*Web Novel chapter below*
How to Invest in Index Funds: A Beginner’s Guide to Effortless Wealth-Building
Investing can feel like a maze of confusing options and risky bets—especially if you’re just starting out. But there’s one strategy that cuts through the noise with its simplicity, low cost, and proven results: index fund investing. If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly way to grow your wealth over time, index funds are your golden ticket. In this guide, we’ll explain what index funds are, why they’re perfect for beginners, and how to get started today—complete with trusted platforms where you can sign up. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable path to launch your investment journey.
What Are Index Funds?
Imagine owning a small piece of the entire stock market without having to pick individual stocks. That’s the magic of an index fund. It’s a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that mirrors a specific market index, like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Instead of betting on one company, you’re investing in hundreds—like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon—all at once. It’s less about chasing winners and more about riding the market’s natural growth.
Why Index Funds Are Perfect for Beginners
Index funds are the go-to choice for new investors, and here’s why:
- Instant Diversification: One fund spreads your money across hundreds of companies, so a single stock’s stumble won’t derail your progress.
- Low Fees: No need for expensive stock-picking experts—index funds keep costs down.
- Set It and Forget It: No market expertise needed. Just invest and let time do the heavy lifting.
- Proven Track Record: Studies show index funds often outperform actively managed funds, making them a reliable path to long-term wealth.
How to Start Investing in Index Funds: A 3-Step Guide
Ready to take control of your financial future? Follow these simple steps to begin your index fund journey.
Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Account
A brokerage account is your gateway to buying index funds. Think of it as your investment dashboard. Here are three top platforms perfect for beginners:
- Vanguard: The pioneer of low-cost index funds. Sign up here.
- Fidelity: Offers zero-fee index funds with no minimums. Get started.
- Charles Schwab: Known for stellar customer support. Open an account.
Pro Tip: Look for platforms with low fees, a variety of funds, and an easy-to-use interface. Most let you start with as little as $1!
Step 2: Pick the Right Index Fund
Once your account is set up, choose a fund that matches your goals:
- S&P 500 Index Funds: Tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies (e.g., Vanguard’s VOO). Perfect for broad market exposure.
- Total Stock Market Index Funds: Includes small, mid, and large-cap stocks (e.g., Schwab’s SWTSX). Maximum diversification.
- International Index Funds: Invests globally (e.g., Fidelity’s FZILX). Adds worldwide balance.
Newbie Hack: Start with an S&P 500 or total market fund for simplicity and growth potential.
Step 3: Make Your First Investment
Now, it’s time to put your money to work:
- Fund Your Account: Transfer as little as $1–$100 to get started.
- Buy Your Fund: Search for your chosen fund (e.g., VOO at Vanguard) and hit “buy.”
- Automate It: Set up automatic investments—like $50 a month—to grow your wealth effortlessly.
Quick Links:
Why Index Funds Are a Smart Choice
- Lower Risk: Diversification cushions you from single-stock disasters.
- Tax-Friendly: Fewer trades mean fewer taxable events.
- Long-Term Gains: With the market’s historical 7–10% annual return, index funds are a retirement-building powerhouse.
Risks to Keep in Mind
No investment is bulletproof. Here’s what to watch:
- Market Swings: When the market dips, so does your fund. But history shows it bounces back.
- No Big Wins: You won’t beat the market—but for most, matching it is a win.
Tips for Index Fund Success
- Invest Regularly: Use dollar-cost averaging to smooth out market highs and lows.
- Diversify Further: Add international or bond funds as your portfolio grows.
- Stay the Course: Don’t panic-sell during downturns. Long-term investors win by holding steady.
Real-Life Success Story: Sarah’s $240,000 Nest Egg
Meet Sarah, a 30-year-old teacher who invested $200 a month in an S&P 500 index fund. After 30 years, her $72,000 in contributions ballooned to over $240,000—thanks to the market’s average 7% return. No stock-picking, no stress—just consistent investing through platforms like Fidelity or Vanguard.
Start Your Investment Journey Today
Index funds are your beginner-friendly path to low-cost, reliable wealth-building. Sign up with a trusted brokerage like Vanguard, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab, pick a fund, and start with as little as $50 a month. The sooner you begin, the more time your money has to grow. Take that first step now—your future self will thank you!
