On the path back to Liant village. Even after concluding their adventure in the Spider Forest, a lingering tension remained. Mahara and Gravel walked beneath the dense canopy of the forest, gradually washing away the stress that had seeped into their bodies as they savored the serene peace of nature. The sound of the wind rustling through the leaves reached their ears in a pleasantly soothing manner.
The two bundled up the spider silk they had gathered from the forest and sat down under the shade of a large tree for a brief rest. Mahara brushed off the Lompia powder and let out a deep sigh. Her voice carried a mix of fatigue and worry.
"Hoo... We need to gather as much spider silk as possible before the spiders burrow into the ground for hibernation, but now gnoles are showing up in the forest too..."
Gravel, hearing Mahara's words, felt a spark of curiosity and cautiously asked.
"Is encountering gnoles in the forest a common occurrence?"
Mahara nodded and turned to face Gravel as she began her explanation.
"Not often, but... around this time before winter sets in... There's a gnole settlement further west from the Five Spider Forest. It seems they come all the way to the Spider Forest in search of food before winter arrives."
"So that means the gnoles are after the spiders..."
Gravel furrowed his brow in surprise at the implication.
"Yes, they eat spiders."
Mahara paused for a moment, recalling the sight of the gnoles they had seen in the forest.
In his imagination, Gravel pictured gnoles roasting severed spider legs over a fire. Though he had never eaten spider himself, he instinctively imagined it would have a revolting taste and smell, causing his face to twist slightly in disgust.
"So, the gnoles come hunting spiders to prepare for winter?"
At Gravel's question, Mahara pondered briefly before nodding.
"That's right. They don't seem to particularly enjoy eating them, but I've heard they hunt and stockpile them during this season to survive the winter."
Gravel felt a heaviness in his heart upon realizing the desperation of the gnoles, but at the same time, he understood the necessity of surviving in dangerous circumstances.
"In a few days, they'll likely catch enough spiders and head back, so until then, we can gather spider silk from the forest outskirts or the eastern woods. Or we could go further to the western forest, but we should hope we don't linger too long."
Mahara fell into thought for a moment.
"The Orllin made from spider silk in the southern forest fetches a much higher price than those from other silks, which is why everyone heads to the southern forest for gathering... But of all places, the gnoles had to show up in the southern forest..."
"The spider silk produced by the spiders in the southern forest has a fragrance, right?"
Gravel said, stroking his chin.
"Mm-hmm! It has a sweet scent like barley honey liquor! That's why everyone goes to the southern forest.
Even after winter passes and spring returns, it takes time for the spiders awakening from hibernation to eat the fragrant flowers again and spin their webs. The silk gathered in early spring isn't as richly scented."
Mahara nodded with a smile.
"Then maybe we should have taken care of those gnoles earlier..."
Gravel muttered in regret.
"I told you, it was too reckless!"
Mahara shook her head as she replied.
"There was a time before when five adventurers came to the village, determined to exterminate the gnoles. The armored warrior was, um... much bulkier than you, Gravel, and among them was a mage, and even someone carrying a large crossbow on their back."
"So those adventurers were..."
Gravel asked with a slightly surprised expression.
Mahara nodded with a somber face. The expression on her face, as she recalled the unpleasant memory, resembled one on the verge of tears.
"Yes. I know because I guided them to where the gnoles were. Back then, there weren't as many gnoles as the ones we saw today, and that large black-maned gnole wasn't there either. Yet, all the adventurers... were killed by the gnoles."
Gravel was silent for a moment. The gnoles were far more powerful and dangerous to the people of this world than he had thought. In Grand World, gnoles were merely monsters a step above goblins, akin to orcs, but Gravel regretted his hasty judgment and reflected on it.
"That's why I stopped you, Gravel. No matter how skilled an adventurer is, they can't fight against that many gnoles."
Mahara said, as if reading his thoughts. She wore a dark expression for a brief moment before changing it to a smile and standing up.
"Let's head back to the village quickly. It might be best to go into the forest at dawn tomorrow, so we should return early and rest."
The two set off on the path again. The road was quiet, with the occasional chirping of birds seeming to welcome them. Gravel tried to shake off the regret welling up in his mind.
*****
Upon arriving in Liant village, the sky was dyed red. The two headed toward the Malik workshop. The workshop door swayed gently in the wind, creaking open as the reddening sunset light seeped through the cracks. On the walls hung decorations made from threads harvested from massive spider webs. The lanterns illuminating these wall hangings cast a soft glow, warming the room.
In one corner of the workshop, Hamid was gazing at the smoothly spinning spindle. With the sharp eyes of a craftsman honed over many years, he carefully examined the thread emerging from the spindle, bringing the back of his hand to it to assess its quality.
