Chapter 513 - 456. Southern Island's Delicious Milk
"Kyuu~!"
""Kyukyuu~""
As the Ancient Ruins' entrance opened and the outside became visible, True dashed out, followed by his Selkie attendants.
I knew there were no monsters outside, but still,
"Leda, Roy."
""Bow!""
I asked the two of them to stand guard.
Today's plan was to bring True and the others to this Southern Island, and to explore around the starting cottage.
Also, I thought I'd set up a simple bed here to make logging out easier.
"Alright, so, explore nearby and gather some wood?"
"Yes."
Today's members were me, Mion, Lupi, Leda, Roy, Raz, Sweee, Pan, Shal, True, and two elder Selkies.
As we descended the stairs leading to the island's land, True and the others seemed to be consulting about something.
"What's wrong?"
"Kyuu~. Kyukyu?"
"Ah, I think the cove will probably be fine, but for a while, please stick to just this area. I'll go with you when I have time."
I don't think strong monsters would appear around here.
Starting on an Uninhabited Island, there wouldn't be dangerous enemies right nearby... right?
"Kyuu~♪"
""Kyukyu""
After giving solid replies, True and the others began swimming in the shallows.
I asked Leda and Roy to keep watch, so they could report if anything happened. Lupi too, but those two can also swim well.
""Bow""
So, uh,
"Shou-kun. This way."
"Roger."
First, we moved into one of the cottage rooms, Mion's starting point, and briefly checked the interior.
Its sturdy stone construction was probably to prevent deterioration from saltwater and being washed away.
It's enviable that it's a Safe Zone, but the complete lack of furnishings is a shame...
"Ryu?"
"You're right. We should at least have a bed."
The room is reasonably spacious, so two double beds would be good.
That means we'd need two large pieces of wood.
"Alright. Let's go out for a little exploration then."
"Yes."
...
...
...
"Kururu~♪"
"Yeah. Go ahead and drop as many as you want."
After thoroughly exploring the waterfront cottage complex, we found a path leading north. We're following it, looking for suitable trees.
That 'suitable' tree was:
[Alekesu]
A tree widely distributed in warm regions. Its trunk can be used for construction, its leaves for various materials, and its fruit is edible.
Yata-sensei had noticed it before, and it's definitely a palm tree.
Before felling the one Sweee chose, I asked Raz to harvest its fruit.
"Whoa there!"
The Alekesu Fruit that fell was quite heavy.
I caught them and handed them to Mion, Pan, and Shal, but there were quite a lot, probably because the tree was so large.
"So many can be harvested."
"Yeah, I'm surprised too."
Well, Bell and the others are coming tomorrow, so if there's any left over, we can just take it back.
"~ ~ ~?"
"Ah, you can drink the juice right away. Just a moment."
Using [Appraisal], it showed up as [Alekesu Fruit] and was clearly labeled as edible, but I remember hearing that real-life coconuts taste a bit odd.
I lightly tapped it with my hand, and it made a good, solid sound, so I took out my Ken-nata and cut off the tip.
"Whoops! Mion, do you have an empty cup?"
"Yes."
When I made a hole, it was packed with juice, so I carefully poured it into a cup so it wouldn't spill.
I tried a little sip, and...
"It has a subtle taste. Not bad, but..."
"Is that so?"
"Want to try some?"
"Y-yes."
Mion took a small sip, tilted her head, and took another.
Still looking puzzled, she said,
"Is it like a very diluted sports drink?"
"Ah, similar. Now, to see if the flesh can be made into coconut milk, or Alekesu Milk... Just a moment."
"Yes."
Mion still looked puzzled, but I had researched this beforehand, so I brought my Magic Food Processor (food processor).
I put in the white flesh and the juice from earlier, closed the lid, and switched it on. Then, I waited for a bit...
"Oh? That looks good."
I used [Appraisal] and got:
[Alekesu Milk]
Sweet, milky food made from Alekesu juice and solid endosperm.
Cooking: Can be used as a beverage or seasoning.
There was still quite a lot of fiber, so I squeezed it through Amama Fabric into a cup.
"Oh, it's faintly sweet and delicious!"
I handed it to Mion, and she said,
"It's delicious!"
"~ ~ ~!"
Naturally, Sweee started clamoring for some herself, so we all passed it around.
True and the others might be coming, so I handed her the Magic Food Processor and quickly explained how to make it.
"Let me know if you run out."
"Yes."
"Alright, we're going to cut down a tree, so please stay a bit further away."
While Pan, Raz, and I worked on logging, Mion and the others had their milk time.
"Uh, let's try to fell it this way."
"Ryu."
I had Pan pull a rope to control the direction of the fall.
It's nice that with Raz, tasks like throwing a rope up high became easier.
After swinging my axe vigorously for a while...
"Pan, Raz. We're felling it now."
"Ryu!" "Kururu~!"
After confirming they were clear, I pushed hard on the trunk and watched the Alekesu tree fall. It seemed heavy at the top, so once it started, it went down with great force.
With a heavy thud, it lay horizontally on the ground, and Pan immediately started limbing it.
"Shou-kun."
"Hm?"
"Can Sweee-chan and I go look at other places?"
"Ah, sure. Lupi, will you go with them?"
"Woof!"
With Lupi, Sweee, and Shal accompanying them, they should be fine.
I sent Mion and the others off, telling them not to go too far and to contact me with their Guild Card if anything happened.
"Alright, let's continue our work."
"Ryu!" "Kururu~♪"
...
...
...
We finished cutting two large Alekesu trees and processing them into lumber. I wanted to transport them to the cottage for now, but...
"It's about time to call True and the others. Pan, can you do that?"
"Ryu."
True and the others must have had their fill, and I think Mion and her group should be back soon...
"Shou-kun. Are you free right now?"
"Oh, Mion, I'm fine. What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"I can see a building's roof. I think it's a church."
"What!?"