Rou-chan’s Glorious Exploration Record
I’m 8 years old!! Today, I came to play in the capital city with my father again!! Doya!!
In Grandpa Hana’s house, there are also potion-making tools, and we often talk about medicinal herbs. Sometimes he secretly buys me expensive herbs. It’s like my second home now!! So recently, I’ve been actively tagging along whenever my father goes to the capital.
The carriage ride is boring, and when I’m in the carriage with my father, he checks my manners strictly, so I actually don’t like it. But the benefits of enduring this hardship outweigh everything, so I put up with it.
So, I got dropped off in front of Grandpa Hana’s house and separated from my father.
“Grandpa Hana, Rou-chan is here! What’s for lunch today?”
After ringing the doorbell, I heard some noise inside, and the door quickly opened.
“Rou-chan! Welcome!! You’re early!! Hmm? Lunch? It’s only 9 in the morning?”
“Do you have any leftover fresh-baked bread?”
“You haven’t had breakfast yet, right? I have some bread from three days ago; I’ll warm it up for you… Rou-chan?! Wait!”
Without hesitation, I rang the bell at the neighboring house of Louis.
Louis works late nights in the red-light district, so she often sleeps in the morning. Therefore, I repeatedly knocked on her door to surprise her.
The door clicked open.
“Of course! It’s Rou-chan!”
“Louis! Grandpa Hana accidentally ran out of fresh-baked bread, so please lend us some as neighbors!”
Let’s show Grandpa Hana a bit of neighborly love!
“Hmm… I do want to help, but we’re also out of fresh-baked bread… Actually, I was just about to go buy some.”
Indeed, Louis wasn’t wearing her usual nightgown. Instead, she was dressed in a shirt and pants, ready to go out.
“Rou-chan hasn’t had breakfast yet, so let’s share a meal together!”
“If Rou-chan hasn’t eaten yet, why don’t we eat out? There’s a restaurant next to the bakery that opens early in the morning.”
“!! Is there fresh-baked bread?”
“It’s from the neighboring bakery, so it’s perfectly fresh!”
“The yeast is lively~ Fresh-baked bread~”
The fragrant steam rising from the freshly baked bread smelled of wheat, making it already delicious in imagination.
“Louis… If Rou-chan likes the breakfast, you might be asked to come every day!”
“As the son of a high-ranking noble, eating out every day won’t be too costly… Also, Master Hana should pay more attention to food. Didn’t he recently buy a lot of stone-like bread that can last two months from the military? Don’t be lazy; regularly buy bread!”
Grandpa Hana… You said the bread was from three days ago, but were you planning to feed Rou-chan those stone-like breads?
As expected, having meals at Grandpa Hana’s place isn’t safe. Eating at Louis’ place seems to be the best option.
“Well, yes… In the morning, I tend to eat without thinking much about the taste, so I didn’t think it mattered much…”
“Master Hana, you’re not a morning person, are you?”
Requests or casual reports to Grandpa Hana seem best done in the morning.
“Recently, many workers have come to the capital to earn money, so there are various kinds of bread available, and they’re much tastier than before. Most importantly, there are quite a few bakeries… Even among the courtesans, comparing different bakeries has become popular.”
As expected, Louis, the fashion leader of everyone, is well-informed.
But… This was unexpected.
There are so many bakeries in the capital… I must definitely try different kinds while I’m here.
In the Melissa family’s territory, there’s only a hospital, so there are no bakeries. We can’t compare different types of bread.
Moreover, the Melissa family has a dedicated chef, so we always eat bread made by the same artisan every day.
It’s not bad, but it’s always the same taste.
On the noble table, the bread is usually served alongside the main dish. There are no fancy breads that can be the star of the meal, nor are there any snack breads with fruits or nuts.
Rou-chan has thought about this for a while.
Is it really right to have the chef make bread? They’re good at pies, but… I think bread should be made by professional bakers.
Ah, so what the Melissa family lacks is a professional baker?
If I let my father try some delicious bread, he will surely understand the importance of hiring a baker.