Hamid meticulously arranged the spider silk with his hands.
"In the old days, it was so tough having to tread it with our feet or spin it by hand. Now, thanks to the mana stone, we can draw out the thread much more easily."
His voice held a blend of gratitude for the convenience of the mana stone and a touch of nostalgia. He paused, lost in memories of the mana stone. It had brought great changes to the village and offered new opportunities to many.
At that moment, the workshop door opened, and Mahara and Gravel entered. Both had returned from gathering spider silk, their clothes dusted with Lompia powder and thin strands of web. Hamid welcomed them warmly.
"Mahara, Gravel, you've both worked hard. No troubles, I hope?"
Hamid directed a warm smile toward Gravel.
"Yes, Grandfather. But there was something. We encountered a pack of gnoles in the forest."
Mahara replied with a bright smile and proceeded to tell Hamid about the gnoles they had seen in the forest. As she described the tense moments, she emphasized Gravel's brave attempt to charge at the gnole pack.
Hamid nodded and looked at Gravel with grateful eyes.
"I see. With that kind of courage, Gravel, I can feel at ease sending you into the forest with Mahara. Thank you."
Gravel smiled sheepishly and waved his hand dismissively.
"No, it's nothing. I didn't really do anything."
Gravel added that the experience with Mahara had been a great learning opportunity for him as well.
From the bags they set down, Hamid pulled out the bundled spider silk. With skilled movements, he organized it and placed it on the spindle in the corner of the workshop. His hands handled the silk with a seasoned blend of expertise and gentleness.
A short while later, Hamid began deftly crafting a small decoration using the thread spun from the spindle.
"This is a gift to commemorate your first gathering. Carry this decoration with you, and it'll bring you good luck."
Hamid handed it to Gravel with a smile.
Gravel accepted the decoration, pondering its meaning. This small ornament symbolized his first gathering adventure and his new bonds with Mahara and Hamid.
"Thank you. I'll treasure it."
Gravel expressed his deep gratitude as he carefully took the decoration from Hamid.
Mahara watched Gravel with a smile.
"I received one from Grandfather too when I first gathered. I hope it brings you luck as well, Gravel."
*****
A little later.
"Grandfather~, Gravel~, dinner is almost ready."
Following Mahara's voice from afar, Hamid and Gravel moved to the table.
Next to the workshop was a cozy dining area with a small table. Mahara brought out the special dishes she had prepared for tonight's dinner.
She presented the Kwafte, which she hadn't made in a while, and asked the two to eat it without complaining even if it didn't taste great.
Mahara explained that Kwafte was a traditional Rathu dish: minced meat mixed with various spices and vegetables, formed into meatballs, and fried. As she made it, she recalled the secret techniques her mother had taught her.
"Kwafte relies heavily on the touch of the hand, and Mother always said that cooking is done with the heart."
On the table, besides the Kwafte, were various other dishes. There was flat, round bread made from wheat dough baked in an oven, and circular bread with a hole in the center, densely sprinkled with sesame seeds. The bread seemed freshly baked, filling the room with its aroma. Accompanying them were tangy salads and dishes flavored with fragrant spices.
"As expected, Mahara's Kwafte is the best! Ho ho ho."
Hamid took a bite of the Kwafte and exclaimed in admiration. His face was full of a happy smile.
"Eat plenty, Grandfather, and you too, Gravel. We have to head out at dawn tomorrow, so you need to eat up."
Mahara urged the two as she served the food. Her eyes held the joy of watching people enjoy the meal she had prepared.
Gravel thanked Mahara and savored the Kwafte deliciously. The food was infused with Mahara's sincerity, and Gravel could taste it. As the meal continued, Mahara began discussing tomorrow's plans in more detail.
"Since the southern forest will be dangerous until the gnoles we met today leave, tomorrow we should follow the river, detour to the northern part of the forest, and go far to the western forest to gather spider silk."
Mahara explained, pointing with her finger on the map.
Gravel nodded as he listened to Mahara's plan.
"That's a good idea. Getting back safely is the top priority."
"Yes, that sounds best. Safety comes first above all."
Hamid nodded with a serious expression.
"I hope you both return safely tomorrow."
After finishing the meal, Hamid poured Shaii for the two and offered words of encouragement.
Mahara and Gravel nodded at Hamid's words and accepted the teacups. The warm cayceei soothed their bodies and eased their minds. Gravel gazed at his teacup, reflecting on today's journey. With anticipation for tomorrow's plans, he felt that tomorrow would begin even better than today.
They spent time discussing tomorrow's plans. As the night deepened, moonlight gently filtered through the workshop windows, and the three concluded the day with gratitude for the time that had passed.