Chapter 107
The huge amount of fruit I brought home as a substitute for tea.
I give processing it a try.
In Japan, tea leaves are fermented to make black tea.
I thought it would be nice if I could do the same.
Everything is worth a try!
The trick is not to dwell on all the failures.
For now, I cut the peel into small pieces... It's tough.
I switch to a knife made from gold ore.
This knife cuts well, but I need to be careful where I put my hands and fingers.
Since it's so sharp, even a graze cuts cleanly enough to make me panic.
I get nervous wondering when I'll lose a finger.
...I cut myself.
Even though I was being careful, the knife grazed me.
That's my tenth Heal.
That's strange.
I try drying some of the finely chopped fruit peel.
Beside me, the one-eyed one neatly chops the fruit peel with a gold knife.
...Amazing, the pieces of peel are almost exactly the same size.
...Next, I guess.
I put the dried peel in a cloth bag and knead it.
Ten minutes, and I'm tired.
This is my first time making black tea, so I don't know how to tell when it's done.
I'll keep working a little longer... Thanks, one-eyed one.
A wonderful aroma rises from the kneaded peel.
A faintly sweet scent.
I wonder if this is enough.
Next, I think I was supposed to ferment it.
I don't clearly remember the TV program.
I move it to the fermentation room where the temperature is kept constant.
...Amazing.
There are rows and rows of fish sauce.
...
It smells good.
The fermented fruit peel has a slightly roasted aroma.
It's not finished yet, but it's coming along nicely.
Finally, I apply heat to dry it.
I lower the temperature of the pizza oven... But it can't be too low, either.
For now, I'll roast the peel!
A failure. It's burnt.
I'll try roasting it in a frying pan.
...Success!
It seems to have dried nicely.
For now, one cup.
...Huh? There's no color.
It has a fragrant, roasted sweetness and smells delicious.
It tastes like black tea... Well, I can't exactly say that, but it's delicious.
This looks useful.
It's a little disappointing that it has no color, though.
But it's delicious.
...
The wine has reached the point where I can call it ready, a little earlier than expected.
The one-eyed one gets in touch with me... Big Boss-san and the little ants are quick to notice things.
Today is finally the day we can drink the wine.
Wait, the food comes first.
So I made a simple barbecue.
Skewers loaded with huge amounts of meat and vegetables.
No matter how much I grill, it keeps disappearing, so there's no sense of accomplishment.
It's just hard work because I can't keep up.
Once I've made enough, we can open the wine.
I give the Cores slightly larger bowls.
Are they lining up with the bowls in their mouths?
Won't they spill it?
Magic sure is convenient.
Chaya and Ai's groups, too?
The children are still... No, are they adults already?
Just a little, okay?
Don't drink too much.
Big Boss-san's family and Shuri's family have brought bowls, too.
...Wait, little spider. Why is your bowl the same size as the young spiders'?
Change!
The squirrels are... lined up, too.
What cute bowls.
Squirrels really are soothing.
I'll put some out for Fluffy and the flying lizards, too.
Karen, don't stick your face straight into the wine barrel!
Come on, the one-eyed ones will scold you.
It's a good thing we ate first.
A monster battle is unfolding right before my eyes.
The children are already... after just one cup?
Was it too soon for them?
Hmm... This is difficult.
Oh—the Big Boss-san is joining in.
The children run for it.
! They're not coming this way!
...That was scary.
Is this Shuri versus Ai?
No fighting to the death, okay? This is just a game, okay?
Am I imagining the killing intent coming from both sides?
It's just my imagination, right? Right!
Wait, you're taking this way too seriously!
Whoa!
A huge amount of water comes pouring down from above.
...What?
A water amoeba stretches its body far up from the river and sways.
...What is that?
Huh? Five bowls by the riverside?
Did Fluffy carry them over?
I see—they're drunk... Ah, it swelled up.
Another huge amount of water.
...This is a riot in another world...