“Louis, Rou-chan looks like he’s thinking of something mischievous.”
“It’s probably just your imagination. He’s just looking forward to some delicious bread?”
“I see… Maybe…”
“Fresh-baked bread is full of happiness, fluffy fluffy~”
“Rou-chan, I understand you’re excited, but remember to behave properly in public. The Melissa family shouldn’t appear pitiful.”
“Understood!”
A noble child like Rou-chan must pretend to always eat luxurious and delicious meals.
Showing the image of an aristocrat admired by the common people is also an important role of nobles.
Without dreams of glittering lives after promotions, everyone would lose motivation, and the national strength would decline, right?
So, Louis, Grandpa Hana, and I immediately set out towards the bakery.
Passing through the military post, crossing the adult street of the red-light district drowsy in the morning, and entering the streets of the capital, the flow of people increased.
Some people were already starting their businesses on the streets.
As Louis said, there were many bakeries.
Though distracted by various options, we decided to head to Louis’ recommendation first.
“I heard it’s around the corner past the flower shop…”
“Louis!! There’s a line!!”
“Oh dear, I thought it would be fine since it’s a bit pricey, but it’s more popular than I expected…”
At the entrance of the casual café-like place next to the bakery, about 13 people were lined up.
They all wore expensive-looking suits, indicating they were wealthy merchants or similar.
“Then, let’s buy bread and return…”
Is Grandpa Hana still half-asleep?
Coming here and seeing this line, then deciding to leave isn’t a normal judgment.
When he tried to enter the neighboring bakery, I pulled him back by his hand.
“Grandpa Hana, the end of the line is over there!”
“Eh… We have to wait in line?… Rou-chan, we’ll be waiting until lunchtime!”
“Over there is the end of the line!”
“…You’re determined to wait in line, aren’t you… Louis…”
“Well, once in a while, it’s okay, right?”
“Eh… Waiting in line…”
“Grandpa Hana, throwing a tantrum is not allowed, especially in public!”
“This is truly regrettable…”
Dragging the reluctant Grandpa Hana, I pulled him to the end of the line.
Alright! Bring it on, queue!!
Sliding into what seemed to be the end of the line, Louis spoke to the man in front of us.
“Excuse me, is this indeed the end of the line?”
“!! Of course! If you’d like, please feel free to stand in front of me!”
“No, no, I didn’t mean to ask in that way… Please don’t mind it.”
“No! I can’t offer much, but it must be tough with a child, so please, please!”
“Is that alright?”
“Of course!”
“Thank you, kind sir.”
Louis’ polite smile made him blush, and he happily gave up his spot.
“Ah, if it’s alright with you, please stand in front of me!”
“Eh… Thank you.”
“Please stand in front of us!! By all means!!”
“There’s space in front of me too!!”
Other customers turned around, captivated by Louis, hoping to receive a grateful smile in return, offered their spots.
“Everyone is so kind, it’s surprising… Louis was hungry, so she’s very happy!”
“!!!”
Everyone lit up with radiant smiles.
As expected of Louis… She’s skilled at fan service.
Her happiness naturally spreads joy to everyone.
Beauty has the power to make people happy. Pleasing Louis equals everyone’s happiness, a win-win situation.
Rou-chan wants to grow up to be a beautiful person and live an easy life.
And so, we quickly reached the front.
Seeing an empty seat, the usher approached, shocked.
“Eh, ah, o, oh?”
“We were given these spots by others.”
Seeing the usher frozen with wide eyes, Louis explained that no shady methods were used.
But the usher remained pale and frozen.
Did he faint from anemia?
“O, o, o, noble sir…”
“We need a table for three! Two adults and one elder!”
“Rou-chan, two adults and one child, right?”
“?” Despite being a senior, Grandpa Hana looks young, so I made sure to clarify to avoid missing out on any senior discounts or privileges?
“For three adults… Rou-chan will eat a full portion, so please give us proper seats and menus.”
With Louis’ explanation, the usher reflexively said “Yes!” and nervously led us inside.
Unlike fancy restaurants, the casual atmosphere meant casual service.
We were seated in the middle of the hall.
“Th, this is the only seat available… My apologies!! Sorry, sorry, sorry!!”
