This endeavor had started long ago, shortly after Richard realized the illogical events happening to him since his "transmigration" to this world.
He wanted to understand one thing: what kind of world had he "transmigrated" into?
Was it another planet very similar to Earth, or something else entirely?
According to logic, even between two very similar planets, differences in their formation processes would lead to significant variations in geology, structure, and the chemical elements in their crusts.
These differences, combined with variations in climate, environment, and biological evolution, would result in a vast disparity in plant species.
Just like the classic chain reaction in topology—the 'butterfly effect': a butterfly flapping its wings in the tropical rainforest of the Amazon Basin in South America could cause a tornado in Texas, USA, two weeks later.
Similarly, during the planet's formation billions of years ago, a slight deviation in trajectory could determine whether the plants growing on its surface were common weeds or entirely new species that had never existed before.
To unravel this fundamental question, Richard had been continuously collecting various types of plants and creating specimens for reference.
Over the past decade, he had gathered thousands of different species.
This time, Richard planned to increase the number of plant specimens once again.
With these thoughts in mind, Richard led Tuku and others galloping for over two hours, arriving at a large barren area southwest of the baron's estate.
In the barren land, a small stream meandered through, surrounded by various plants—tall, short, green, yellow, flowering, seeding...
Richard dismounted and without much ado, began picking.
After each complete collection, he handed the plant to the young maid, Lucy.
She carefully accepted each one and placed them gently in a flat wooden box, separating them with linen cloth, ready for further processing after a short wait.
One plant, two plants, three plants...
To speed up efficiency, Richard had Tuku and the others assist.
However, when these eager helpers handed over their gathered "branches and leaves," Richard was somewhat speechless.
Waving his hand, he decided it was best to be self-sufficient.
Okra, garlic, centaur, magnolia, rye grass, purple sheep grass...
It wasn't until nearly noon that Richard stood up, seeing Lucy's flat wooden box full in her hands, signaling the end of the collection operation.
Next came the quick process of creating specimens.
Plants picked would wither and lose water within a short time.
If not processed promptly, their forms would change drastically, losing their reference value.
Thinking of this, Richard exhaled deeply, about to say something, when suddenly, faint rustling noises sounded in the distance.
"Hmm?" With increased meditation, Richard's perception and other abilities had become super-normal.
Specifically, he could see farther and hear clearer than others.
For instance, the sound he heard was from nearly a hundred meters away, midst the buzzing insects in the barren land.
Even though the trained Tuku hadn't noticed or distinguished it, Richard heard it and quickly turned to look.
A figure swiftly appeared within Richard's line of sight—a woman.
She appeared to be in her twenties, dressed plainly, resembling a farmer's daughter.
At this moment, she stood some distance away, looking at them with curiosity, her eyes wide as if startled by suddenly seeing so many people.
"You..." she began.
It was only then that Tuku finally noticed, turning his head with some confusion towards the woman.
Despite her unmoving posture, her eyes flickered rapidly, guessing the woman's identity.
After a moment, Tuku asked aloud, "Who are you?"
"And who are you?" The woman wasn't particularly afraid.
Instead of answering Tuku's question, she even countered.
Then she asked, "Have you seen Morcas? It's my dog, gray, quite large, about this big..."
As she gestured, she walked closer.
Tuku furrowed his brow slightly, finding the woman bold.
Spotting the baron's second heir and ten fully armed riders here, she not only didn't run away but approached...
Huh? Why is she walking so fast?
In just a few seconds, the woman had approached Richard to within a few dozen meters.
Tuku suddenly became alert.
Regardless of whether he was overthinking, he quickly stepped forward towards Richard, preparing to protect him.
But the woman's movements were evidently faster.
Just as Tuku was about to step out, the woman suddenly lifted her head with a contemptuous smile.
Cold light flashed in her eyes, then she raised her arm, revealing a half-crossbow.
The bolt was clearly loaded, its tip pitch black, evidently coated with poison, pointed directly at Richard from a distance of tens of meters.
Tuku, alarmed, couldn't help but widen his eyes, roaring loudly, "Master, watch out! Dodge!"
But there was no time to dodge.
Just as Tuku shouted, the woman had already pulled the trigger of the half-crossbow.