194: Spice Season

"Considering the nature of Lord Sata's greenhouse, the first priority would be a plant that grows quickly, is widely recognized, and can be identified even in small quantities."

"Plus, it should be edible. Cultivating ornamental or environmental maintenance plants wouldn't serve any purpose, and my most sensitive organ is my tongue."

"I also think reproductive capacity is important. It's not guaranteed that changes will appear within just one generation."

"If that's the case... it seems we're looking at something like herbs."

We walk through the seed section of the plant specialty store.

Note that, more precisely, this area sells plants that have been preserved in a state suitable for long-term storage at room temperature and dry conditions—similar to seeds—so some cuttings specially processed via mods are also available here.

"This area looks promising. It says these are mint."

"These grow incredibly fast, that's for sure."

"I see."

Anyway, enough of that.

Since we're investigating the effects of Ether Space, this kind of plant could also serve as a useful test subject.

That's why Vilijanila chose mint.

It's a refreshing herb, great as a food.

And as Joharlis said, since it's extremely prolific, care must be taken when handling it.

As past incidents have shown.

Due to the enhancement by mod, there have been cases where it continued multiplying by sucking up nutrients and water from the surroundings, doubling in size every day, until it ended up meticulously incinerating an entire region of the planet.

"Master Sata. How about basil, thyme, and oregano?"

"Hmm, hmm."

Basil is said to pair well with any kind of cuisine.

Thyme is a herb that aids in flavoring and digesting fatty meats.

Oregano is a herb well-suited for reducing the odor of meat.

They don’t seem to grow too large, so they’d definitely work in my greenhouse too.

Since Memokshi recommended them, I’ll go ahead and pick these as well.

“Hmm, since we’re at it, how about pepper?”

“Pepper? Can a complete beginner relying on textbooks actually grow pepper?”

"Please wait a moment... It shouldn't be impossible if we select the right variety."

"Homegrown pepper... That does sound intriguing."

Pepper... probably one of the most well-known spices in the world.

Since it's been commercially cultivated for so long, it's clear people can grow it, but can I actually cultivate it myself?

From what I can tell, based on the summary document Meikoshi quickly put together, it seems to take considerably longer than other plants.

But pepper is a climbing plant, huh.

I never knew that, despite using it so frequently.

Moreover, depending on how it's harvested and processed, pepper can become black pepper or white pepper, each with a different flavor.

If grown within the ether space, it might become something entirely unprecedented.

In that case, even if it takes a bit more time, it'd still be worth cultivating.

So, I've decided to go ahead and purchase it.

"Then I'll have this delivered to the hotel for you."

"Thank you."

After purchasing the seed, I placed it in a paused state via mod and transported it to the hotel.

Once it arrives, I'll transfer it to the Ether Space and begin cultivation.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the results."

"Yeah, but first and foremost, I'm praying it turns out to be something scientifically edible."

"You're being awfully cautious..."

"Of course. It's an unknown experiment after all."

Well then, that concludes today's agenda.

Afterward, we'll do some sightseeing before heading back to the hotel.

"By the way, Satā-sama. What about the Hekyomōryu? It's been several days since we received the greenhouse. If it's the fast-growing variety, it should already be fully developed by now."

"Hmm, we're still conducting various inspections on that. In fact, we've even taken it to the branch office of Seiryō Corporation in the Third Prime Colony for a preliminary check. At this point... there's no noticeable difference compared to ones grown under normal conditions."

Thus, we chatted casually while walking down the path.

Regarding the Hekyomōryu we were discussing... at least as far as my judgment goes, it's growing steadily and smoothly.

The number has become sufficient, so the accelerated cultivation has already been halted.

We're checking whether any differences have arisen compared to ordinary ones.

We've already received information from Seiryō Corporation about what regular Hekyomōryu looks like, so comparing them isn't an issue.

"When did you start doing something like that?"

"Here and there during the night, quietly."

"That's right. Sneaking around while Master Vee and Master Johaliss are asleep."

"Because they're cosmic monsters and mechanical intelligences that don't need to sleep. But if there's no difference... then..."

"From a source perspective, we can't rule out that Hekyomōryu alone might have special potential..."

"You're right—now that you mention it, that makes sense."

As a result of the comparison, there's currently no difference between something raised normally and something raised in the Ether Space.

Well... Hekyo Moruly was a plant handed down by a self-proclaimed odd old man, a newly discovered lifeform native to the Moruly Fregler system.

It might not be an ordinary plant, and perhaps that's precisely why it isn't affected by the Ether Space...

Anyway, I can't combine it with other plants.

"Since it's about the right time, shall we have lunch at that snack shop over there?"

"Burrito. That looks delicious."

After hearing Vilijanila's comment, I checked my watch and confirmed it was indeed the perfect time.

The place we were pointing at appeared to be a shop specializing in burritos—flat, large tortillas filled with various ingredients and tightly rolled.

We slowly walked toward it.

02/17 Text adjustment