Chapter 250 – An Oasis!?
After the construction on the Tengu mountain was finished, I returned to my usual days of making tools.
There was a lot less to make compared to before, but it also meant that I could help with more personal requests of individuals. Currently, a lot of people wanted climbing equipment for the Tengu mountain.
“It looks like the Tengu mountain is just as popular as White Sand Island now.”
“The observatory seems to be especially popular. Even Ena, from White Sand Island, was surprised by how much prettier the stars looked.”
Iria said as I cleaned up my workshop so that I could go and eat lunch.
“I’m glad that they like it. Thanks to that, I have things to make…”
And I was grateful for that. I always had the most fun when I was crafting things.
Iria nodded.
“Hehe. I’m glad that you are enjoying yourself, Sir Joshua. Now, let us go then.”
“Aye, let’s go.”
My work for the morning was over now. Iria had also returned from hunting boars that had attacked. Though, her hair smelled nice, probably because she had just taken a bath.
Without saying anything in particular, we made our way to the dining hall that was in the center of the village.
And then, I noticed that there was a pleasant smell in the air.
“Something smells sweet…”
“There is a crowd gathered around the dining hall. Perhaps they acquired some new ingredients?”
In front of the kitchens, many demihumans had gathered.
And then Mette came out.
“Oh, Joshua! And Princess Iria. Perfect timing.”
Mette was carrying a large silver cup.
And it was filled with a light yellow liquid. So this was the thing that smelled sweet.
“It’s delicious. Drink some of it.”
“Ah, aye. Are you sure?”
“I already had some. You two can have the rest.”
And so I took the juice from Mette and tasted it.
“It’s delicious…!”
“It really is! And I feel like my body is healing…”
Iria also raised her voice in surprise.
Mette answered.
“This is what everyone is excited about. Apparently, it’s made with a very rare fruit.”
“Huh. Did Ecleshia find it?”
Mette shook her head.
“No, the tigerfolk brought the fruit. Ecleshia and the Ents had never even seen it before. Some of the Grank mercenaries visited a tigerfolk village in the south. And Beyron and Neia found the fruit growing in the desert, and sent it to us.”
“Beyron? Why is he being such a stranger?”
Iria muttered.
“If they are close by, then they should visit Fendel.”
“Well, if they do come next time, we can give them Fendel food and Grank wheat… Hmm?”
I heard the sound of something cutting through the wind, and turned around.
There was Melk…and the tigerfolk Neia. They were rushing towards us.
So they did come to greet us after all. However, something felt strange. Melk was running faster than usual, and Neia looked pale.
Noticing that something was strange, we rushed to meet them.
Melk stopped in front of us and opened her mouth.
“I brought Neia. It seems like they need help.”
“Sadly, it is the truth…”
Neia also stopped and was panting.
“Neia. What happened?”
“It’s Riise…she went missing in the western desert.”
To the east of Fendel was Varthburg…and even farther east, past the mountains, there was a vast rocky desert. It was the place where Demon King Sophis and Kyuby fought the spirits.
Melk answered.
“The Ents are already searching the nearby forests. And the Tengus are searching the desert and mountain from the sky. But they still can’t find her.”
Neia nodded.
“A strong sand storm is coming… If we don’t find her…”
“I understand. Then we shall join the search by airship.”
I said, and Iria and Mette nodded.
And then Melk said,
“Asuha has already prepared the airship. It should be here soon.”
Neia bowed her head apologetically.
“I’m sorry… We’re always causing you trouble over Liza.”
“Don’t worry about it. With these things, it’s a race against time. More importantly, do you have any ideas where she could be?”
“There is that fruit we sent to you. It is called a desert apple. A rare apple that is only found in oases. Riise wanted to gather more of them and…”
“I see. So she would be trying to go to an oasis then…”
“Aye. However, in that desert, there is magic in the sand that causes you to see mirages, and disturbs your sense of direction. And so there are false oases and hidden ones… Not only that, but you see illusions of loved ones.”
Neia looked terrified.
As the tigerfolk were from the desert, they had a lot of knowledge about it. And knew the dangers.
Riise probably thought it would be fine if it was just a short while. But then was led away by a mirage…
Melk tried to reassure Neia.
“Leave it to Melk. Melk remembers Riise’s smell very well.”
“Aye. We will surely find her in no time. So do not worry.”
Mette said, and Neia bowed her head.
“All of you, thank you.”
And so we headed to the western desert.
Thanks for the treat.
Thank you!