Helped by a Nameless Figure

Oh, hey, Dankes. How are you doing? Don't worry, Sarana doesn't know you've been helping her crops.

Thanks for looking the other way. I owe you, bigtime.

Don't sweat it. You didn't mean any harm, I understand that.

Now, about you helping out Sarana some more... I talked to her, and she's determined to keep working alone. She can be pretty stubborn, huh?

I guess so... I thought she might feel that way...

Is something the matter?

Here's the deal... Sarana's fields aren't exactly in great condition.

How do you mean? Is she doing something wrong?

Not exactly. It's just that she's insisting on doing things the way her husband always did.

Oh, right. And his methods weren't very good?

They were founded on somewhat outdated ideas. These days there are much more efficient alternatives.

Have you tried telling Sarana about this?

Of course! I may have been a little indelicate. She didn't want to hear it... But maybe she'd listen to you, after all you've done for her already.

Gosh, I don't really feel qualified to lecture people on farming techniques... I do want to help, though. I'll see if I can work it into conversation.

Hi there, Aldo. Good to see you again.

Yeah, I just happened to be in the neighborhood. How are your fields?

To be honest, the crops aren't growing as well as I'd like... I don't understand it. I've been doing everything just like my husband did...

Oh, that's too bad. Have you thought about trying some different techniques?

I would, but apparently these crops are a special strain. It's a little different from regular wheat. My husband knew just how to handle it, so I want to stick with what I know works.

Sure, but...

I know what you're going to say. But...I'd really like to continue with his methods for at least a little longer.

Oh, I see...

She's a stubborn one, all right. Arguing'd probably only make things worse. Maybe Dankes will have some new ideas.

How is Sarana doing?

She's still insisting on sticking with her husband's old techniques. I don't think anything I can say will convince her at this point.

I see... At this rate, her crops are only going to get worse.

What exactly is the problem with them?

Probably the biggest issue is pests. The Laula Dome's a cultivation center, so bugs and rats are always a risk. Sarana just isn't doing enough to protect her crops. I'm sure her husband's techniques worked well enough in his day, but now...

I see... How do you deal with pests in your fields?

There are some pesticides that are very effective at getting rid of them. The downside is they affect the quality of the crop a little, too.

And Sarana doesn't use anything like that?

I don't think so... It just kills me to see those fields going to ruin. I might just go ahead and spray them myself at this rate.

Sarana'd really hate you if you did.

If it saves her fields, that's a price I'm willing to pay.

Okay... In that case, I'll help you.

You will? Oh, there's a problem, though. One of the components we need is a nanaba herb, which grows on Last Island, thousands of miles from here. Usually we have plenty in our storehouses, but shipping's been disrupted lately, so we're all out.

No worries, that kind of thing is right up my alley. I'll go to the island, knock a few heads, and be back before you know it.

I'm back. Here're the herbs.

Thanks! I'll make the pesticide right away.

It's done. Let's split up, we'll cover more ground that way.

Got it. I'll get started right away.

That should do the trick for this part of the fields. There's still some left over there. I'll go handle it.

So just spraying the fields like this keeps bugs away? Pretty impressive.

What are you doing?

Whoa! Oh, hi Sarana... I...I just dropped in to make sure you hadn't had any more stalker problems.

Oh, how kind. Thank you for dropping by. I'm doing just fine. My crops, on the other hand... Speaking as a farmer's wife, I'm ashamed.

Don't say that, they look great to me.

I didn't realize you were such an authority on agriculture, Aldo.

Well, I've helped out with it now and then.

Really? Where was this? I thought the Laula Dome was the only cultivated land on the surface...

Uh, no, there's others. I was...somewhere else.

Where exactly? I'd love to hear more!

Woah, back up a minute. I'm trying to remember the name...

(Aldo! What do you think you're doing, getting all chummy with Sarana?!)

Huh? Is there something going on behind you, Aldo?

Nope, nothing at all! How about I tell you of this huge mess I got into back in my farm hand days?

Ooh, sounds like fun!