Is this a unique concept store?
Or is the casual service style proactive, apologizing in advance for any shortcomings?
“There are three menu options. Rou-chan wants the top one, with everything, right? Mini soup, bread, tamagoyaki, sausages, and a drink—tea or orange juice?”
Louis calmly took her seat and checked the menu on the table.
“I want orange juice right away! Water with the meal!”
“I’ll have the lightest soup, salad, bread, and sparkling water, please.”
“Then, two full sets, one basic set, drinks: orange juice right away, two sparkling waters, and three waters with the meal.”
“Y, y, yes… I’ll prepare them immediately!!”
The usher frantically took notes and rushed to the kitchen.
“Well, this is exciting!”
“If the bread is tasty, can I have seconds?”
“Rou-chan, if you have seconds, you won’t have room for lunch. I’ll buy you some takeout bread from the neighboring bakery later, so don’t eat too much, okay?”
“Understood!”
Unable to wait, I glanced around. The fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread wafted gently.
Apparently, each table receives a basket of bread, with various types like round bread and rye bread.
Great!! Great!! Expectations are high!!
“Here you go!! Sorry for the wait!! Orange juice and sparkling water!!”
The usher quickly brought our pre-meal drinks.
Let’s enjoy the orange juice.
Hmm, it’s sour.
Not very sweet…
Well, I didn’t expect much from a commoner’s shop.
Regardless of quality, it’s freshly squeezed orange juice, so it passes.
I appreciate that they didn’t dilute the juice with water despite it being a commoner’s shop.
Gulping it down with a “phew!” the cook brought out the food.
The service is incredibly fast! As expected from a popular place!!
It’s a one-plate meal with scrambled eggs, salad, mini soup, sausages, and corn.
The presentation isn’t beautiful, but it’s ordinary commoner food. Not much different from Grandpa Hana’s homemade meals?
“Today’s soup is a consommé base with okra and tomato.”
After the cook explained, the server poured water and stood nearby.
“We can serve ourselves, so it’s fine. Leave the water here.”
Both the cook and server stood rigidly beside each other, so Louis casually told them not to worry. They relaxed a bit and wheeled a cart next to Louis before leaving.
Since the chef needs to stay to handle further orders for other customers.
Louis is cool for being able to casually attend to such things. In the future, Rou-chan wants to be a noble who can nonchalantly take care of things like this.
“Then, let’s eat.”
Seeing Grandpa Hana pick up his fork, I picked up my fork and knife and started eating.
First, the sausage.
…It’s slightly bland.
The texture is good, but it’s either too much lard or weak seasoning that makes it bland.
Well, it’s not bad as a standalone dish… but it’s not great for sandwiches.
Since seasonings can be expensive, using dried herbs to add flavor might be better… Ah, the chef left, so I’ll mention this during the post-meal feedback!
The salad is just leafy greens.
The scrambled egg is thoroughly cooked on both sides.
I might sandwich this with bread later…
Taking a sip of the soup.
Consommé? …ish??
Something feels missing; it lacks punch.
More importantly, the base stock is too weak, and the ingredients completely overwhelm the consommé.
It looks amber-colored and is consommé-like, which is a shame… It doesn’t seem like they skimped on skimming the scum, so it’s likely a problem with ingredient selection.
That aside, this okra is delicious…
“The okra is delicious!”
“I think it’s a specialty of a lower noble family of the Lauren faction… It’s been circulating in the market recently, popular among ladies for its beauty benefits. Someone asked about okra beauty products earlier.”
Grandpa Hana showed off his trivia knowledge.
Okra beauty products? Like an okra pack? …Does it work?
But cucumber packs are already widely accepted beauty treatments, so considering it as a derivative, the slimy okra might have some effect.
The Melissa family handles not only medical but also beauty products. Their herb compounding recipes include cosmetics with whitening effects and sunscreen.
However, they don’t delve too deep into development and leave most of it to Jishi.
The children of the Melissa family are born with cheat-level beauty that makes even the king bow, so there’s no reason to push hard on beauty product development.
…Wait?
Hold on? Father doesn’t need it, but I might?
Furthermore, if I use okra as a research material, I can have unlimited fresh okra every day!
