I'm Alraune, a plant monster.
And this blue harpy flying through the sky while carrying me is the witch Rufe.
After extracting information from that messenger harpy, we were currently on our way to launch a direct attack on the Demon King Army’s Second Army, which was closing in on the Royal Capital.
Since Witch-ko was using transformation magic to look like a harpy, her appearance was completely different from usual. She wasn't even in her familiar White Bird-san form, so it felt a bit strange.
Despite the disguise, Witch-ko asked me a question in her usual voice.
"Hey, Alraune... are we going the right way?"
"It’s okay. Just keep heading in that direction."
"Got it."
Since leaving the forest, we had been heading northeast. I didn't have a compass, so I couldn't tell the exact degree, but it wasn't as if we were lost. I’d appreciate it if she didn't underestimate me.
Because we were traveling by air rather than by land, we had already reached the outskirts of the Royal Capital. For me, having been active here as a Saint, this place was like my home turf. The map was engraved in my mind, and I understood the general geography perfectly.
"Hey, Alraune..."
"What is it?"
"How do you know which way to go?"
G-Gulp!
Lately, Witch-ko had been getting awfully sharp. Rufe, who had been a ten-year-old child when we first met, was now thirteen. I suppose she was reaching an age where it was getting harder to pull the wool over her eyes.
"You were born and raised in the forest, Alraune, so you shouldn't have been around here before. Yet you seem to know so much."
"T-That’s right. This is my first time visiting this area."
"Then how do you know the direction?"
"That’s... right! It’s the sun!"
I pointed the tip of a vine toward the sky. The sun was still high, probably just past noon.
"I’m a plant, so I can tell the general direction just by looking at the sun."
"Is that so?"
For now, she seemed to accept that.
However, I wasn't entirely lying. I’m sure many people have seen flowers that bloom while facing the sun. For plants, sunlight is everything. We grow in ways that allow us to bathe in as much light as possible to make photosynthesis easier.
This property of plants growing toward the light is called "heliotropism." In the summer, you’ll see young sunflowers moving as if they’re chasing the sun, all blooming in the same direction.
"I’m a plant, so I love the sun! That’s why I can tell where I am!"
"...I see."
Plants have another property where they change their shape to face light sources—not just the sun. This is called "phototropism." It’s why houseplants grow lopsidedly toward a lamp or a window.
By the way, while stems reach for the light, roots do the opposite, growing away from it. Everything is designed to maximize light exposure for photosynthesis. The plants people see every day aren't just growing aimlessly; there’s a solid reason for every stretch and turn.
That’s how much plants crave photosynthesis. It’s also the real reason I’m always taking naps while sunbathing. Photosynthesis feels so good. I wish I could do it forever.
"I understand the direction thing now. You really are amazing, Alraune."
"Ehehe."
Being praised by Witch-ko made me feel inexplicably giddy. This, too, must be because I’m a plant. Thank you for always watering me and taking care of me.
"So, the city we’re heading to... what was it called again?"
"It’s Blutenweiss."
I made sure to add that I had learned the name from the messenger harpy. That way, it wouldn't be suspicious even if I knew a lot about the place. It was definitely worth soaking that harpy in nectar to make her spill her secrets.
"Blutenweiss... the Demon King Army is there."
"That’s right. Once we arrive, let’s save the people of the city."
The Second Army of the Demon King Army was marching from east to west toward the Royal Capital. Blutenweiss sat directly to the east of the capital, standing right in the path of the invasion. I had visited it many times during my era as Saint Iris, so I knew the local geography well. I had to guide Witch-ko properly.
After flying for a while, the sun began to dip lower. At the same time, the scenery below us shifted.
"Alraune... look. There are plants I've never seen before stretching out everywhere."
"Those are vineyards."
From the air, it looked like countless grapevines were stretching out in long, straight rows. I’d never seen a vineyard from above, so it was quite a refreshing sight.
"Are those all grapes!?"
"Apparently, this area is famous for them."
Naturally, I didn't forget to add, "That’s what the messenger harpy said." I had decided to credit every piece of information I shouldn't know to her. Thank you, messenger harpy-san. I won't forget your contribution.
"If they only plant grapes, they can't make bread. Do the people here not eat bread?"
"I think they probably do."
"...Does that mean they like grapes more than bread?"
"It might just be the nature of the soil, but I'm sure there's a reason."
"Hmm. How strange."
The southern region of the Kingdom of Gardenia where Witch-ko used to live was a major wheat producer. To her, growing anything else seemed incomprehensible. I understood the sentiment.
I knew the actual answer, of course, but it would be unnatural for me to give a detailed lecture as an Alraune. My tried-and-true excuse of "hearing it from the harpy" wasn't a catch-all for everything. Still, I figured I could say at least this much.
"Actually, I heard something in Edelweiss—Blutenweiss is known as the Wine City."
"The Wine City... so that’s why they grow so many grapes?"
"We’ll see once we get there."
Beer was the drink of choice in the Tower City, but they sold wine there too. Witch-ko had drunk grape juice before, so she probably made the connection.
"I see. They sell wine to make money, just like how you sell nectar wine."
"T-That’s right..."
"But if there are this many vineyards, there must be a lot of kids out there selling grapes, too."
Witch-ko’s perspective was heavily influenced by me. Having supported our life by selling nectar in the past, she had grown into a child who thought seriously about finances.
Oh, Rufe. I put you through so much back then. But don't worry. Now that the value of my nectar has skyrocketed, we’ll never have to live in extreme poverty again. I’ll never let you collapse from malnutrition again.
Back then, thanks to Fairy Kiri and Dryad-sama, she had recovered quickly. But as her older sister, I had sworn to be thorough about her nutrition. I’d even cast aside my shame and produce as much nectar as it took to keep her healthy!
"Look, Alraune. I see the city."
"That must be Blutenweiss."
Though not as large as my hometown of Edelweiss, it was the second-largest city in the region after the Royal Capital—the Wine City, Blutenweiss, was finally in sight.
"I've decided. Once we beat the Demon King Army attacking that city, I'm going to drink some wine."
"Eh!?"
Rufe... you’re going to drink? No, no, no. It’s way too early for Witch-ko to be drinking, right? As her guardian, I had to put my foot down.
"I’d much rather drink grape juice with you, Rufe."
"...If you say so, Alraune, then I’ll stick to grape juice."
Let's save the alcohol for when you’re an adult. Still—had she ever actually drunk alcohol? I’d served nectar wine at the forest party, but she hadn't managed to sneak any then, had she? She was too busy helping me serve, so I doubted she had the time.
"Alraune, we’re here."
"Be careful. We don't know where the enemy might be hiding."
"It’s fine. Right now, I should look like a messenger harpy to anyone watching... hopefully."
Because of her transformation, the Demon King Army shouldn't target us. Still, just in case, we descended into the city with our guard up.
However, no attack came. In fact, there wasn't a single demon to be found in the city square. There were only humans.
The square was packed with townspeople working diligently in the evening light. But when they saw a harpy and an Alraune descending from the sky, they froze, their mouths falling open before they began to scream.
"Wait, why is there a harpy coming from the sky?"
"It’s a monster! The demons are here to attack!"
"Run for your lives!!"
In an instant, the square descended into absolute pandemonium. Watching the chaos, a realization hit me.
It seemed the Demon King Army hadn't actually reached Blutenweiss yet. I had jumped the gun.
But... if they weren't here, where was the army that was supposed to be attacking this city?