#434 Before the Ceremony: Garra Rufa

I am Garra Rufa, one of the Six Witches and called the Witch of the Plague.

...Haa.

It has been so long ever since I came here...

An event occurred that made me realize the passage of time—Puffer’s marriage.

It’s the Puffer, you know?

She was the most stubborn and most intimidating of the Six Witches, but now, she’s getting married.

It’s something I never imagined when we first met.

Lampeye, too.

I remember that the three of us came to the farm together.

They got married at the same time, leaving me all alone...

...No!

You’ve got it all wrong. I’m not falling behind or anything.

But since Puffer and Lampeye are moving into their husband’s families, it’s natural they won’t be staying here anymore.

I would be lying if I said I won’t miss them.

After all, we all got here on the farm together.

Recently, we’ve been working in different departments, and sometimes we don't see each other all day long.

But we still have a bond.

Yet, both of them are leaving.

They left me alone and got married...

...No, no, no! I don’t envy them!

I’m happy for them if anything!

My life is all about research! As long as I can research potions, I’m more than content!

I specialize in bacteria!

It is still an undiscovered concept in this world and was named for the first time by Lord Saint and his knowledge.

These tiny little organisms, so tiny that they are invisible to the eye, multiply all over the place and are the cause of various processes.

Once, I foresaw the existence of bacteria and published a paper on it.

Unfortunately, the Mermaid Medical Association did not recognize it and, on the contrary, criticized me, calling me crazy.

This is when I came to be known as the Witch of the Plague.

Still, I did not abandon my hypothesis, and after a particular incident, I ended up being sent to jail.

I am now grateful for that disaster, because that’s how I got on this farm in the first place.

This place is amazing!

The germs that caused the people around me to call me crazy are the norm here!

Lord Saint is a master at putting bacteria to good use!

Bacteria ferment crops to break down harmful components and convert them into nutrients or simply make them taste better.

When I was shown this process, my researcher spirit trembled with excitement.

Not only did Lord Saint prove the existence of bacteria, but he took it a step further and put it to good use!

It was a dream come true just to have my theory confirmed, but to have established its practical use is even better!

All hail Lord Saint!

As I continued my research, I became in charge of the bacteria-related work here.

I make the starter that Lord Bacchus needs for brewing alcohol.

Beer needs malt, while wine needs the indigenous bacteria that dwell on the grape skins to promote alcoholic fermentation. But for rice wine, we have to get the bacteria from koji.

Koji is also necessary for the production of miso and soy sauce, so Puffer often came to get some.

From now on, however, her successor, Discus, will be doing that.

I’ve also been reassigned as the farm's medical officer to make effective use of the fungus.

As I hypothesized, most of the diseases that human beings contract are caused by bacteria.

Pathogens cause various symptoms, and the body generates a high fever to kill foreign bacteria.

Lord Saint’s explanation made complete sense to me.

If we can find out what kind of bacteria enters the system, we can determine the disease the individual has contracted and know how to deal with it accordingly.

Currently, my lab has ninety-eight different kinds of medicines for fatal diseases (including those caused by crops).

All of them are drugs for diseases caused by viral pathogens, though.

...Oh.

I won’t let the same people who rejected my theories benefit from my research.

I should probably wait until they’re a little more civilized and can understand my ideas.

Until then, only the farm residents can enjoy my talents, research, and achievements.

I work only for these people who understand and accept me!

This farm is the best!

It’s like my very own utopia!

I will never leave this farm like Puffer and Lampeye did!

This is my final destination! My finishing line!

I'm going to stay here and study bacteria for the rest of my life!

“Mwahahaha!!!”

“Ah! Master Garra Rufa is laughing hysterically again!” “Her mad scientist spirit is active again. Let’s join her!”

Heckerlii and Batrachus, who were working until a minute ago, rushed to me and started laughing next to me.

“Mwahahaha!”

“Ehehehehe...!”

“Wahahaha!!!”

They moved in with Princess Angel and have become my assistants.

My workload has drastically increased since I came here, so having them is a huge help.

“Hyukhyukhyukhyuk!”

“Kakakakaka!”

...

Um, girls?

What’s with the weird laughs?

“Huh? But aren’t we supposed to have a unique laugh to be on the same level as you, master?”

“Yeah! No ordinary laugh can express our master’s madness!”

...

Why are the people of this world so set on making me a mad scientist?

I’m normal.

I study bacteria normally.

To say that the concept of bacteria is beyond your understanding and that I’m mad for studying them is just an imposition of values.

Breaking outdated notions gives way to new technology.

“Breaking outdated notions? Is that perhaps...”

“To overthrow of the current regime and the establishment of a new nation?!”

Please stop replacing every single word I say with dangerous ideas.

How much more persistent can they be in wanting to make me mad?

I am but a mediocre researcher and nothing more.

Research should be done in a humble, quiet manner.

“Understood! So, what you’re saying is...”

You do?

You really are my adorable little pupils.

"True madness is not spreading it around without reason! Real madness happens in the shadows, even at times of peace!”

“Oh! Laughing hysterically is just us compensating for our lack of madness!”

“A true compounder like our master does not need to act like one! Her usual behavior is considered mad enough, after all!”

"Mad day in, day out! What a complete madman! We respect you from the bottom of our hearts, Master Garra Rufa!”

...I’m glad they respect me, but I feel like it’s a little misdirected.

While Puffer and Lampeye enjoy their married life, I will be spending the rest of my life surrounded by these silly girls.

I'm starting to envy the two of them now.

***

...Hm?

Ah, right, right.

My escort is here. I guess it’s that time already.

I’ll be away for a few days, so please take care of this place for me, girls.

“YES, MA’AM!” respond Heckerlii and Batrachus.

Where I’m headed, you ask?

It’s obvious—I’ll be attending Prince Arowana and Puffer’s wedding.