just like you!”
As I gazed at him with bright, eager eyes, Siard fell silent for a moment.
“……You wanted to learn Potion Crafting?”
“Actually, I was more interested in wearing the same clothes as you.”
I smiled contentedly, clutching the white robe to myself.
“I felt bad always being sickly and relying on you so much!”
Siard’s pupils trembled ever so slightly.
“……So……”
“Yes?”
“Never mind.”
His expression had grown contemplative, but he resumed speaking as he normally would.
“I was concerned because you came home later than usual.”
“Ah.”
“You didn’t mention stopping by the Night Market, so I wondered if something had happened.”
“Oh goodness, I’m sorry. I should have told you beforehand. Since it was the last day, I got caught up looking around and lost track of time.”
He wasn’t tired at all—he’d been worried.
I apologized to him sincerely, my remorse genuine.
“From now on, I’ll make sure to tell you ahead of time. Sorry for worrying you.”
Siard regarded me quietly for a moment, then his expression softened and he offered a gentle smile.
“Very well. I’m relieved nothing happened to you.”
Seeing his face return to its usual warmth, I exhaled in relief.
I went to my room and hung the healer’s robes on the clothing rack.
‘That should solve the exhaustion problem. From now on, I need to work even harder!’
I smoothed away the wrinkles in the gown, my resolve burning bright.

* * *

A great ship’s horn blast echoed across the harbor.
Hearing the Merchant Ship depart in the distance, I thrust the Hoe into the soil again and again.
“Good grief. Who ate all of this?”
I found the marks of birds pecking at my vegetables and held up a wizened potato, my face falling.
“My potatoes…….”
They hadn’t waited for anything to mature—the moment the new shoots appeared, they’d gobbled them whole.
“I’ll have to set up a Scarecrow.”
Since the Merchant Ship left, I’d thrown myself into farmwork without a moment’s rest, preparing for the spring harvest.
I was rushed off my feet, carrying the Watering Can, Growth Accelerant, and Insecticide, running back and forth managing two Vegetable Gardens alone.
But it was manageable now—far more than before.
Learning basic Potion Crafting from Siard had made it easy to restock Recovery Items.
And on days when I was exhausted, wearing the White Gown noticeably sped up my recovery.
‘Phew, now I see why equipment matters so much!’
In the old days, I would’ve collapsed on the ground ages ago.
I wiped the sweat from my face with satisfaction and checked my crops’ status again.

Status: Good
Status: Damaged

I sorted out the plants damaged by wild animals and birds, cleared them away, and installed the Scarecrow I’d bought in the Field.
“Day’s work done!”
After finishing so much in a single day, I flopped onto the ground for a brief rest.
‘The sky is so blue.’
I was gazing up at the clear blue expanse when a face abruptly entered my field of vision.
Even cast in shadow, bright green eyes sparkled softly as they curved into a smile.
“Hello, Miel?”
My eyes flew wide. Still lying down, I let out a silent yelp and bolted upright.
Priam quickly caught my arm to steady me and keep me from tumbling over.
“Are you all right?”
“P-Priam?”
What was Priam doing out here at the Vegetable Garden?
He smiled warmly, crouched down in front of me, and held out an Apple. Its surface gleamed with a deep red polish.
“Want an Apple?”
“Oh? Yes. Thank you…….”
Startled, I accepted the Apple anyway, thanking him.
“It’s such a beautiful Apple.”
I stared at it, its surface so lustrous it seemed a shame to eat it, then bit down with a crisp snap.
The crunch gave way to sweet juice bursting across my tongue.
“Mmm!”
Eyes shut tight, I savored the cool, sweet flavor for a moment.
After finishing the Apple in the blink of an eye, I looked back up at Priam.
“But what brings you out here? Were you just passing through?”
“I came to see you, of course. It’s been days.”
“Really?!”
Priam had come to see me first. I was genuinely moved.
“Yes. Really.”
Priam smiled as brightly as the sun.
He then gestured hesitantly to the empty space beside me.
“Is it all right if I sit here?”
“Yes! Of course.”
I quickly shifted my body over, making plenty of room for him.
But Priam’s movements stopped short just as he was about to sit.
“……You don’t have to move that far away.”
His voice was quiet, and there was something downcast in his tone.
“Oh.”
Only then did I notice his expression, and I hurriedly waved my hand.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t avoiding you—I just wanted to make sure you’d be comfortable…….”
Priam looked at me for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
“It’s all right.”
And then, with a slight hint of hesitation, he added more.
“I don’t want to keep my distance from you anymore, Miel.”
“Ah…… um.”
At those words, a corner of my heart tickled with emotion.
Priam shifted slightly closer and sat beside me. I felt a quiet satisfaction as my Affinity with him seemed to rise along with the narrowed distance.
To hide my rising smile, I lowered my head and idly brushed the grass in front of me with my fingertips.
Priam watched me in silence for a moment, then asked softly with a gentle laugh.
“Miel. If you’re not busy…… would you like to play with me today?”

* * *

When Priam was the one asking to play, there was no way I could refuse.
“What a beautiful day!”
I prepared a simple lunch and set out to the Field with Priam.
“What do you think, Priam? Should we eat here?”
“Sounds good.”
I spread out a picnic mat in front of a tree and unpacked the lunch I’d prepared.
“Here you go, Priam.”
I handed him a Sandwich with strawberry jam, which he accepted with both hands.
I picked up a roll of Gimbap I’d packed separately and popped it into my mouth.
Julienned carrots, egg omelet strips, sliced ham, cucumber.
And instead of Danmuji, I’d used pickled radish I’d prepared myself.
‘The color is white, but the taste is similar enough.’

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