Karubene’s idea gave Arisugawa inspiration for an operation.
Everyone tilted their heads, looking dubious at the plan.
“You’re going to give them melons pickled in that sake, and then retrieve the eggs while they’re asleep?”
“That’s right. I wonder if this way we can avoid fighting.”
Everyone felt like they had no choice but to try it, just like Imon. I continued to visit the Desert Scale Tribe. Their settlement was as quiet as usual. Or perhaps, it was quiet because it was too hot outside, and they were all inside their homes.
Upon seeing us, a few of them invited us inside. The room was simple, with only the bare minimum of furniture. But for some reason, there were many small stones lined up in a corner. Was this their hobby?
I drew a picture on a hard stone tablet with a white stone, like chalk. Incidentally, they had given me this. Despite lacking artistic skill, I desperately added gestures and mimed to explain the plan. They listened intently the whole time, but their lack of reaction made it difficult to know if they understood.
When I finished speaking, the lizardfolk exchanged glances and led me to a hut outside. It was no different from the other houses, but inside, instead of furniture, many pots were packed tightly. When I opened the door, the heat and a sweet aroma enveloped my whole body.
“Is this juice? The stuff they gave me before?”
They didn’t reply, but it seemed they intended to take this with them. Had the message still not gotten across? I wanted to stop them, but I didn’t know how to communicate it. Not being able to communicate was incredibly inconvenient.
While I stood there, unable to do anything, the lizardfolk carried out the pots, loaded them onto a cart pulled by donkeys, and started walking towards the melon farmers. Having no other choice, I quietly followed.
Upon returning to the melon farm, everyone was busy, carrying melons and hollowing them out. Seeing me, Piyo and Pauline ran over.
“Welcome back! Hey, what’s that?”
“I think it’s juice. There was a bit of a communication breakdown.”
The lizardfolk scooped out the juice into bowls and offered it to the two who were looking at the pots with curiosity. They drank it with joy.
“Ahhh, it’s delicious! This is really good!”
“What kind of drink is this?”
The lizardfolk seemed a little happier with their enthusiastic guests and gave them more. Imon also arrived, holding a melon.
“Hey, good work. It’s amazing you could get their cooperation. I don’t know how you managed it when you can’t communicate. I never imagined they’d even prepare sake.”
“No, that’s juice. I messed up on that part.”
For some reason, he burst into laughter. What was so funny?
“That’s not juice, it’s fruit wine. They often buy fruit from my place to use in this. It’s sweet and delicious, but it’s quite strong, so you have to be careful or you’ll have a rough time the next day.”
Thinking “No way,” I turned back, but it was already too late. The two who had been happily gulping it down had turned bright red and were now sprawled on the ground.
