130.2. A True Friend Helps When You’re In Trouble, Isn’t It?

I asked everyone to prepare some boards, nail them into the ground to form a square, and enclose a decent-sized area.

The boards are about as tall as a person.

Even though it’s a small area, driving them into the ground without leaving gaps must’ve been tough.

“Thank you, everyone.”

“Don’t thank us—use us more!”

“Uh, it’s hard to know how much more to use you…”

I understand the Lizardmen appreciate me and Raidock, but they’re going a bit overboard.

“Besides, we don’t even know if this will work yet.”

It’d be pretty embarrassing if we failed after all this respect!

Keep your expectations in check!

“Anyway, let’s start the experiment.”

“Uh, what exactly are we doing?”

“Huh? Didn’t I tell you?”

Oh, right, I only gave instructions.

Well, whatever. You’ll see once we start.

“Well, since we’re all set up, let’s just give it a try.”

“Leafan-neesan is gonna be mad.”

“…She’s not here, so it’s fine.”

Leafan usually nags me to explain what we’re doing first, but since she’s not around, I fell back into old habits.

Whoops, my bad. Let’s get back on track!

I pulled out an iron pipe that I’d prepared earlier.

I had small holes drilled into the pipe.

It’s about the same height as a person too.

Inside the pipe is a powdered alchemical concoction.

“Alright, Jurara! Hammer this pipe into the center of the area we fenced off!”

“Understood!”

Jurara handed the pipe to one of the warriors and then hefted a log.

Just like with the wooden boards, he swung the log down with all his might.

“Take thiiiis!”

Thud!

With a loud sound, the metal pipe was driven completely into the ground with a single blow.

Right after that, steam started shooting out from the top of the pipe, which was just poking out of the ground.

“Woooah!?”

Jurara and the warrior jumped back in a panic.

The steam kept gushing out, gaining momentum and shooting a white plume high into the sky.

After a while, the steam abruptly decreased, and then the outflow stopped entirely.

The powder I stuffed into the pipe is something I whipped up real quick—an ‘Evaporation Agent’.

I didn’t bring the alchemy cauldron, so I couldn’t make much, but there’s enough for testing.

For my first attempt, it worked pretty well.

…

At this point, none of us realized just how outrageous this Evaporation Agent really was.

“Craft-sama! I don’t really get it, but this is amazing!”

“Don’t praise it if you don’t understand…”

As I slumped my shoulders in exasperation, Jurara poked the end of the metal pipe.

“Did it just evaporate the moisture in the ground?”

“Oh! You figured it out!”

“Lizardmen can sense the state of the ground. But this is…”

Jurara raised his head in disbelief and shrugged at me.

“Craft-sama, we’re about to fall.”

“Huh?”

The ground caved in right after.

“”””Gyaaaaah!””””

◆

“Th-that was scary!”

I clutched my chest, feeling my heart pounding as I sat down hard.

We only fell about knee-deep, but the sudden drop with no warning was terrifying.

“I-I-I-I wasn’t scared!”

“You were screaming too, Jitaro!”

“I-It’s all in your head!”

What’s the point of putting on a brave face now?

Oh, I get it. He’s trying to impress Shururu.

…Wait a minute.

If she likes strong warriors, shouldn’t Jitaro qualify too?

Puzzled, I glanced over at Shururu, who noticed and flashed me a huge grin.

…Yeah. Let’s not think about Jitaro for now.

While the three of us were having our little comedy routine, Jurara, and the other Lizardmen were busy pounding the ground with logs.

“Hmm. I can’t believe it, but the ground inside the wooden enclosure is completely dry.”

“If we keep pounding it with the logs, the ground should firm up nicely.”

“It seems like we can handle the work with just the warriors.”

Oh, uh, sorry for the trouble!

“Craft-sama! Can you produce this alchemical agent in large quantities!?”

“I need an alchemy cauldron, so I’ll have to make it at Golden Dawn and send it over. I had to leave the cauldron there since Jabil-sensei needs it to make stamina potions efficiently.”

“That doesn’t matter. This will solve the village’s problems! Thank you, Craft-sama!”

“It’s for Kyle, so of course I’ll help.”

“Indeed. For Kyle-sama, and for you, Craft-sama, we Lizardmen will spare no effort!”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Jurara and I firmly shook hands, reaffirming our friendship.

With the groundwork set, we hurried back to Golden Dawn to make more Evaporation Agent.

“By the way, Shururu.”

Jurara, who was helping us prepare to leave, turned to Shururu.

“You’re in charge of transporting the goods from Golden Dawn. Don’t slack off.”

“…What?”

Shururu froze in place.

So, that means…

“Nooo! That means I won’t be able to stay by Craft-sama’s side!”

“Fool! You’re the only one who can handle all the tasks—arranging escorts, guiding the way, managing the alchemical agents, and dealing with the production guilds!”

“Hssaaaah!”

The two of them argued and hissed at each other for a while, but in the end, Shururu gave in.

As expected.

Ignoring the dejected Shururu, I patted Jurara on the shoulder.

“Jurara. You’re my best friend!”

“Craft-sama…!”

After some heartfelt farewells, we set off on our journey.

“Craft-sama. We Lizardmen will pledge our eternal loyalty to you and Kyle-sama…”

With the wind and the sound of hooves, Jurara’s murmur didn’t reach my ears.