I’m Alraune, a plant monster girl whose job is making nectar.
And this is my little nectar-selling partner, Little Witch.
Every morning, she leaves my side like a husband heading off to work.
"Take care out there."
"I haven't had my 'goodbye' nectar yet."
"I suppose I have no choice, then."
Lately, for some reason, Little Witch won't leave unless I give her a taste of nectar before she goes. I feel like an older sister with a sibling who just wants a little extra affection, and it honestly makes me quite happy! For her sake, I’d give her nectar a hundred times over.
But I have other duties, too.
As the one in charge of the house, it’s important to keep our living space tidy. That means "cleaning" out the stains known as adventurers—those pests who keep intruding on our forest.
And so, Cleanup Reinforcement Week officially began!
The results on the first day were a significant step up from the day before. Eight separate groups of adventurers showed up in a single day. Meanwhile, Little Witch’s sales hit a new record, with over twenty customers.
She usually doesn't come back until evening, but today she swung by just after noon to restock. That meant she'd already cleared two full barrels' worth of sales. You’re amazing, Little Witch! You’re really giving it your all.
Then came the second day.
Fifteen groups of adventurers arrived on this day alone. It felt like the number of "customers" was growing every day. But they weren't the only ones increasing; Little Witch’s sales topped forty people. That’s four whole barrels of nectar! Honestly, what is happening in that city?
On the third day, things escalated.
Finally, adventurers who appeared to be high-ranking began to seek me out.
"Is this the one? The Alraune that’s been stripping everyone’s gear?" "Stay sharp. Most of the adventurers in the city have already been humiliated by her." "She might be a beauty, but I have no intention of ending up as fertilizer inside some man-eating flower."
Among the humans I’ve fought since becoming an Alraune, they were a fairly strong bunch. But you know, compared to Laobubear or the Golden Birdman of the Four Heavenly Kings, they were still on the weaker side.
In the end, the adventurers collapsed one by one.
"As expected, a Named Monster is in a different league..." "In this city, the only ones left who look like they could win are the 'Crystal of Dragon Water' party..."
—Wait, back up.
Did they just call me a "Named Monster"?
That means I must be listed on the official bounty lists at the Adventurer Guild as a dangerous creature. I see! So that's why so many people are coming to challenge me. I wonder if there’s a price on my head?
Oh dear, what should I do? A former Saint, now a wanted monster? It’s a bit embarrassing, really.
I’m not actually a scary monster. I’d love to just pack up and move somewhere quieter so I can live in peace, but I can't exactly do that. Why? Because I'm a plant.
You know, I've been thinking... since plant monsters can't move, once humans find you, you're basically stuck in a permanent state of siege, aren't you? Ugh, that's so depressing. Being a plant monster is such a tragedy...
What can I do to keep the humans away?
Up until now, I've been putting all the intruders to sleep and carrying them to the edge of the forest. But maybe that's the problem. Since their lives are guaranteed, they just keep coming back for more. Maybe I should try to act like a terrifying man-eater?
But I don't actually want to eat anyone, nor do I want to kill them. It’s quite a dilemma.
In the end, five groups of adventurers arrived that day. The numbers actually dropped, likely because the rookies had stopped showing up. Nevertheless, the pile of weapons and gear at my feet had grown into a mountain.
What should I do with all these lost items?
Truthfully, I'd like to take them to help with our living expenses, but that would be stealing. Even though I’m a monster now, as a former Saint, I haven't quite reconciled with the idea of looting. Besides, there might be a chance to get along with humans in the future. If I think about it that way, it’s probably better to leave the lost items where they are.
While I was groaning in worry, Little Witch returned with a beaming smile.
"Listen, listen! I sold nectar to eighty people today! Isn't that amazing?"
She came home hauling a mountain of ingredients and a massive pot. It looks like she finally bought the one she’d been longing for. Since she sold eight barrels today, she must have made a killing. She spent the whole day running back and forth between the forest and the city; she looked exhausted, but happy.
"Tonight, we feast!"
Seeing her so excited made the human problem feel insignificant. I have her, and that's enough. Even if more adventurers attack, I'll just brush them off and send them on their way. As long as I can live happily with Little Witch, I don't need anything else.
I praised her by patting her with my vines and we settled in for dinner. Just that alone made me feel incredibly blessed. With unpracticed movements, she chopped vegetables with her knife and tossed them into the pot to simmer. She looked so happy, rejoicing in the simple fact that she could cook.
I watched over my "younger sister" while smiling quietly. I hope a time like this lasts forever. I am very happy right now.
The next three days were pure bliss.
To the point where the mass outbreak of adventurers felt like a dream, not a single person came. Maybe they finally decided to leave me alone? There’s no reason to risk your life "flower-picking" for an Alraune in the deep forest, after all. Please, just forget I exist.
While Little Witch was away in the city, I hosted tea parties with my friends Hachi-san, Madam Butterfly, and the other Tefutefu. I treated the Forest Circle to nectar, and in exchange, Hachi-san shared some venison. The souvenir was delicious!
Little Witch’s sales eventually topped a hundred people a day. Ten barrels! It was such a success that she even had to use her lunch bucket as a temporary container. She eventually bought a proper second-hand bag to use as a tool kit. She’s finally starting to look like a real professional.
Thinking back, those three days may have been the happiest time since I became an Alraune. Days of tea parties, receiving plant offerings from my "little sister" Treant, and chatting with Fairy Kiri. Then, in the evening, I’d make vegetable dishes with Little Witch. She’s even gotten used to starting the fire.
Though it was just simple vegetable stew, making it together while chatting was the highlight of my day.
The season was already summer. A year had passed since I first met Little Witch when she was still a little White Bird. I was living a life that would have been unthinkable last year.
But that peace was abruptly shattered on the fourth day.
On that day, Little Witch licked her "goodbye" nectar as usual and headed off to Tower City. I was busy rummaging through the plant souvenirs from the Treant.
Chomp. This one is a morning glory. Chomp. And this is an oxalis.
I was wondering what the next plant would be when I heard them. Humans.
But this time, the situation was completely different.
Until now, even a large party only had about five people. This time, I heard a thunderous approach—the sound of countless boots, the clatter of steel on steel, and a cacophony of many voices.
A group of over twenty people emerged before me. They were holding their weapons high, everyone in a full combat stance. They didn't come to explore; they came to subjugate. There was nothing peaceful about the atmosphere.
I observed the guests. About ten were adventurer types, and another ten were knights in polished steel plate.
And then, there was one woman who stood out from the rest. She wore a pure white outfit decorated with gold embroidery—the symbol of the Goddess of Light.
How nostalgic.
Once, I too had a period where I wore that same outfit as an Apprentice Saint. I felt an immediate, painful surge of kinship. Because there, in the middle of a raiding party, stood a young Apprentice Saint girl.
The barrels filled with nectar are heavy, but Little Witch uses Levitation Magic to make them float while she carries them. Because of this, despite her small stature, she can make multiple round trips between the forest and the city with ease.
Next time: The Migrant Adventurers' Named Monster Subjugation.