Being able to trade for it could not be better.
Still, Hayoon gave a reminder first.
"One log is worth more than ten bars of soap."
The werebeast waved carelessly.
"Then just add some of that sulfur soap too."
"That works, but with so much soap, how long will it take you to use it all? We will see later. I can exchange the extra value for something else."
Perhaps because of their beast bloodline, the people of this world all had unusually bright eyes.
In the darkness, they almost seemed to glow.
At that moment, the werebeast suddenly thought of something.
His pupils instantly narrowed into vertical slits like two glowing lamps as he stared at Hayoon with eager anticipation.
"Can I exchange it for that shredded cold meat dish you made today?"
Hayoon nodded.
"Of course."
"I want extra spelon berry power!"
"Haha, so you like that numbing taste? Some people are not used to it."
The moment food was mentioned, everyone else joined the conversation too.
The night breeze was cool and gentle, the temperature comfortable, and the air fresh.
Everyone had worked hard all day, so no one transformed into their beast forms. Instead, they chatted casually as they walked back toward the tribe like a group out for an evening stroll.
The bright moon hung high overhead, and with everyone's excellent night vision, there was no need for torches.
"I really liked that numbing flavor too! My tongue felt all tingly. It was amazing!"
"Same here. I even chewed the prickly spice berries by themselves. After being splashed with hot oil, they smelled incredible."
"Exactly. I ate three more root vegetables than usual today!"
"Stop talking about it. I was already full this afternoon, but now I am hungry again."
"Hahaha, then let's roast some meat after we get back and eat before sleeping."
Hayoon listened for a while before naturally saying, "Actually, there is another ingredient that goes especially well with spelon berry. Together, they taste even better."
"Oh? What is it?"
"It is called chili pepper. It looks roughly like this."
She casually snapped off a branch and drew on the ground.
"There are small round seeds inside."
"You know how raw Spelon Berry can make your tongue sting a little? That is a spicy sensation. But chili peppers taste different from Spelon Berry."
"The numbing flavor and spicy flavor are perfect partners. Fragrant, appetizing, and addictive. The more you eat, the more you crave it."
By the time Hayoon finished speaking, she had made herself hungry too. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed her saliva.
Seeing the obvious longing on her face, everyone else could not help imagining just how delicious this "chili pepper" must be.
Especially the werebeast who had wanted to reserve the cold shredded meat dish earlier.
He immediately asked, "Does your tribe have chili peppers? Can you let me try some?"
Hayoon shook her head. "I do not think so."
She briefly described what chili plants looked like, then looked toward Immo for confirmation. "You have not seen them before either, right?"
Immo thought seriously for a long moment before replying, "No, I have not."
Even Chief Baek who had been quietly listening with a smile the whole time finally spoke up. "I have lived in the southern territory for many years, and I am certain I have never seen the thing you described called chili pepper. But I vaguely remember traveling merchants mentioning a tribe that ate vegetables with a painful spicy taste. It was probably made using chili peppers."
Hayoon immediately asked, "Which tribe?"
Chief Baek shook his head. "It was too long ago. I forgot. Who told you about chili peppers anyway?"
Hayoon paused briefly before answering, "…Probably traveling merchants too. Or maybe one of the elders in the tribe."
Baek nodded and did not think much of it.
When Hayoon turned her head, she noticed Minho had been watching her for who knew how long.
His gaze was deep and unreadable, making her heart suddenly tremble.
The others did not dwell on how Hayoon knew about chili peppers either.
They all started discussing whether they had ever seen something like it.
Chorong looked toward Ahri. "You sub-werebeast are usually the ones gathering outside. Have you ever seen anything similar?"
Ahri rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I have not seen it before, but Hayoon's description feels strangely familiar…"
Chorong said, "Maybe someone mentioned it to you before. No rush. Think about it slowly after we get back."
Hayoon immediately placed her hopes on Ahri and looked at her with shining black eyes.
Ahri paused for a moment, then laughed. "Do not get your hopes up too much. I might not remember."
"Even if you cannot remember, it is fine," Chorong said seriously. "Our tribe has a lot of people. Tomorrow during the day, we can ask around."
"Exactly! Especially the older sub-werebeast. Maybe they know something!"
Everyone chatted and laughed along the way, and time passed quickly.
By the time Hayoon realized it, they had already entered the deeper part of the tribe.
One after another, people waved goodbye and returned to their own caves.
In the end, only Chorong, who happened to be heading the same way, and Minho who had intentionally escorted her back remained beside her.
When they arrived outside the cave she was staying in, Hayoon smiled and asked Chorong, "I do not need to go gathering tomorrow, right?"
Chorong nodded. "Right. The first group of people learning weaving has already been chosen. After breakfast tomorrow, you can start teaching them."
"Alright." Hayoon looked toward Minho and pointed inside the cave. "Then I will head in first. Be careful on your way back."
Unexpectedly, Minho asked, "Are you hungry? I still have some prey from the hunt earlier."
Beside him, Chorong froze for a moment.
A strong sense of crisis immediately rose in his heart, along with regret for not speaking first.
Not wanting to fall behind, he quickly added, "I still have some stored fruits, nuts, and honey syrup at home. Do you want any?"