Chapter 212 - The Wolf's Red Peach
Saturday
"Wafu~"
"Mm, morning."
Saturday afternoon. Mion was at lessons, so it was a completely solo day.
Logging in, I opened my eyes to Lupi immediately nuzzling me.
"Let's eat, then take a little walk."
"Wafun."
Sweee was… fast asleep. I guess I'll just leave her. She'd probably wake up if she smelled Camlus Compote.
I lit a fire in the stove and prepared a simple Forebit sauté. I lightly seasoned it with salt, then gently fried it with Lexon and Perilsense (sesame) oil. Finally, a dash of red wine…
"Here. Don't burn yourself."
Lupi seemed to prefer her meat rare, so I gave her that first. The well-done portion was for me.
"Alright, let's eat."
"Wafu."
Ah, good…
The red wine seemed to blend with the meat juices, adding a deeper flavor.
Once we had both completely finished our meals, I retrieved the compote I'd made yesterday from my inventory.
"~~~!"
"Yeah, yeah. Good morning."
We each had one, then finished up. Lupi glowed faintly with the Anti-Poison effect, but I decided not to worry about it too much. Sweee didn't glow—was it because she already had resistance? Or perhaps because she wasn't a party member?
The Camlus Compote, which had been declared a major problem last night. According to Bell-bucho and Seth (Miki), dishes that grant buffs do exist. So I didn't think it was that big a deal, but apparently, the effect level and duration of mine were abnormal.
Currently, buff dishes (temporary stat boosts, etc.) on the mainland had a Level I effect, lasting at most 30 minutes. They said it would only last for about two or three battles.
While research had shown that the duration of these effects could be extended by the quality of ingredients and high cooking skill, the 6-hour duration of my compote was clearly out of the ordinary.
We all agreed it was probably thanks to the Fairy Honey. That led to the discussion that perhaps things made by fairies might have special effects, and that the mushrooms made by Gnomes might also have something unique about them. We settled on talking to the two guilds permanently stationed there.
"Shall we go for a walk?"
"Wafun!"
"~~~♪"
Sweee asking for the backpack probably meant she wanted me to gather as many Camlus Fruit as possible. Well, I had to share with the other fairies staying behind, so I might as well gather while enjoying a leisurely walk.
………
……
…
[Gathering skill has leveled up!]
Oh, lucky. I think that makes it 8. It hadn't leveled up in a while, but I guess it's because I've been gathering new things lately.
However, I feel like I should really weed the area around these Papu Trees. I could probably do it quickly now with Excavation Magic, but…
"Nah, maybe another day. Let's go~"
"Wafu~"
Next, to the south side of the Cove. I'd been exploring mostly the north side, where the buildings were, and hadn't really looked much at the south.
"Sweee, don't get blown away."
"~~~♪"
At my words, Sweee hid herself in my hood. It's completely become her spot now. It is helpful that she's looking out for things behind me, though.
The southern coastline was a rocky area. It wasn't too steep, but I had to be careful not to slip.
"Wafu."
"Oh, a spiral shell, but…"
[Runelathis]
A shellfish inhabiting calm coasts. Cooking: Edible when cooked.
It's too small for a Sazae. Well, maybe it'll be perfect for fishing bait? I'll gather a lot, boil them, and chop them up. They might work as chum too.
I also managed to get some Tialp (kelp) and Viridiehl (rock seaweed), so it felt like the sea's bounty was quite rich. Only thing missing was Chromnaria (clam?), since there was no sandy beach…
"Alright, let's head back once, then go to the mountains."
"Wafu!"
"~~~♪"
………
……
…
"Wafu!"
""Bow!""
"Yeah, thanks."
The Drab Wolves were here again today, giving their proper greetings and coming to guard us. They were wagging their tails, so it seemed they were really happy when Lupi came along.
"Today we're going to explore some places off the main path, so I'm counting on you."
""Bow!""
From the Observation Deck to the water source, both the east and south sides had mountain paths, and I'd traveled those, but the only side path I'd taken was to Lupi's old den.
Geographically, I felt like I could reach the north or northwest mountain peak from here. And Lupi's father probably went that way…
Well, for today, since there was a live stream, I'd just take a quick look. Just hoping to find some different ingredients a little deeper in.
"Sweee, can you tell me if you find any fruit?"
"~~~♪"
I really wanted vegetables, but Sweee was all about sweets. I guess I should bring the other fairies eventually.
First, we arrived at Lupi's old den. From there, we followed the mountain face northeast.
On the way, we encountered several Crimson Apes, but thanks to the Drab Wolves, it was an easy win. I thought those guys were gone, but monsters always respawn somewhere, don't they?…
"Bow."
"Hm?" A Drab Wolf, the father, or perhaps the mother? Seems like there's something there?
"Wafun."
"Okay, let's go."
Following it, we came upon… "Oh? Is this a tomato!?"
[Lycos]
A perennial plant growing in highlands. The red fruit of the Lycos is also called 'Wolf's Peach'.
Huh? Wolf's Peach? So Lupi and the Drab Wolves eat it, right? I plucked one ripe-looking red fruit, then Appraised it again.
[Lycos Fruit]
The fruit of the Lycos. Abundant in sweetness and sourness, delicious raw. Cooking: Used in various dishes. Material Processing: Raw material for seasoning.
Yep, tomato. And Lupi and the Drab Wolves were staring with sparkling eyes, so…
"Perfect, let's take a break."
"Wafu!"
At my words, Lupi and the Drab Wolves started picking Lycos Fruit and eating them deliciously… I decided to try one too.
"Whoa, sweeter than I thought…"
Just a small bite, and the sweetness of a fully ripe tomato spread gently in my mouth. I feel like if I made puree or ketchup with this, it would be incredibly delicious.
"~~~!"
"Ow ow ow! I get it! No need to pull my hair!"
I handed a slice to Sweee, who was demanding it, and she opened her mouth wide and chomped on it. I thought she'd dislike the squishy parts characteristic of tomatoes, but she doesn't seem to mind…