“!! Grandpa Hana!! Rou-chan will make okra beauty products!”
“Really? Are you interested in beauty products, Rou-chan?”
“…Master Hana… It’s better to discourage okra… Probably not for beauty products… More for marital activities…”
“Ah…”
Hmm? Marital activities?! Louis! Explain!! Tell me more!!
“Rou-chan doesn’t have a pharmacist license yet, so let’s research once you become a full-fledged adult, okay?”
“…Geez”
Grandpa Hana smoothly closed the topic.
He says “once you become a full-fledged adult,” but there’s an age limit for the pharmacist license, and you can’t take the exam until you’re 12.
Setting conditions that can’t be overcome with effort feels unfair.
Rou-chan wants to become a full-fledged adult soon and show off!!
Maybe I’ll consult with Father later?
What’s this nice smell approaching?!
“Sorry for the long wait. Here’s the freshly baked bread.”
The wagon carried freshly baked bread, steaming hot.
Here it comes!!
Finally, the freshly baked bread has arrived!!
Moreover, they are all truly freshly baked, with steam still rising from their warm, hot surfaces.
“From here, we will slice them according to your preference. Note that we will use knives for slicing; if you prefer, we can provide the basket afterward or slice them here with your permission.”
“Then, slicing here is fine. Rou-chan can’t wait either, right?”
“Thank you very much for your permission.”
With a bow, he stopped the cart.
The usher quickly brought over a knife.
A short-bladed table knife was handed over.
“This is our shop’s most popular bread, ‘Miche,’ a traditional meal bread made with white wheat to complement meals with fewer impurities. The distinctive feature of our bread is its chewier texture compared to other shops.”
“I’ll take one of those.”
“Understood.”
Grandpa Hana took his usual meal bread without hesitation.
“Next is the round bread. Also made with white wheat, but with less sugar and butter. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This bread is meant to be enjoyed for its crunchy exterior rather than its filling. It’s recommended to enjoy it with jam.”
Hmm, I see.
“Next is the rye bread, a classic hard bread. The more you chew, the more you can enjoy the flavor of rye. It’s filling and perfect for dipping in soup.”
We rarely get rye bread at home, and when we do, it’s usually just a small mix-in. This is my first time seeing such a pure rye bread.
I thought hard bread would be a bit difficult, but the freshly baked ones look delicious.
“This next one is a puff pastry layered multiple times with generous amounts of butter, rolled like a noblewoman’s dress. It’s an original item only available at this shop. Finally, let me introduce the dessert bread flavored with orange peel using liqueur. Caution is advised for those who get easily drunk.”
“Rou-chan, let’s share…”
“Please give me a little taste of everything!”
“Understood.”
Louis tried to say something but stopped due to my enthusiasm.
First, Grandpa Hana’s ordered bread was sliced and served on a plate, then as I requested, small portions of each were arranged on a single plate.
As expected of a professional baker! The presentation is skillful, and the bread hasn’t crumbled at all, no crumbs either.
Just from this, you can tell his level of craftsmanship.
“Shall I make the same for you?”
“Yes, please do. Mine can be slightly larger than Rou-chan’s.”
“Understood.”
Seeing my plate, Louis seems to want the same.
First, I bite into the round bread.
Hmm, hmm.
I bite into the meal bread.
Huh?
I bite into the dessert bread, puff pastry, and rye bread.
Hmmmm!
“Did the baker bake all these breads?”
“No, I only baked the round bread.”
“…”
As expected…
The other breads are slightly clumsier compared to the round bread… almost carelessly made. Maybe the baking wasn’t good enough, resulting in uneven texture.
“If you don’t like it, we can bring bread from another baker.”
“The round bread is wonderful! Mixing in extra ingredients would make it even better!”
“Thank you very much. I’ll strive to improve.”
“Cheese is classic, but with this wheat, edamame or corn could work too. Ah, but since it’s a meal bread, olives would be good.”
“I’ll strive to improve.”
“They aren’t available now?”
Since I praised it, this would be the flow to showcase it proudly. They could bake it while we eat or deliver it later.
“Sorry, we don’t have any prepared. There is olive meal bread in the shop, but getting it freshly baked is difficult.”
