Chapter 151: A Small Accident
Chapter 151: A Small Accident
Mrs. Weiss opened the door and welcomed Rod and Elfman inside, serving them tea.
The client's home didn't look particularly wealthy, but it wasn't what one would call impoverished either. Of course, this was just a first impression; it was possible that a sudden change had left the household in its current state.
The person who needed the herb was Mr. Karuto, who was currently lying in bed, unable to get up and move around. According to Mrs. Weiss, Mr. Karuto was an ordinary carriage driver, but he enjoyed taking long-distance freight and passenger jobs the most. These jobs were more profitable, allowing him to rest at home for a while after just one trip, rather than spending his days searching for work in the market or the Merchant's Guild.
He had always done this, but ever since he returned home last week, he had been bedridden. To treat his illness, they had spent all their savings and even sold their carriage and horse, yet his condition showed no signs of improvement.
It wasn't until yesterday that Mrs. Weiss managed to bring in a renowned doctor from out of town, who diagnosed Mr. Karuto with a rare epidemic disease. His lungs were deteriorating, possibly due to inhaling some kind of miasma while on the road.
To cure this disease, they needed the Divotian herb. However, this herb was extremely rare, growing only in the harsh conditions of the Galantos Snow Mountain. On that mountain, a ferocious beast known as the 'Rabong' made its home, making it virtually impossible for ordinary people to climb without becoming prey.
Thus, they had no choice but to seek help from the Magic Guild.
"The current payment is all that's left in our household. I know it's unfair to offer such a low reward for such a dangerous mission, but..." Mrs. Weiss bit her lip, her voice trembling, "I can accept any increase, but please allow me to owe... owe... I will work hard and repay the remainder as soon as possible!"
Rod looked at Mrs. Weiss. The exhaustion on her face was evident, and her fingers were pale and wrinkled, likely from doing laundry and dishes. Her dress had small stains that she hadn't changed, perhaps because she was too busy or had no time to think of herself.
To have such a devoted wife, Mr. Karuto must be incredibly fortunate.
Elfman was almost moved to tears, "Mrs. Weiss, you're a real man!"
Seeing Mrs. Weiss's startled expression, Rod explained, "He just has a habit of complimenting people that way, don't mind him. Regarding the payment, we've already accepted the mission. Unless we encounter an extraordinary situation, we won't raise the price. Our task is to find the Divotian herb as quickly as possible, correct?"
"Yes..."
"Please rest assured. We have experience with search missions, and we've already familiarized ourselves with the herb's appearance. We won't mistake it."
Rod felt that the client needed some reassurance and spoke calmly, "We'll set out immediately."
"Right!" Elfman responded enthusiastically, always ready to boost morale.
In Mrs. Weiss's eyes, one of them was steady and reliable, while the other was passionate and energetic. They both seemed capable, and she felt much more at ease.
Watching Rod and Elfman walk out the gate, Mrs. Weiss leaned against the door frame and looked toward her husband's bedroom, a weary smile on her face. As long as Mr. Karuto's illness was cured, everything would be all right.
She gathered her strength. It was time to prepare a meal. When the mages returned, she wanted to treat them well.
And Jimmy and Hunter should be back soon, too...
"Mrs. Weiss! Mrs. Weiss!"
The frantic shouting outside made Mrs. Weiss's heart skip a beat. She stepped out of the house to see what was happening.
Mrs. Nebel, the neighbor, panted as she ran over, and Rod and Elfman, hearing someone call the client's name, paused momentarily.
"Vess, it's terrible! Jimmy, she... Someone saw Jimmy running off to climb the Snowy Mountain all by herself!"
Vess nearly fainted, taking two steps back and leaning against the wall to stay upright. "Jimmy... Why would Jimmy...?"
She didn't need an answer; the child was undoubtedly trying to help her father find herbs.
This was too... too...
But Mrs. Nebel had even worse news. "Hunt has gone after Jimmy too!"
Vess felt the world spin, her body weakening as she slid down the wall.
It felt like the sky was falling.
Her husband was bedridden, and now her two children were in danger. The stress of recent days drained the life from her eyes.
No, they're not dead yet. If we can just find them...
"Find them..." Vess struggled to her feet, ignoring the dust on her clothes as she staggered forward.
"Vess, don't do anything foolish! You'll die if you go!"
Vess paid no heed, her mind consumed by the need to find her children.
"Hey, Rod!" Elfman was growing anxious.
"I know," Rod said, stopping Vess. "I can find them."
These words, the ones she had hoped to hear, struck Vess like a balm. She looked at the calm mage with a face full of sorrow.
"Get me something they've worn, or anything with their scent," Rod said, gripping his pendant. "Shadow Wolves!"
A massive two-headed wolf and two regular Shadow Wolves suddenly appeared in the yard, startling Mrs. Nebel, whose legs trembled uncontrollably.
Unlike her, Vess felt no fear, only a desperate focus on Rod.
"Their noses are very sensitive; they can find your children quickly," Rod explained, petting one of the wolf heads. "I need something with their scent."
His steady, determined tone and the effective solution seemed to jolt Vess out of her nightmare. She ran to her children's room, grabbing two bed sheets.
"Please... please..." Tears welled in Vess's eyes, and she struggled to speak.
Rod had the Shadow Wolves sniff the bed sheets and then waved them off.
"Trust the abilities of the mages of Fairy Tail," Rod said, gripping his pendant again. "Swift River Crabs!"
Two river crabs appeared, and Elfman climbed onto one, having ridden them many times thanks to his sister.
Without waiting for Rod to say anything, Elfman urged his crab forward.
Rod mounted the other crab and, before leaving, turned back to Mrs. Nebel with a gentle tone.
"I apologize for startling you, but this is an emergency. We'll return to offer a proper apology later. Could you please look after Mrs. Vess in the meantime?"
"Y-yes... Yes," Mrs. Nebel nodded, still in a daze.
Rod smiled at Vess.
"Also, please prepare some hot water. It's very cold on the mountain, and the children might catch a chill."
(End of Chapter)
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