This Heroine's Friend Has the Power of Botany

Chapter 261

The Formidable Spy

The tense situation was quickly handled by the diligent cooperation of the hunters from the association. Despite their efforts, the death toll exceeded 500. Since the initial clash with the soldiers of the Rhea Kingdom, hundreds were already wounded or killed. With the presence of numerous level 3 beasts, the sacrifice of hundreds was not unbearable; in fact...they were considered quite lucky.

The association leader himself was severely injured. The 2 rank 4 hunters were utterly exhausted, and even potions could not aid them anymore. The other 2 were injured, and though they had taken restorative potions, the effects were not everlasting. Continuous consumption in a short period diminished the potions’ effectiveness. This underscored the ongoing importance of priests, as potions had their usage limitations.

The two rank 4 hunters would be immediately sent to the church for urgent treatment, ensuring their eventual safety. Ellie, on the other hand, was unscathed. After an hour of sending the little Apple for recuperation, she received a signal that it had fully recovered and was ready to fight again. Thus, only the first hour was a struggle for survival, using spores to monitor blind spots and evade attacks successfully. Even her clothes remained intact without a single tear.

The association leader ordered those still capable of helping collect the corpses of these high-level beasts, as they would fetch a high price in the market. He decreed that the proceeds from selling the beasts would be equally distributed among everyone—no one got less or more—this was to recognize their collective effort and dedication. The association would not take any profit except for necessary operational costs, if had.

This gesture greatly boosted the morale of the hunters. The earnings of the deceased would be saved in the association, akin to the credit for their previous contributions. When families or relatives contacted the association, they would receive the money immediately. But if a hunter had registered their details correctly, the association would deliver the earnings to their families. This method demonstrated the leader’s genuine sincerity, further uniting the hunters under the association’s banner due to his generous actions.

“Hunter Luke, thank you for your hard work. I heard from the 4-star rank hunters that you used high-level magical equipment and magic scroll in battle. The association will cover the costs for those items.”

Seeing Ellie resting alone, the association leader approached her immediately. Although he felt that this young man probably wouldn’t want to be reimbursed for those expenses, as acquiring such items was much harder, he still needed to show his goodwill. And it was just as he thought.

Ellie, in the guise of Luke, waved it off dismissively. He didn’t know the value of those items either; the Setter family had provided everything for him before the journey. So, using them was no big deal. It could be considered using it to protect this little life, just as the Setter family had intended.

“No need to worry about that. What’s more important is the beasts they used...” Luke’s words made the association leader nod in agreement.

“I’ve sent people to inform the authorities about this. Tomorrow, I’ll invite you to the palace. This isn’t a trivial matter; everyone needs to know about it. And...I believe the Rhea Kingdom has more of these secret cards.”

“I think so too.” From her initial observations, if not for her rake destroying the teleportation gate, they could have emerged non-stop, and it shouldn’t be just 100 beasts.

“Good. Then rest well today. Going to the palace requires prior notice. I just hope they don’t make any moves now,” the association leader said, anger evident in his voice. He couldn’t believe the Rhea Kingdom could be so sinister.

Meanwhile, the Rhea Kingdom was also on edge. Upon investigation, they found that the reserve cage for the giant bear’s beasts seemed untouched. They still had the same number of beasts. Fortunately, they found the remains and bloodstains of one beast that hadn’t made it to the Ares Kingdom, as the rake had chopped it in half, leaving only the lower half on the ground. If not for the numerous separate cages preventing the surrounding beasts from eating the flesh, this evidence might have been lost.

“You mean to say...the Ares Kingdom is still in order despite the death of that giant bear?”

“Y-Yes, sir. Though I don’t understand how it happened, it seems the teleportation device was destroyed while the beasts were exiting the cage.”

Crash!!!

“Damn it! How can that be? This...Are you saying the Rhea Kingdom’s perfect plan was easily foiled like that?”

“Do you realize how many resources and lives were sacrificed to develop those beasts into essential weapons for the kingdom! And now...after putting it into real use, you’re telling me their critical weakness is that they might not be teleported at all!”

“If they can’t be teleported, what’s the point of our past efforts then? Do you want people to laugh at our Rhea Kingdom? No! If the Emperor or the leader of the Seven Night Poison group knows we failed so foolishly, what do you think they’ll do to us?!!”

“Without verifying if this plan succeeded, you ran back with your tails between your legs. This failure might not only bring shame but also death. No! Worse than death in the poison study facility!! So, who will take responsibility for this? Tell me, who will be held accountable?!”

The military leader seemed to have a vision of his impending doom flash before his eyes. He had seen others suffer from poison for their failures but never thought he would one day face such a risk himself.

“S-Sir, perhaps we could say they all perished? No one would know...”

Crash!!

“Do you think everyone is as foolish as you? If the Ares Kingdom declares their victory, everyone will know! If the higher-ups find out we lied, the punishment will be even worse!”

“Y-You’re right, sir. So, what should we do? Who would have thought the Ares Kingdom would be so strong?” The lower-ranked soldier muttered. At that critical moment, anyone would have thought the Ares Kingdom was doomed, but it turned out they were the ones facing defeat!