This baker has good skills, but it seems he’s in a subordinate position, like a servant.
His manners and etiquette suggest he might have worked in a noble household before switching careers to pursue his dream of becoming a baker, so he might not have been a baker for long.
“Olive meal bread, huh? Sounds delicious.”
I gave Louis the remaining puff pastry, offered the half-eaten meal bread, rye bread, and dessert bread to Grandpa Hana.
My plate is empty now! Time for an additional order!
Reading the air, the baker quietly placed another round bread for me.
Indeed, this baker had experience as a server in a noble household.
“Rou-chan, you really liked the round bread, huh?”
“Starting tomorrow, this round bread will be my breakfast companion! But stuffed round bread is also fine!”
“Really? Then I’ll have it delivered to us.”
“Thank you!”
“Louis, spoiling Rou-chan isn’t good, you know?”
“It’s better than Rou-chan going out shopping on his own.”
“…Can’t deny that…”
While Grandpa Hana’s attention was elsewhere, I cut a slit in the round bread and quickly stuffed an egg inside.
Hmm, egg sandwich is delicious too…
“Ah…”
Grandpa Hana noticed and gave me a look about manners, but realizing it wouldn’t be proper to remove the egg from the bread, he remained silent.
Still, he looked at me accusingly.
If we add some mustard seeds, the grainy texture with a spicy kick would make it even tastier, wouldn’t it?
Hmm, worth a try?
For the perfect breakfast starting tomorrow! Let’s make the best sauce!
…Or so I thought, but medicinal herbs are precious, so I need to increase the quantity before using them!
I finished the round bread, full and completely satisfied, and returned to Grandpa Hana’s mansion.
I gave the gatekeeper some leftover bread.
And after the meal, I searched for a place to plant the seeds.
Over there! Looks sunny!
As I started walking, Grandpa Hana reached out and picked me up.
“Huh?”
“Rou-chan, let’s check what you’re carrying. Coming directly from the territory means you might have brought medicinal herb seeds.”
This might lead to the confiscation of the seeds I carefully brought.
Various things I intended to cultivate at Grandpa Hana’s house…
“Alright, Rou-chan, let’s go to the mansion.”
“…Grandpa Hana, it’s too early to visit your house!”
Outgoing people try to bring you home immediately, but there should be a proper order before going to someone’s house.
“It’s nothing early; this is Rou-chan’s home.”
I was carried mercilessly into the mansion.
Sitting on the sofa, Grandpa Hana urged, “Come on! Show me!” So I obediently took out the Aoki grass.
“…Rou-chan, you brought this again?”
“It’s poisonous grass… What do you mean, ‘again’?”
Louis recoiled at the Aoki grass I produced.
“Grandpa Hana’s house is the most dangerous in the capital, so dangerous plants thrive here!”
“…I see?”
“No, that’s wrong! They proliferate wildly when grown in a sunless basement!”
“Ho… I thought they were hard to grow, but sunlight actually inhibits their growth.”
“Take good care of them!”
“I’ll keep them safe.”
“Then, I’ll go play outside!”
“Wait, there’s more, right? Rou-chan, jump and see.”
“!!”
“You still have something, right? Try jumping around?”
“!!”
As expected of Grandpa Hana…
“Alright, this also belongs to Grandpa Hana?”
“…What’s this… Hmm, what is it?”
“Makibishi! In other words, water chestnuts! Since they’re hard, throw them at suspicious people who attack.”
“…”
“True, they’re hard and light, perfect weapons for Rou-chan!”
“Rou-chan, what else? What’s in that bag?”
“Makibishi!!”
I opened the bag to show.
“This is for Rou-chan, swing the whole bag to beat someone.”
“Suddenly teaching serious assassination weapon techniques, huh?”
Louis seemed a bit taken aback as I swung it around to demonstrate.
“Well, it’s good that Rou-chan is becoming cautious…”
Grandpa Hana picked me up from behind and shook me up and down.
The floating sensation feels great!! Jumping is fun!!
“Fun! More!!”
Grandpa Hana gently put me down.
Seems I was too heavy for him.
I’ll ask the nearby old men to do it later!
