Princess Mia Presents a Somewhat Reasonable Argument

I promise you that a bowl of delicious mushroom stew is the key to victory!

The council members couldnt help but agree with her because of how sure she sounded. All but Keithwood, who spoke up right away because he was shocked that everyone seemed to lose all sense at the same time.

H-Hold on a minute.

As Sions servant, it was his job to stop his master from acting on bad decisions, even if it made Sion mad for a moment. He had a job to do, and now was the time to do it! He bravely stepped in front of Mias fast-moving waggon of momentum because he was worried about Sion and knew this was a very bad idea.

There are many kinds of mushrooms, some of which are poisonous and some of which are not. As far as I know, it is very hard to tell them apart. It doesnt seem wise to try to do it ourselves.

Ah, Keithwood, I knew youd say that. You have always been careful when you are near mushrooms. That was smart. But dont worry, because what youre talking about has already been taken care of.

Huh? A solved problem? How exactlyif you dont mind my asking?

Mia smiled sneakily when he asked her that.

Please think about what kind of island you are standing on. Isnt it a God-blessed island? If thats the case, nothing toxic could grow here or be brought in, right?

Ah

Keithwood couldnt think of anything to say. The safest place on the continent Paradise on Earth People often used these words to describe Saint-Noel Island because God had blessed it. Because the water in Noelige Lake was so clean and holy, nothing toxic, whether it was plants or animals, could live on the island. It was such a common idea that it made sense.

But, he said.

He tried to argue back, but her quiet smile made him stop.

I know what youre trying to say, and I get it. If a poisonous mushroom got past the islands divine protection and onto our plates, which is very unlikely, wed be in a lot of trouble. Is that what you care about?

She talked slowly and in a way that seemed like she was talking to a small child. To be honest, it was a little annoying.

To do this, we can just ask an expert to come with us, and I just so happened to meet one of these people recently.

You know someone who knows a lot about mushrooms? Who could it be?

Its Citrina Yellowmoon, the daughter of one of the Empires Four Dukes. She looks like she knows a lot about them.

Yellowmoon, the young one?

Keithwoods eyebrows furrowed in thought when he heard this name.

Butisnt it possible that the House of Yellowmoon is working with the Chaos Serpents? Can we depend on them?

The question didnt make Mia lose her cool.

Yes, the House is being looked at, but I dont think Citrina has anything to do with it. But lets say I was wrong to trust her and she really is a Serpent. Do you think she would do something so obviously in this case?

Thats

In fact, it was a good argument. Duke Yellowmoon had to know that people were suspicious of him. He must know that his daughter Citrina is also being looked at.

He could try to get rid of the whole student council by sacrificing Citrina, but then we would already know its him, so its unlikely that wed all get a taste of the stew at the same time, and he must be aware of that

If the first person to try the stew got sick, the others would probably stop eating it. Some kind of slow-acting poison could be used, but the chances of finding mushrooms with this kind of poison on the island were, again, slim. Keithwood didnt think it would work as a plan because too much of it depended on luck.

Also, Mia went on, I think that as members of the student council, we need to do more than just work together. We need to make friends, and its my fault that I havent had enough chances to do so so far. So, Id like to make up for it by using a big event like the Holy Eve Festival to throw a private party for the council so we can all have fun and get closer.

Well, thats very nice of you

Her points were valid, but for some reason, Keithwood couldnt stand to hear them.

The problem with them might have been that they were too good. They reminded Sion of the kind of reasoning he used to get ready to charge into danger.

Bel and Citrina are also good friends, and they both said they wanted to come with us if we went mushroom hunting, Mia said before turning her head.

Miss Rafina, I think there might be a forest on the island that would be perfect for this?

Rafina touched her chin with her finger and frowned.

Its true that the east side of the island has a small forest. Im not sure, though, if mushrooms grow there or not

Mia waved her hand off this worry like it was nothing.

Oh, dont worry. Citrina will come along. Ive also done some reading about the subject myself. Correct, Chloe?

Uh, yes. Youre right.

In recent weeks, Princess Mia has been reading books to figure out how to make the mushroom stew party a success.

Oh, so this was premeditated. Plan instead of a whim.

Keithwoods explanation might have been a little too kind. Even so, he kept listening as Mia went on blithely with her story.

Youll be on the peaceful island of Saint-Noel, which is a blessed place where nothing poisonous can grow. Citrina and I, both experienced mushroom guides, will show you around. How could something go wrong?

Keithwood looked at the self-proclaimed veteran mushroom guides confident stance.

He couldnt think of a time when he was less sure of things.