Chapter 284: Desert Night

Chapter 284: Desert Night

Having just descended, we decided to spend the night at the landing site for the time being. However, the harsh environment of the desert did not show any mercy and bared its fangs at us. The anomaly took place just after sunset.

So, this is why no one lives here.

This is no time for comments. Its just too cold.

Chris shivered and rubbed her arms, which were covered in several layers of clothes. After the sunset, the scorching desert abruptly transformed into a frigid wasteland. I had heard about the drastic temperature differences between day and night, but I never expected the change to be to this extent.

As a creature originally from the desert, I remained unaffected as usual. The demons could also withstand the cold in their demon forms without the need for additional layers of clothing. However, people like Chris and Marcellus, who were not demons, had to dress as if it were the depths of winter.

[Ah, Im fine over here.]

[Its somewhat unfair, big sister Woodsorrel.]

It seemed that Woodsorren, who had returned to her demon fox form, could also withstand the cold with her fur. Gardenia, who had been listless during the day, grumbled. It seemed they were in the midst of a light squabble.Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m

Just like Gardenia, the demons who were unable to transform, such as Asumi and the others, had also perked up. It was as if the fatigue of the day was a lie. Maybe it would be wise to leave the night watch to them. With Asumi leading them, they could handle anything.

Shuu, Apao, how are you doing?

Moo. Never mind us, but the others cant move, Bumo.

Its too cold! Daytime is better!

Shuu and Apao, though demons, also served as leaders of the oxen and horses that pulled the carriages. Their ability to communicate with their kind meant that they could understand exactly what the animals were thinking.

According to them, the cold at night was harsher than the heat during the day. It would be better to travel during the day. It was only natural to take care of the oxen and horses that carried us so that we didnt overwork them.

In fact, I was currently brushing Shuu and Apao, and the other animals were being groomed, brushed, and fed by our comrades. The food the animals ate was gathered from grasses that grew in the desert, and according to the two of them, it was quite tasty.

Especially delicious were the leaves and stems of the sweet potatoes Lappy discovered and dug up. Even more delicious, it seemed, was the sweet potato itself. That was something we all thought, which added to the importance of these red sweet potatoes.

Understood. Well mainly move during the day, then, and take frequent breaks for rest and hydration. Does that work for you?

That would help, Bumo.

Hihiiin!

By the way, tanning doesnt sound like a simple task. Is it even possible in our current situation?

It would be difficult. Im not entirely sure myself, but Ive heard it involves the use of oils, plant juices, and chemicals.

Such things are hardly readily available But Mia must have her own way of thinking about this. Ill make sure to tell everyone to help her as much as possible if they can. Lorenz, please spread the word as my request. Mia is likely too reserved to ask for help herself.

Understood.

After parting ways with Lorenz, I went to check on the children wed discussed earlier. Approaching the cargo bed where they were supposed to be sleeping, I peered in while making as little noise as possible and found the children huddled together in their sleep.

However, the demon children were in their demon forms. While there are exceptions like myself, demons typically have fur, which probably makes them natural cuddle companions. By the way, Lappy was sleeping soundly while hugging Chirik from behind.

There were also Woodsorrel and Gardenia mixed in among the children. They had been awake just moments ago, but now they were deep in sleep. The unfamiliar environment must have worn them out. It seemed best to let them be.

After ensuring the children were sound asleep, I made my way back to where Chris was. At that moment, she was seated and sipping something from a steaming goblet.

Here, Antares. Its hot water.

Thank you.

What Chris handed to me was a goblet filled with hot water, identical to the one she was drinking from. This hot water was all created through Chriss spiritual arts. I had learned from her that a skilled practitioner of water spiritual arts could manipulate water at will. In other words, they were capable of heating it to boiling or freezing it into ice.

While I had been checking on Lorenz and the children, Chris had apparently been distributing hot water to the others on night watch as well. With the desert air turning bitterly cold, this hot water must have tasted particularly delightful. I removed my iron mask and took a sip of the hot water.

Phew, thats warming.

Youre really saying that while wearing an iron mask in this cold..

Chris smiled wryly and playfully poked at the iron mask I had set aside with her fingertips. The mask, swaying from her gentle prods, was ice-cold from the deserts nighttime chill. Anyone other than myself might have risked frostbite from its touch.

Come to think of it, wearing the iron mask had become such a habit that I rarely took it off, but now, with only the two of us here, it seemed unnecessary. I have a strange attachment to this iron mask itselfOkay, Ive decided.

Youre right. Ill take off the iron mask from now on. Its unnecessary for me at this moment.

Good idea. You look more handsome without it anyway.

Upon hearing my decision to remove the mask, Chriss eyes widened in surprise at first. But she quickly offered a smile and teasingly made her comment. Im beginning to understand the human notions of beauty and ugliness, so I knew she was joking. All I could do was reply with a wry smile.