“Hmm… Something’s in the inner pocket. Take it out.”
“…Grandpa Hana, the sentiment of souvenirs is important, you know?”
Confiscating them like this isn’t very noble-like.
“…It sounds like I’m being selfish, but it’s because Rou-chan is trying to bring dangerous items.”
“…”
I took out the medicinal herb hidden in my secret inner pocket.
It’s snake fruit with purple berries. This is a material for paralysis medicine, imported from abroad.
According to one theory, it’s a snake’s favorite food. If placed on a tree at night, snakes supposedly come to eat it.
Unfortunately, I haven’t verified it yet.
Given Rou-chan’s healthy lifestyle, staying up all night to observe is difficult.
But at Grandpa Hana’s mansion, the gatekeepers stay awake all night, making it perfect! Moreover, Louis is nocturnal, so perhaps she can observe if snakes come!
By the way, the origin of this medicinal herb’s name comes from a concubine who brought crushed snake fruit oil into the king’s bedroom long ago. Both she and the king were killed by venomous snakes during the night.
The herb itself isn’t lethal poison, so the snake was the culprit. Also, despite the name ‘paralysis medicine,’ it’s actually used to treat paralysis, so possession itself isn’t punishable.
“Snake fruit, Rou-chan!? You know Grandpa Hana hates snakes, right?!”
“Woah, what’s with this eerie purple fruit…?”
“It’s snake fruit, see? The medicinal herb that attracts snakes in assassinations using venomous snakes.”
“Ho… So it has snake scale-like berries. For educational purposes, let me smell it a bit.”
“Louise got a souvenir, how nice.”
Not wanting to keep it, Grandpa Hana pushed it onto Louis.
“Louis, be sure not to leave the bag open! Snakes will really come, absolutely no way! If you’re going to test it, do it far away! Outside the capital!”
“Master Hana, you’re really serious about hating snakes.”
“They fly from trees without wings! Such sneaky aerial attacks, despicable!!”
Snakes seem to have aggressive personalities.
Or maybe living in trees is their default?
Certainly, having the advantage of always being above makes preemptive ambushes easier.
“Even the slightest gap lets them in, can’t let my guard down!! Rou-chan!! Why did you bring this?!”
“I wanted to see if snakes would come!”
“What a terrifying curiosity! Alright, Grandpa Hana’s serious now! Time for a bath! I’ll strip Rou-chan and wash his hair thoroughly to check for hidden seeds!”
Grandpa Hana really dislikes snakes, huh?
The way he looks at Rou-chan says it all.
But since I hadn’t bathed during the long journey, a bath is welcome.
Grandpa Hana will wash my hair and body, easy peasy.
“Hehe, understood.”
“…Why do you look so happy?”
“Rou-chan will scrub Grandpa Hana’s back!”
“Looks like bath time made you happy.”
“………Grr, I want to scold you properly, but I can’t anymore!!”
So, two hours later.
Ta-da!! Freshly washed from the bath, squeaky clean Rou-chan!! Doya!
Finally, Grandpa Hana granted permission to play in the garden!
Now, time to slowly sow some seeds in the garden?
Eh, where did I get the seeds, you ask?
That’s this, Makibishi!!
As you can guess from its lightness, it’s hollow inside.
Here, using Melissa family’s secret medicine ‘Anything Melter,’ I drilled holes, inserted medicinal herb seeds, and sealed the holes with putty!
In other words, what looks like a bag of Makibishi is actually a bag full of medicinal herb seeds!
It’s unfortunate that the snake fruit was confiscated, but it couldn’t fit inside a Makibishi.
Also, considering the smell issue, it can’t be helped.
I’ll try again another time.
Ah, this sunny spot over here, nothing’s buried yet? Hmm, hmm, what a coincidence, I happen to have the perfect medicinal herb seeds to plant here?
But first, I must increase the seeds of the mustard grass for Rou-chan’s breakfast!
However, if carelessly increased, there’s a risk of endangering the nation, so I’ll sow only the necessary amount.
Three stalks: one for Rou-chan, one for Grandpa Hana, and one for Louis. I’ll bury the three seeds clearly at the front of the flower bed.