“Hmm? You’re right. The Ares Kingdom is incredibly strong. Too strong. They even knew how to deal with magical equipment. It’s almost as if they knew our methods beforehand.” Hearing his subordinate’s words, the commander seemed to have an idea. He smirked wickedly, surprising his subordinate.

“Sir, you mean...?”

“Haha, didn’t the Fourth Unit also fail before? The Fourth Unit Leader suspected there might be a spy leaking our secrets. So then...”

“Ah...Commander, you’re brilliant! If we claim someone leaked our plans, it’s very plausible, isn’t it?”

“Yes, spread the rumor that I suspect a spy. Make everyone doubt each other. I don’t know if there really is a spy, but...to say we have a spy that caused the enemy to move quickly and ruin our plans is more believable than thinking the Ares Kingdom soldiers suddenly became so strong and defeated us. Especially since those were just hunters, not even well-trained soldiers. It’s impossible. Haha.”

The commander laughed heartily. Ellie, who was secretly listening, was pleased with his plan as well. Thus, she decided to give him a grand gift as a token of gratitude.

Since they suspected that there might be an important spy, instead of letting them merely suspect, she would make sure the spy actually appeared...

In the cages for over 1,000 beasts, more than 100 had already been released to attack the Ares Kingdom, but many of the giant bear’s reserve beasts remained.

After the beast keeper threw in the usual food laced with poison to incite madness as per routine, who would know the cruelty of their method? Even small, cute beasts like squirrels turned ferocious immediately. That’s because they had to endure agony inflicted inside their bodies daily; some could not endure and die, while others went insane.

Their most terrifying moment came right after their meal, with the stimulant taking effect within minutes. After feeding, the keeper didn’t want to stay nearby, annoyed by the roars and cries. Therefore, he didn’t notice the high-quality cage, which even many beasts couldn’t break, was being corroded bit by bit until finally...

Creak......

The sound of the door opening startled the nearest beast. It chewed on its poisoned meat, saliva dripping menacingly. Its head slowly touched the cage, which usually had a stratagem that made them feel intense heat upon contact. But suddenly, the stratagem wasn’t working.

“Hoom...” It let out a roar. Although it didn’t like the other beasts, it knew they all had a common enemy, which was...the vile humans who had dared to imprison and torment them!!

Soon after, the bloody spectacle the Rhea Kingdom hoped to see in the Ares Kingdom was unfolding in their own territory instead.

Finally, the rumors of a spy began to spread. Given the severity of the actions, releasing beasts to attack their own city, it wasn’t long before the news reached the Emperor’s ears!

Ellie watched the downfall of her enemies with satisfaction. Only after collapsing in her tent did she sense something outside.

Even though everything seemed quiet, she felt compelled to go outside. The area where her spores couldn’t see and had been destroyed on a large scale suggested that someone important from the Setter family had arrived.

“Young Lord Owen?” As soon as she peeked out, she saw the figure standing silently in front of her tent. He didn’t move, even after Ellie observed him for more than 5 seconds. It seemed he would remain there until she came out.

“Don’t worry, no one saw me come here,” Owen misunderstood, thinking the girl was worried about her identity being revealed. Ellie didn’t think too much about it, trusting that he wouldn’t expose her secret.

Though others might want to do so, Young Lord Owen respected her greatly. Ellie felt safe with him, and she knew what that feeling was called.

“Please, come inside.”

“Alright.” Owen didn’t refuse. He entered and inspected the tent boldly. Seeing that Ellie had taken good care of herself, he felt pleased. The young girl even slept fully clothed, maintaining a male voice. If he didn’t know she was this hunter, he might have been fooled.

“Would you like some tea?”

“No, thank you.”

“Ah...so, do you have urgent business here?”

“Mmm. I heard you fought many beasts today. I was worried you might be injured.”

“That’s not the case. Since I didn’t inspect the items you gave me earlier, I plan to do so tonight. In case of another crisis, I’ll be prepared.”

“Good.” Owen nodded. He saw that she used a high-level magic scroll to create a wind barrier today, a wise decision. At least it was better than risking harm to herself.

“So...is that the only reason you came here?”

“Mmm, there is one more thing.”

“...........”

“Tomorrow, I heard you will be going to the palace, right?”

“Yes.”

“Mmm, I will be going too. As a noble and the protector of the city, I need to be informed about the important matters the association will report.”

“Yes, that is good news.”

“Yes...but if we meet then, I might not greet you.”

“Hmm? I understand. I will be there as Luke, after all.”

“Right.”

“And...”

“.........” Owen fell silent, and Ellie still didn’t understand what he was trying to convey. It made sense not to greet her. If he suddenly did that...it would be quite strange.

“Uh...do you have anything else to say?”

“No.”

“Ah...”

“.....”

“.....” Seeing Ellie’s confusion, Owen thought for a moment and then decided to explain a bit further.

“I was worried you might feel slighted if I didn’t greet you in front of others, so I came here to meet you...” Owen gazed into the small eyes of the girl, his serious demeanor making Ellie feel oddly flustered.

This man seemed overly concerned. He came all the way here just to tell her about this trivial matter...simply because he thought she might feel slighted...But still, although she felt a bit taken aback, she couldn’t deny the slight happiness she felt deep down inside!

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!