Chapter 60

"Saltpeter is the solidified product of the decomposition of organic matter, like feces, right?"

"Indeed. I just heard about it a moment ago."

Sequoia, who had been riding along, now placed her cute fingertips on her chin and nodded, "Hmm."

"If you think it's something that can be found anywhere, you'd be mistaken."

"It dissolves easily in water and serves as nourishment for plants, right?"

"Yes. That's why we came to this dry place. The rocks here are perfect, don't you think?"

"Indeed. The climate conditions might be favorable. However, pinpointing the right spot in this vast land is quite a challenge."

"I came to the same conclusion. In the end, we might have to collect samples systematically. But before that, I thought we should check the horizontal cave."

She paused, glancing alternately at the cliff and Sequoia.

This cliff. The plan is already in shambles... mining is impossible.

I was about to continue explaining to her, but she seemed to have reached the same conclusion, widening her eyes and tapping me on the hip.

"Your brain never fails to surprise me. I see. A dragon's nest. A horizontal cave in a dry land, where rainwater barely seeps in, right?"

"Dragons... do they really exist...? I was thinking more along the lines of bats or birds."

"Bats, you say. They live in groups. The amount of waste they produce would be much greater than that of a dragon. A little bit can add up. As expected of you, Joshua."

It's nice to be praised, but it's a bit too obvious.

I can't deny that my physique is weak, but the way she says it is harsh.

I'm glad the cliff is steeper than I thought. If I encounter a dragon in the cave, it could be a matter of life and death.

"Dragon! Master Joshua, are you going to keep it?"

Alru's eyes sparkled, and her tail patted as she asked.

"Can wild dragons be tamed? In the empire, they raised and used dragons from eggs."

"It's difficult to directly tame lesser dragons."

It wasn't Alru but Sequoia who responded.

Lesser... meaning a lower species? Then, there are higher species... when you say dragons, you mean those huge reptilian flying creatures, right? They can be 5 to 12 meters long.

When I think of flying reptiles, I imagine something like a pteranodon. But dragons are different from bird-like pterosaurs; they are more like dragons with bat-like wings.

I've seen one before. An envoy from the empire rode a dragon.

It was so cool.

But with sharp teeth and spiky wings, I only watched from a distance.

"If we have a rideable flying creature, it would be a great help, but it's not something we can achieve immediately, right?"

"It's unlike you to try to befriend a 'thunder beast.' If you want the cooperation of dragons, you should befriend the 'gatherer.'"

"Do dragons live in groups...?"

"They live in family units. However, in a region, there is often a higher species that leads the dragons. Sometimes they are fire dragons or ancient dragons."

"Dragon species... I might not want to get close to them."

"If you are to rule this land, you should deepen your relationship with the dragon species if they exist. If they have human-like intelligence and can speak, we should greet them as newcomers."

"It's heavy on my mind. Regardless of the dragon species, if there are intelligent life forms in Cumberland, I want to approach them peacefully and coexist."

"We are the newcomers to this land. We must avoid conflict with the indigenous people."

This world has various intelligent life forms besides humans... the racial differences are significant, and it was tough during the principality era.

But if we approach them with an open mind, most things can be resolved.

So far, we haven't encountered any (to us) unknown intelligent life forms around Nelac.

If I must say, it's the thunder beasts.

I want to be friends with the thunder beasts. I want to study their bodies... and connect it to the production of magic stones... hehehe.

They seem so comfortable to pet. Being able to generate electricity is just too amazing.

"You can lust after me, but if you're going to lust, it's better to act rather than fantasize."

"Eh? No, not at all, Sequoia."

"Then, is it the catgirl over there! Your preference is cat ears, not fox ears?"

"No, either is fine..."

"I see! Mmm!"

She lunged at me, and I quickly put my hands forward, managing to press her head with my palm.

Haha, I have pretty good reflexes, don't I?

Yeah, it was a fluke. Don't make me say it, it's embarrassing.

"Alru, the inspection is over. Let's head back."

"Yes! But, Master Joshua..."

Hmm.

I was about to leave, leaving the strangely switched-on Sequoia behind, but Alru was hesitantly wagging her tail and frowning.

"If you have something to say, just say it."

"Um, yes. Master Joshua, aren't you going to search?"

"Search for the horizontal cave?"

"Yes!"

"Even if we search, we need to prepare. We need a strong rope... and even if we find saltpeter, it would be difficult to bring it back."

"Maybe the upper part is closer?"

"Alru, wait."

"Sequoia, I'll be fine. I don't need a guard. Master Joshua."

That's not what I meant.

Alru turned and headed straight for the cliff.

Oh no. I didn't expect Alru to jump, and I didn't tie a rope around her.

"Ah... Alru!"

Aaah.

Alru jumped off the cliff.

What should I do, what should I do.

She hasn't fallen straight down yet.

Wait for me, Alru. I'll definitely save you.

I made up my mind and started untying the rope from Sequoia's waist.

I'll have her hold the rope and tie it around my waist.

It's embarrassing to be pulled up by her, but she tried to carry me in the forest, so pulling me up should be no problem... I believe.

"You're not thinking of jumping in, are you?"

Sequoia sighed in exasperation at me, who had finally untied the rope from her waist.

"I may be unreliable, but this isn't the time for that! Alru fell."

"Catgirls are of the cat race. Climbing up and down walls is a piece of cake for them."

"Then, Alru is safe?"

"Catgirls are fine. You, on the other hand, would be a problem."

"..."

That's a really awkward way of putting it. Alru would be fine on her own, but if I go, a secondary disaster might occur.

That's why we have the rope, right?