The installation of the cameras was entirely handled by the ladies.
With this, if the culprit showed up, we’d be able to figure out how they were getting over the fence.
Once we had that knowledge, we could take measures to protect the field.
「Grandpa, let’s go.」
「Potato is calling for me.」
「He looks like he couldn’t care less, though.」
When I tried to take Grandpa to Kamada Clinic, he suddenly threw a tantrum like a child and refused to go.
Even Potato was used as an excuse, giving me an exasperated look as if to say, ‘Why involve me in this?’
「If you bring Grandpa, I’ll make you some potato fries when we get back.」
『What!?』
Potato had recently developed a fondness for potato fries.
He used to eat nothing but potato chips, but now that his potato chips phase seemed to be over, he was thrilled whenever I cut potatoes into different shapes and fried them.
For the record, Potato’s favorite was wedge cuts—crescent-shaped fries with the skin left on. He probably preferred the texture of fries that still felt like actual potatoes.
「Next time, I’ll ask Haruki to make some hash browns too.」
『I’m going!』
Suddenly motivated, Potato picked up Grandpa and started carrying him off.
Lately, Potato’s bark had been sounding a little hoarse—more like a woof than a proper bark. Maybe all the fried food had started affecting his throat.
With Karaage and Dori joining us, we made our way to Kamada Clinic, where a few adventurers were lined up outside.
「Oh, you finally made it!」
Among them were Ordinary Person and Samurai.
It seemed they were helping out at the clinic.
「Quite the line, isn’t it?」
「Apparently, that myofascial release machine we tried last time has been getting rave reviews.」
He must have been referring to that pleasantly effective machine I’d experienced during my first visit to Kamada Clinic.
I heard they were now teaching newcomers how to use it, as part of an effort to make the clinic more inviting and accessible. Since it didn’t cost anything extra, it was a smart way to encourage people to visit.
「It’s supposed to be good for the lower back too. Why don’t you try it out, Grandpa?」
「I’ll go right now!」
Hearing that it could help with back pain, Grandpa eagerly went into the clinic, dragging Potato along with him.
If I’d known all it took was mentioning the machine, I would’ve said so from the start.
Inside, doctor was waiting and quickly guided Grandpa to a chair.
「Where’s that massage machine?」
「It’s over there. But before you try it, we’ll need to fill out a medical chart first so you don’t hurt yourself.」
Saying this, he pulled out some paper and a pen and began writing.
「By the way, what year, month, and day is it today?」
Doctor glanced at Grandpa’s face as she asked.
The day before, he had told me in advance not to answer any questions while we were at the clinic. He planned to test Grandpa for dementia without him noticing, as he had become particularly sensitive to the subject.
「Doctor, aren’t you feeling the summer heat?」
「It’s been so hot lately, I find myself spacing out more often than usual.」
When doctor asked Grandpa about the date and our current location, he responded with a laugh, seemingly unaware of the true purpose of the questions.
It was around then that I started noticing something odd.
He answered every question correctly.
「I suppose I need to write down the address too, right?」
「I just moved here, so I haven’t memorized the address yet.」
What’s more, he not only gave the house address but also recited the clinic’s address, even though it was slightly different.
「Alright, let’s play a little game.」
「A game? I won’t lose to you young folks!」
「I’ll say three words. Can you remember them?」
「Leave it to me!」
Thinking it was a game, Grandpa eagerly answered doctor’s many questions.
I couldn’t hide my surprise at how accurately he responded.
「Here’s the last game. Tell me as many vegetables as you can.」
「Can I include the ones I’ve grown myself?」
I perked up at that and listened closely.
When I was little, I used to help with the farm work, but ever since I started school, I hadn’t paid attention to what vegetables we grew.
Now that I was planning to grow various crops, I wanted to know if Grandpa could help me out.
「The vegetables I’ve grown are cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli, green beans, radishes, kale, shishito peppers, arugula, cauliflower, pumpkins, corn…」
「That’s enough for now.」
「Oh? I’ve got plenty more, though.」
I was astonished by the list of vegetables he named.
Having farmed for so many years, Grandpa had even grown trendy vegetables like kale and cauliflower during health food booms.
Growing the same crop repeatedly in one area can deplete soil nutrients and upset the balance of soil organisms, leading to soil fatigue. To prevent this, farmers need to rotate crops and let fields rest.
As a result, Grandpa had cultivated a wide variety of vegetables over the years.
「Fufufu, as expected of Grandpa. If you can remember all this, you’ll have no trouble figuring out how to use the machine.」
「Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?」
Grandpa reacted to the word “remember.”
「Well, that massage machine is really expensive. If you use it carelessly and break it, it’ll be a big problem, right?」
「I’ll make sure to take good care of it! Potato, let’s go!」
「If you ask Ordinary Person and the others, they’ll teach you how to use it. Feel free to stop by anytime.」
I thought the ruse might have been discovered, but doctor’s smooth handling seemed to keep Grandpa from catching on.
Feeling like he’d gotten permission, Grandpa happily headed to the room with the massage machine.
「Now then, it’s your turn, Naokyun. Let’s start a thrilling and romantic game together.」
For some reason, I was roped into playing a game as well.
Am I the only one here who doesn’t want to play something suspicious like this?
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